Recommended adventures in Mexico
1. Drive off-road on an ATV
Go beyond the pristine beaches of Mexico’s beautiful coastlines on an exhilarating ATV ride. Drive through sandy dunes, rugged canyons and tropical rain forests, experiencing the wild landscapes of Baja California, the Yucatan Peninsula and other heart-racing terrain on this full-throttle adventure in Mexico.
- Best time to ATV: December – May due to cooler temperatures and dry weather conditions.
- Tip: Don’t forget to pack an extra change of clothes for your ATV tour in Mexico since you are likely to be covered in dust, sand or mud after your ride.
2. Whitewater raft raging rivers
Those seeking wet and wild adventure tours in Mexico will be in paradise meandering through the dramatic cliffs, tropical forests, volcanic mountains and tumbling waterfalls of the country’s best rafting destinations. From Veracruz’s more than 40 rivers to the turquoise waters of San Luis Potosi’s Santa Maria River, there is an abundance of rafting excursions for thrill-seekers.
- Best time to raft: August – November, when the whitewater waves are at their highest intensity.
- Tip: The town of Jalcomulco, a whitewater rafting haven in Veracruz, has numerous rafting companies that tailor to specific skill levels and it is important to choose the right company for your amount of rafting experience.
3. Summit a volcano
Mexico might not be the first country you think of when it comes to mountain trekking, but volcano climbing is one of the most thrilling adventure activities in Mexico. The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt offers mountaineers some of North America’s tallest peaks and a spectacular expedition.
- Best time to climb: November – May due to little rainfall and favorable climbing conditions.
- Tip: Mexico’s three tallest volcanoes (Pico de Orizaba, Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl) all eclipse 5,000 meters in height and are in the state of Puebla or along one of its borders. Popocatépetl is extremely active and cannot be climbed.
4. Hike Copper Canyon
Located in the state of Chihuahua, Copper Canyon is the ultimate adventure tour in Mexico for experienced trekkers up for a serious challenge. The six linked canyons are four times larger than the Grand Canyon; they contain Mexico’s two tallest waterfalls and offer multi-day hikes through grueling topography.
- Best time to hike: October – November (fall) to witness gushing waterfalls, full rivers and lush greenery of the canyon’s vegetation immediately following the rainy season.
- Tip: We recommended hiring a guide due to the strenuous landscapes and undeveloped trails that are exceptionally difficult to navigate.
5. Swim with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres
Escape the flashy resorts of Cancun and take a 20-minute ferry ride to Isla Mujeres for an adventure trip in Mexico that will bring you face to face with the world’s largest fish species. Snorkel alongside these majestic creatures and watch their mammoth mouths open to feed on plankton.
- Best time to swim: June – September, the time of year when the whale shark migration reaches the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula.
- Tip: You will likely spend the entire day on the sea and in the sun, so make sure you have strong sunscreen and motion sickness medications.
