What to do in Mexico: the must-see experiences for an exceptional stay

From the arid north of Baja California to the tropical forests of Chiapas, Mexico unfolds a geography of striking diversity. It is also a country where the history of Mexico surfaces at every turn, through its pyramids, colonial cities and museums. Here are the places that deserve particular attention in your itinerary.

For those interested in the Maya civilization, a trip to Mexico is a true revelation. Chichén Itzá, on the Yucatán Peninsula, remains the country's most iconic archaeological site. This ancient Maya city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and counted among the wonders of the world, impresses with the architecture of its step pyramid dedicated to the Feathered Serpent, as well as with its ball court. Plan half a day and go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Two hours northeast of Mexico City, the ruins of Teotihuacan offer an equally striking experience. The Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest in the world, can be climbed from the Avenue of the Dead for an exceptional panoramic view. Plan two to three hours on site to fully grasp its dimension.

Further south, the ruins of Palenque, nestled in the tropical forest of the Chiapas region, reveal architecture sculpted with rare finesse. The Temple of the Inscriptions, containing the tomb of King Pakal, is a masterpiece of Maya art. A guided tour with a local guide allows you to decode all the symbols, where a self-guided visit often leaves gaps in understanding. Plan two to four hours.

Mexican colonial architecture is an experience in itself. Oaxaca, UNESCO World Heritage-listed, delights with its historic center of cobblestone streets, its churches with Baroque architecture, and its proximity to the Zapotec site of Monte Albán. The markets abound with traditional crafts and the terraces invite you to a moment of serenity, mezcal in hand.

San Miguel de Allende, in the state of Guanajuato, is worth a visit for its pink façades, its flowered balconies and its bohemian atmosphere conducive to strolling. In under two hours, Guanajuato, a former mining town listed as a World Heritage site, fascinates with its underground tunnels and its lively squares at sunset. Plan a day in each of these two colonial towns.

Mexico is also a destination of pristine nature, between the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, cenotes and nature reserves. Here are things to do to fully enjoy its natural riches, whatever your preferences.

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to several thousand cenotes, these natural freshwater wells carved into the limestone. True hidden gems, they offer swimming in crystal-clear water of remarkable purity. The Ik Kil cenote, near Chichén Itzá, is one of the most spectacular: open to the sky, surrounded by hanging vegetation, it lends itself to swimming as well as snorkeling. For a more secluded experience, the less-frequented cenotes around Valladolid are well worth the detour.

Along Mexico's beaches, the Riviera Maya concentrates the most beautiful stretches of white sand. The ruins of Tulum overlook the Caribbean Sea, in a unique setting where archaeology meets turquoise waters. Further north, Puerto Morelos, a preserved fishing village, runs along the world's second-largest coral reef, ideal for snorkeling as soon as sites open. To the west, the beaches of Puerto Escondido and Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific coast, offer a very different face of Mexico, wilder and less crowded.

Tips from our Travel Planners: for a more intimate getaway, head to Isla Holbox, a car-free island north of Quintana Roo, or to Cozumel Island for its marine life, among the best-preserved in the Caribbean.

Mexico ranks among the countries with the richest biodiversity in the world, and several natural experiences there are simply rare elsewhere. The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, protects 600,000 hectares of mangroves, jungles and coral reefs, with hundreds of bird species, including pink flamingos that roam freely in their natural habitat.

On the Pacific coast, whale watching in Baja California between December and March is an unforgettable moment of sharing with wildlife. As for sea turtle watching during nesting season on the beaches of Chiapas or Oaxaca, it is a world-on-the-edge experience, quiet and precious.

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Beyond the sites to visit in Mexico, it is often in markets, restaurants, and bustling streets that the country reveals its most authentic soul. Mexican culture is lived as much as it is contemplated.

Mexican cuisine is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and for good reason. It goes far beyond tacos: Oaxaca's moles with dozens of ingredients, generous tlayudas, festive tamales, enchiladas and the richness of local markets tell a deeply flavorful story. A cooking class with a local chef is one of the most memorable experiences of the stay, with family or friends.

The smart tip: in Mexico City, the Coyoacán district houses Frida Kahlo's house, Casa Azul, a must-see for anyone interested in art history and Mexican culture. Half a day is enough, provided you book the tickets in advance.

Mexico celebrates its traditions with contagious fervor. Día de los Muertos, on November 2nd each year, transforms the cities into a backdrop of cempasúchil marigold flowers, candles and offerings. It is a unique cultural event, particularly intense in Oaxaca or Mexico City, for those who wish to experience Mexican culture from within.

For road trip enthusiasts, linking Cabo San Lucas to La Paz on the Baja California, or traversing Chiapas from San Cristóbal de Las Casas to the Agua Azul waterfalls, are as many itineraries where every detail becomes a memory.

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