Mexico Holidays

Cenote diving in Mexico’s Riviera Maya takes you through crystal-clear freshwater caves and underground caverns around Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Famous cenotes like Dos Ojos, Sac Actun and Chac Mool are known for dramatic rock formations, natural light beams and remarkable underwater visibility, making them especially popular with certified divers.

Between June and September, the waters around Isla Mujeres, Holbox and Cancun become one of the best places in the world to swim alongside whale sharks. Despite their enormous size, these gentle creatures are completely harmless, and seeing them glide through the clear Caribbean water is something most travellers never forget.

Adventure parks across the Riviera Maya, especially near Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, combine jungle ATV trails with high-speed ziplines above dense tropical forest. Many experiences also include cenote swimming, making it one of the most popular half-day adventures for travellers wanting something beyond the beaches and resorts.

Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca is Mexico’s best-known surfing destination, famous for the powerful waves at Playa Zicatela, often called the “Mexican Pipeline”. Beginners usually head towards Sayulita or San Pancho on the Pacific Coast, where smaller waves and relaxed surf towns create a far more laid-back atmosphere.

Cliff diving in Mexico is especially popular around Acapulco, where divers at La Quebrada leap from dramatic ocean cliffs into narrow sea coves below. Along the Riviera Maya, smaller cliff-jumping spots near cenotes and natural lagoons offer a less extreme but equally exciting experience surrounded by jungle scenery.

Canyoning adventures near Monterrey and the Sierra Madre mountains combine waterfall rappelling, cliff jumps, natural rock slides and river trekking through deep canyons. In regions around Veracruz and Hidalgo, guided canyoning tours often pass through jungle landscapes, hidden pools and fast-flowing streams that feel completely untouched.

Mexico City blends Aztec history with Spanish colonial architecture on a huge scale. Visit the ancient ruins of Templo Mayor beside the Metropolitan Cathedral, explore grand plazas and museums, or walk through neighbourhoods like Coyoacán and Centro Histórico, where centuries of Mexican history still shape everyday life.

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to some of Mexico’s most important Mayan archaeological sites, including Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Cobá. Beyond the ruins, the region is filled with old haciendas, colonial towns and sacred cenotes once used by the ancient Maya civilisation for rituals and ceremonies.

Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s strongest cultural and historical regions, known for Zapotec ruins, colonial churches and traditional indigenous communities. Monte Albán, perched high above the city, remains one of the country’s most significant archaeological sites, while Oaxaca’s markets and festivals still preserve centuries-old traditions.

Guanajuato’s colourful alleyways and underground tunnels reflect its wealthy silver-mining past. The city became one of the key locations during Mexico’s War of Independence, and many of its preserved colonial buildings, theatres and plazas now form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Puebla is known for its beautifully preserved colonial centre, intricate Talavera pottery and historic churches covered in decorative tiles. The city also played a major role in Mexican history during the Battle of Puebla in 1862, which later became associated with Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Built from distinctive pink volcanic stone, Morelia is considered one of Mexico’s finest colonial cities. Its elegant cathedrals, aqueducts and baroque mansions have remained remarkably preserved, giving the historic centre a timeless atmosphere that feels very different from Mexico’s larger modern cities.

San Miguel de Allende combines colonial architecture, cobbled streets and a strong artistic heritage. Once an important town during Mexico’s independence movement, it is now recognised for its historic churches, cultural festivals and beautifully restored mansions filled with galleries, boutiques and cafés.

Campeche was once one of the Caribbean coast’s most heavily fortified cities, built to defend against pirate attacks during the colonial era. Today, its colourful old town, sea walls and restored Spanish mansions make it one of Mexico’s most underrated historical destinations.

El Tajín, located in Veracruz, was one of the most influential cities of ancient Mesoamerica long before the Aztecs rose to power. The archaeological site is best known for the Pyramid of the Niches and its remarkably preserved stone carvings linked to ritual ceremonies and astronomy.

Running from 11 June to 19 July 2026, the FIFA World Cup places Mexico back on the global stage as a co-host nation alongside the USA and Canada. Matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey will draw large crowds to stadiums, fan parks, and public screenings throughout the tournament.

Observed on 1-2 November 2026, Día de los Muertos is one of Mexico’s most recognisable traditions. Families create colourful altars decorated with candles, marigolds, photographs and favourite foods to honour loved ones who have passed away. Oaxaca and Mexico City usually parades, face painting and candlelit cemeteries continuing late into the evening.

Held across the final two Mondays of July 2026 in Oaxaca, Guelaguetza brings together indigenous communities from across the region for traditional dances, music performances and cultural ceremonies. Locals wear detailed regional costumes, while food markets and street celebrations continue throughout the city.

Expected between 20-22 November 2026 in Mexico City, Corona Capital remains one of Latin America’s biggest international music festivals. Major rock, indie and alternative artists usually headline across several stages at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. During festival weekends, hotels in nearby districts quickly fill up, particularly with younger and international travellers.

Usually taking place between late August and early September in Guadalajara, this festival celebrates traditional mariachi music and charrería, Mexico’s historic rodeo-style sport. Public squares fill with live performances, parades and musicians in embroidered charro suits, creating one of the country’s strongest displays of regional identity and culture.

Planned for 7-9 August 2026 in Rosarito, Baja Beach Fest draws large crowds for reggaeton, Latin pop and urban music performances beside the Pacific coastline. Beach parties, late-night events and packed resort hotels create a lively atmosphere throughout the festival weekend, particularly among younger international visitors.

Lucha Libre events run throughout the year at Arena México in Mexico City, often several nights each week. The experience feels part sporting event and part theatrical performance, with masked wrestlers, dramatic storylines and incredibly energetic local crowds. Most visitors, even those new to wrestling, enjoy the arena's atmosphere.

Eating in Mexico changes from one state to the next. Oaxaca is famous for mole and smoky mezcal dishes, while Yucatán cooking leans towards achiote, citrus and slow-roasted pork. Corn tortillas still sit at the centre of daily meals. Some of the best food is usually found at tiny street stalls and crowded local markets.

Mariachi music came from Jalisco and gradually spread across the country through festivals, celebrations and public performances. The sound is hard to miss once the trumpets and violins start playing. In places like Guadalajara and Plaza Garibaldi, musicians still perform openly in the streets well into the evening.

Mexico’s ancient ruins were built long before Spanish colonisation, mainly by Maya, Aztec and Zapotec civilisations. Chichén Itzá, Teotihuacán and Monte Albán remain some of the country’s most visited historical sites. Many areas are still active archaeological zones, with new discoveries continuing to surface across different parts of Mexico.

Handmade crafts remain deeply connected to regional identity throughout Mexico. Oaxaca is particularly known for woven textiles and black pottery, while Puebla became recognised for painted Talavera ceramics. Many workshops are still family-run, with traditional methods taught across generations rather than mass-produced inside factories.

The Virgen de Guadalupe holds enormous importance across Mexico, both culturally and religiously. Her image appears almost everywhere, including churches, homes, street murals and market stalls. Every year in December, huge crowds travel to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City to celebrate one of the country’s largest pilgrimages.

Large public murals became popular after the Mexican Revolution, when artists started painting scenes from Mexico’s history onto government buildings and public spaces. Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo remain closely linked to the country’s artistic identity today. Their work can still be seen across museums and historic buildings in Mexico City.

Lucha Libre feels loud, chaotic and theatrical from the moment the wrestlers enter the arena wearing colourful masks and costumes. Matches combine athletic stunts with dramatic storylines, often played out in front of extremely vocal crowds. Arena México remains the country’s best-known venue for experiencing live Lucha Libre events.