Mexico is one of the most complete adventure destinations in the world. It has the third highest volcano in North America, the best tube waves in Latin America, the most extensive underwater cave system on the planet, and canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon. All in one country.
History
Adventure in Mexico is not new: the Mayans made sacrifices in cenotes, considered gateways to the underworld. The Aztecs climbed Popocatépetl to collect sulfur. In the 20th century, surfing arrived on the Mexican Pacific with California surfers in the 1960s. The Barrancas del Cobre in Chihuahua became an international trekking destination after the construction of the Chepe train in 1961. Sea kayaking and diving in the Mar de Cortés were popularized by Jacques Cousteau, who called it 'the aquarium of the world.' Today Mexico attracts more than 1 million adventure tourists per year.
Top 10
The Mexican Pipeline: waves up to 8 meters that break in less than 2 meters of water. Experts only.
3rd highest volcano in North America (5,636m). Technical ascent with crampons and ice axe.
More than 6,000 cenotes on the Yucatán Peninsula. Diving in underwater caves unique in the world.
4 times larger than the Grand Canyon. Rappelling, trekking, and Mexico's most spectacular Chepe train.
Caves with thermal rivers and rappelling down 40-meter waterfalls. 3 hours from CDMX.
The aquarium of the world according to Cousteau. Sea lions, whales, whale sharks, and manta rays.
The most important climbing destination in the north. Canyon with 1,000-meter walls.
Mexico's longest zip line: 2.5 km over the Barrancas del Cobre at 100 km/h.
The second largest coral reef in the world. Visibility up to 60 meters.
1,000-meter deep canyon navigable by boat. Crocodiles, monkeys, and exotic birds.
Best dates to visit
Surfing in Puerto Escondido: May to October (biggest waves). Mountaineering on Orizaba: November to March (less snow). Cenotes in Yucatán: year-round (constant temperature 24°C). Barrancas del Cobre: May to October. Diving in Cozumel: December to August (best visibility).
How to get there
For activities in Oaxaca: flights from CDMX (1 hour). Pico de Orizaba: from Veracruz city. Chihuahua for the Barrancas: direct flights from CDMX and Guadalajara. Cozumel: ferry from Playa del Carmen. Cenotes: from Mérida or Cancún by rental car.
Mexico is one of the most complete adventure destinations in the world. It has the third highest volcano in North America, the best tube waves in Latin America, the most extensive underwater cave syst…
