Bucket List Experiences in Mexico: 20 Adventures You Can’t Miss

Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime? Well, bucket list experiences in Mexico await around every corner!

From vibrant cities to stunning natural wonders, Mexico offers endless opportunities for unforgettable adventures. With diverse landscapes, delicious food, and exciting activities, there’s always something new to discover in this diverse country.

Here are 20 amazing experiences that should be on every traveler’s Mexico bucket list!

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #1: Visit One of the World Wonders

If it's one thing you need to check off your bucket list while visiting Mexico, its to visit Chichen Itza. Not only is it one of the wonders of the world, but the architecture and history behind it is intriguing.

The closest place to visit from is Valladolid, although it can still be a day trip from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or even Cozumel!

Staying for just a day in Cozumel and want to do one of the most bucket list experiences in Mexico ever? FlyCozumel actually does a tour where they take a tiny plane and fly into the local airport, getting you there in just 15 minutes! Not only that but you'll be able to get there super early to beat the crowds.

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #2: Celebrate Día de Los Muertos

The best time to visit Mexico in our opinion, is during Día de Los Muertos. Not only are there plenty of festivals, parades, and celebrations, but the entire month of October is magical. Head up north towards Puebla, Mexico City, and Michoacan and you will see fields of orange Cempesuchil flowers, as well as towns covered in them as decorations.

Another great place to celebrate is in Oaxaca, where you can really experience the traditional customs around this holiday on November 1st.

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #3: Save a Turtle

This is not only one of the cutest experiences in Mexico, but so rewarding. In certain places along the Riviera Maya such as Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel, there are programs which allow you to assist in the journey of sea turtles making their way into the world, from the sand to the sea.

Turtle Hatching season goes from May until November, the best months being during July and August.

Here are a few excursions that include the turtle sanctuary:

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #4: Swim with Whale Sharks

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

For those of you who are dare devils, this is a great opportunity to get a rush of adrenaline. Every year, many whale sharks visit the coast of the Riviera Maya and you can dive with them.

So get an oxygen tank and a mask to ready to experience one hell of an experience by diving into the sea to meet your new gigantic-sized friends! You can find this activity in Isla Mujeres, Holbox, and on an excursion from Cancún or Playa del Carmen.

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #5: Walk Along the Top of an Aqueduct

This was one of favorite experiences in Mexico. Not only could you admire this 3-tiered aqueduct from afar, but you could actually walk across the top of it!

Arcos del Sitio is situated an hour and a half north of Mexico city, and is great to spend a few hours. The archaeological site dates back to the 18th century, and also has a suspension bridge across it for those adventure lovers.

You will also find vendors selling snacks and souvenirs, as well as families flying kites (as the wind makes it the perfect spot to do so). Grab your camera and enjoy the beauty of this fun spot!

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #6: Kiss On Opposite Balconies

Head over to one of our favorite cities in Mexico, for another one of our favorite things to do in Mexico.

Guanajuato is home to a tale where a young couple lived across from one another, with balconies that almost touched. Each night they would hide from their parents and kiss from opposite balconies, until one day to girl's dad found her and stabbed her.

Kiss on the red step below for good luck, and walk up to the opposing balconies to get a fun photo kissing like the two used to!

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #7: Sleep in a Castle

Some of the best hotels we have ever stayed at were in Mexico, and two of them were castles! Feel like royalty by staying the night in Castillo Santa Cecilia in Guanajuato, or Hacienda Kaan AC in Valladolid.

Hacienda Kaan AC had more elaborate rooms, while Santa Cecilia had better dining options. Kaan AC also features a pool, as well as art classes, while Santa Cecilia is a little more budget-friendly.  Both are great options though!

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #8 Witness Pink Waters

We love some beautiful waters, and there is nothing like experiencing pink ones! Las Coloradas are famous bright pink lagoons located an hour and a half from Valladolid. You can't swim in them, but you can still walk around to admire them up close.

Las Coloradas no longer allows professional cameras, tripods, or drones. So if you want a place a little off the beaten path with less restrictions, you can head over to Laguna Rosada near Merida. The large lagoon isn't as bright, but there are also small salt ponds nearby that are a brighter hue.

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #9: Dine in a Cave

Want a one of the most unique experiences in Mexico? There is a restaurant that has been actually built inside of a cave in Teotihuacan! Actually, there are two, but the most famous one is called "La Gruta", which we highly recommend. 

