5 things you didn’t know you could do in Mexico
While soaking up the sun by your resort pool and lounging by the beach are classic staples of any Mexican vacation, adding a unique activity to your getaway can take it to the next level! Whether you want to learn about Mexico’s history, check an adrenaline-fueled experience off your bucket list or explore unique landscapes, there are adventures for every travel style to be had in Mexico.
To help you get started on planning your next vacation, we rounded up just five of the many exciting things that you didn’t know you could do in Mexico.
While famous for its luxury resorts and pristine beaches, Riviera Maya is also home to thousands of cenotes – natural pools that were considered sacred by the Mayan civilization. These breathtaking and distinctive geological formations feature crystal-clear waters and unique stalagmites and stalactites, making for the perfect Instagram shot. One of the area’s most spectacular cenotes is Ik Kil, a semi-submerged cavern with a serene pool near the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá.
Where to stay: When you’re done swimming in the Ik Kil cenote, head to the Level 18 Rooftop Cabana Lounge at Royalton Suites Cancun Resort and Spa. The rooftop venue features a sprawling pool with panoramic ocean views and entry is complimentary for Royalton Suites guests.
Admire one of the best views of the Baja California desert from a suspended gondola before diving into the canyon below! This Los Cabos activity is perfect for adrenaline seekers and is the only gondola bungee experience in Mexico. When you board the glass-bottom gondola you can admire the vast canyons and exotic flora and fauna of the desert as you climb 300 feet in the air, before bungee jumping into the canyon below!
Where to stay: Cool down after an action-packed afternoon of bungee jumping by the sparkling infinity pool at Riu Palace Baja California with a refreshing margarita in hand from the poolside wait service.
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are home to pristine stretches of golden-sand shores – but one of the area’s most breathtaking beaches, Playa Del Amor, is hidden away within Marieta Islands National Park. The beach is only accessible via a boat ride to the entrance and then a swim or a kayak ride through the cave opening at low tide. To preserve the natural beauty of the hidden shores, only a few hundred people can visit per day.
Where to stay: Looking for the perfect beachside retreat? Riu Jalisco is nestled on a private stretch of Playa de Flamingos, where you can try out non-motorized water sports like kayaking, snorkelling and windsurfing.
Travel back in time with a visit to the ancient archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, hidden deep within the jungles of the northern Yucatan Peninsula. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built around 600 A.D. and was one of the largest Mayan cities with a diverse range of architectural styles. Admire the pyramid of El Castillo (also known as the Temple of Kukulcan), the Jaguar Temple and the Sacred Cenote on a guided tour.
Where to stay: After learning about Mexico’s history head back to Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun to sample some authentic Mexican cuisine at the resort’s Agave restaurant – no reservations required.
Check whale watching off your travel bucket list in Los Cabos! Between December and April every year, gray and humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. Keep an eye out for these majestic creatures on a whale-watching cruise and learn all about the different species of whales from the expert crew – you might even spot some baby whales!
Where to stay: Admire views of Cabo’s picturesque rocky coastline at Riu Palace Baja California. This adults only resort offers ocean views from most of the complex, including the glamorous infinity pool.