Choose from 291 Fun Things to Do in Mexico
Centro Ecologico Sian Ka'an
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses numerous habitats. The variety of flora and fauna in Sian Ka'an is astounding, and the site is known to include 23 Mayan archeological sites, some of which date as far back as 2,300 years ago.
Explore the eco-tourism and education center and see how the Sian Ka'an Ecological Center serves as model for sustainable development in tropical ecosystems. The revenue generated from the center's activities fund conservation programs within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
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The Sian Ka'an Ecological Center is near Mayan ruins at Tulum and a section of the reserve is actually located in the Caribbean Sea as a coral reef. The center prides itself on using ecologically responsible technologies and promoting biodiversity.
Governor's Palace (Palacio de Gobierno)
The palace was completed in 1790. Father Miguel Hidalgo occupied the building in 1810, during the Mexican War of Independence. A radical priest with a taste for wine and women, Hidalgo crusaded for human rights; it was here in the governor’s palace that he issued his famous proclamation to abolish slavery. Later, during one of Mexico’s numerous small civil wars, Benito Juarez, “Mexico’s Abraham Lincoln,” also occupied the building. When opposing forces entered the city, Juarez was captured outside the palace and very nearly executed. The guns of a firing squad were lined upon him when the novelist Guillermo Prieto jumped forth to shield Juarez. Supposedly he cried “los valientes no asesinan,” (the brave don’t murder) and the soldiers lowered their rifles.
The interior of the Palacio de Gobierno reflects the building’s storied past. The principal stairwell is emblazoned with a dramatic image of Father Miguel Hidalgo, backlit by the fires of revolution. The mural wraps up the stairs, depicting the history and imagined future of Mexico. The paintings are the work of one of the world’s preeminent muralists, Jose Clemente Orozco, and offer a good crash course in Mexican history. A smaller upstairs mural depicts Hidalgo signing the decree to abolish slavery—this mural was Orozco’s last work.
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El Malecon
- Wear comfortable shoes for biking and walking.
- The promenade is especially busy during summer nights.
- Free Wi-Fi is available along the boardwalk.
- The local nightlife scene starts up around 10pm.
El Arco
- A combo tour—including a stop at El Arco, a Cabo San Lucas shopping trip, a tequila tasting, and a snorkeling tour—is a great way to sample a variety of what the Cabo San Lucas area has to offer.
- Small groups or families can charter a private boat for a more intimate experience.
- A glass-bottom boat or kayak enables visitors to see the Sea of Cortez marine life in its natural habitat.
- A sunset cruise is a wonderful way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing on land.
El Expiatorio (Temple of the Blessed Sacrament)
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Beach of the Dead (Playa de los Muertos)
- The Beach of the Dead is ideal for all beachgoers. Families may prefer to be near the pier, where swimming can be better for children.
- Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
- Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent.
El Faro
You can hike up to the lighthouse itself though to take in the view of the port and entering ships—mostly shrimp boats, plus an occasional cruise ship. Because it sits on a high hill, it’s reportedly the highest lighthouse in the Americas, as 523 feet above the high tide line.
Arena Mexico
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Centro Historico
- As in most major cities, pickpockets are common around the main tourist areas, so keep an eye on your belongings and only carry the essentials.
- Most museums in the Centro Histórico are closed on Mondays.
- Many Centro Histórico attractions are wheelchair accessible, but some of the neighborhood’s narrow, uneven lanes are difficult for wheelchairs to navigate.
El Mirador Lookout
- El Mirador lookout is not a swimming beach. Waves and currents here can be dangerous.
- It’s a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes with sufficient traction for climbing on the rock formations.
- This part of Cozumel is relatively undeveloped, so there aren’t many service areas nearby. Bring food, water, and other necessities with you.
- Parking at the beach is free.
Croco Cun Zoo
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Fort of San Diego (El Fuerte de San Diego)
Though you chose Acapulco for its beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife, the Fort of San Diego (or El Fuerte de San Diego) provides a fine, air-conditioned dose of cultural enrichment perfect for the entire family.
The fortress itself, though small, is an excellent example of classic Spanish defensive architecture, built in 1616 to repel increasingly brazen attacks by British pirates on the deep-water port. Its five photogenic stone arms topped with turrets, once protected galleons that connected the Americas to Asian ports.
Today, they are filled with objects from that era, a part of the Museo Histórico de Acapulco. The permanent collection is solid, and the museum also exhibits shows traveling from elsewhere in Mexico.
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The Fort of San Diego is unmissable, its stone fortifications splayed across the strategically important point at the end of Playa Hornos, guarding the deep natural port that today hosts enormous cruise ships. While you can usually find English-speaking guides at any time, call ahead to make sure. An English-language version of a costumed historical presentation, held in Spanish Thursday – Saturday evening, can also be arranged. The fortress is free on Sundays.
El Chiflón Waterfall
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El Tajin Ruins
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El Cedral
- There are vendors selling embroidered handicrafts, jewelry, and more in the village.
- Because it’s a small site and takes a short time to visit, there are no tours of El Cedral alone, but the sight is included in broader tours of Cozumel.
- The annual Festival de El Cedral takes place from late April to early May.
El Zócalo
- Visit El Zócalo independently or as part of a sightseeing tour.
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the tourist areas.
- Bring sun protection and plenty of water, as there is little shade in the park.
- Set aside time to peruse the shops located along the perimeter of the square.
El Rey Ruins (Las Ruinas del Rey)
- These ancient ruins are a must-see for history buffs.
- Remember to bring sun protection, plenty of water, and shoes suitable for walking on rough terrain.
- The ruins are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
Cuernavaca
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Ek Balam
- Ek Balam is a must-see for history buffs and culture lovers.
- The Caribbean sun can get very hot and there isn’t much shade at Ek Balam, so remember to bring sun protection and plenty water.
- It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes so you can explore the ruins at length.