The 7 Top Bucket-List Excursions in Mexico

Sometimes a trip to Mexico is just about soaking up the sun, swimming in a sumptuous pool and sipping a tequila-laced cocktail—preferably all at the same time.

Other times, a trip South of the Border contains a mix of rest & relaxation and getting an adrenaline rush during an exhilarating excursion.

Here are some of the most thrilling side-trips and bucket-list activities you will find in Mexico.

Cenote Dos Ojos (Quintana Roo)

Cenotes are natural swimming pools that are only revealed when the limestone above them collapses. Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is chock-full of them; Cenote Dos Ojos (meaning Cenote Two Eyes in Spanish) being one of the most thrilling.

Part of the magic of this cenote is that one of the “eyes” is full of dark water, which makes for an otherworldly scuba-diving experience.

Sumidero Canyon (Chiapas)

The Mexican state of Chiapas is rife with fascinating indigenous culture and stunning landscapes. The number one natural sight in the state is hands-down Sumidero Canyon, a popular excursion from San Cristóbal de las Casas.

The most exciting way to experience Sumidero? By speed boat. Vessels set off on the Grijalva River daily and give riders a bird’s eye view of the fascinating geology and animal life (watch out for crocodiles, though) of the canyon from within its steep walls.

READ MORE: 6 Reasons to Choose Chiapas

La Huasteca Potosina (San Luis Potosí)

The state of San Luis Potosí sits near the center of Mexico, but its lush sub-region called La Huasteca Potosina feels a million miles away. An excursion into its depths will reveal a dizzying world of waterfalls and rushing turquoise rivers.

Watching Whale Sharks on Isla Holbox (Quintana Roo)

Isla Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh) is known for being a laid-back island where the pace of life is slow and the wildlife is spectacular. Once a year, the world’s largest gathering of whale sharks occurs offshore here, attracting nature lovers from all over the world.

Cruises get travelers up-close-and-personal with the graceful behemoths and provide a thrill you’ll never forget.

READ MORE: 6 of the Best Cruises for Whale Watching

Attending Lucha Libre Wrestling (Mexico City)

Mexico City is a mesmerizing whirlwind of sights, smells, noises and, well, sweaty men in masks body-slamming each other. Taking in a Lucha Libre performance besides rows of raucous locals at the city’s Arena Coliseo is a knockout of a night out.

Exploring Isla de Janitzio (Michoacán)

The island of Isla de Janitzio sits inside the silty brown waters of Lake Patzcuaro, on the fringes of the charming colonial city of Patzcuaro.

Ancient residents believed the barrier between the worlds of the living and the dead were very thin here, and the island becomes a spiritual mecca during Day of the Dead celebrations each year. No matter the season when you visit, a trip here will fill you with native spirit.

READ MORE: Why You Simply Must Go to Patzcuaro

Taking Cooking Classes and Tasting Mezcal (Oaxaca)

Oaxaca has become an “it” destination in recent years. A good majority of this newfound popularity comes from its native spirit mezcal and the array of tantalizing local food. Spending a day learning how to cook Oaxacan cuisine or getting schooled on mezcal-making is an excursion that will linger long after you leave.

Oh, and to get your pulse really racing, be sure to try the fried grasshoppers at the market before or after your class.

Visit Mexico with Funjet Vacations to start crossing these excursions off your bucket list.