The colorful tables, lights, and flowers everywhere make this one of the most inviting and Instagrammable spots to eat. Not only is the place extremely beautiful, but the menu is incredible!

All of the dishes are specifically local to this region, and are composed of organic and all-natural ingredients. So each plate is super delicious, as well as healthy! What could be better? We suggest heading over as soon as they open their doors as they get busy fast!

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #10: Experience Bioluminescence

If you have ever created a bucket list and this is not on it, this is your time to add it. Bioluminescence comes from microorganisms like plankton, and it can be found on the island of Holbox. Due to a chemical reaction, light shines from them when they are moved or touched.

And just like in the movie “Avatar”, it looks like everything has energy and connects to the sea. The best part? It happens almost every day! The only thing that needs to happen is that there has to be literally zero light (not even moonlight). So the best time to experience this is approximately from 4:00 to 6;00 in the morning.

To do this activity, we highly recommend you to book a tour or to bargain with a local. Bioluminescence cannot be found in every spot of the island, so unless you have a boat to move around it, it will be very hard to actually find it on your own (at least on a big scale). This is definitely one of the best things to do in Mexico.

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #11: Sleep in a Tequila Barrel

This may be just one of the most unique places to stay in the whole world, and definitely one of the best experiences in Mexico. Matices Hotel de Barricas features giant tequila barrels all over the property that you can spend the night in!

This is definitely one of the cheapest accommodation options out there, but certainly one that is worth the splurge!

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #12: Bike Over Waterfalls

This was one of the craziest experiences in Mexico, as well as in our lives! Head to Los Micos in la Huasteca Potosina for one of the best adventures you will ever experience.

Guides will take your group ziplining over the turquoise waters, and finish off the tour letting you bike along a cable. Not only are the views spectacular, but it definitely gets your adrenaline pumping! Don't worry though, it's completely safe, so you cannot fall off.

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #13: Jump into a Sink Hole

Ever heard of a cenote? Well cenotes are sink holes that you can only find in the Yucatan Peninsula. Some are open, and some you have to climb into.

Some of the most fun cenotes to jump into are Kin-Ha Cenotes. Here you can jump into a hole that leads to a cave, and the other cenote has several jumping platforms into a large open area of water.

Two other great alternatives are Cenote La Noria (right across from Kin-Ha Cenotes) and Cenote Calavera, located in Tulum.

Visiting the different Cenotes is definitely one of our favorite things to do in Mexico. Want to know some of the top ones we've visited? We have a full article of the best Cenotes in Mexico below!

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #14: Kayak Through Caves

While some cenotes are completely open, there are actually many that are located inside caves. Kin-Ha Cenotes and Cenote La Noria both offer kayaks to their guests. This way you can explore the cenotes by casually paddling through them.

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #15: Ride in a Hot Air Balloon 

There is no better way to see the pyramids of Teotihuacan then from up above! Soar up high in a hot air balloon for a full hour while admiring the views. 

Teotihuacan is just an hour north of Mexico City, and there are plenty of companies that offer this service. Just make sure you shop around, as prices can vary greatly!

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #16: Float in a Thermal River

There is nothing like sitting in bright turquoise waters, but pump up the temperature, and you have one of the coolest bucket list experiences in Mexico.

Grutas de Tolantongo feature 70 heated jacuzzis, waterfalls, caves, and a thermal river. Divided into several little pools, the river flows from the top of the park (nearby its waterfall) and borders the whole area.

The river goes downhill, so the division of each little pool (made with rocks) creates a very small waterfall where you can lay and enjoy a free "massage" by the water flow. Talk about the best spa day of your life!

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #17: Ride On the Official Jose Cuervo Train

All aboard for the best ride of your life! The official Jose Cuervo train rides between Guadalajara and the town of Tequila. You will not only have plenty of Jose Cuervo, but you will learn all about the art of tequila! This is definitely one of the best bucket list experiences in Mexico to add to your list.

Keep in mind that the trains do not run everyday, and currently only on the weekends. Reservations must be made well in advance, as they sell out pretty quick!

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #18: Walk Along a Sand Bar

Holbox is already known for having an “endless entrance to the sea”. This means that you can walk up to 600 feet into the sea and it will still be extremely shallow. Cool right?! Want to know other cool things you can experience in Holbox?

There’s a very interesting natural phenomenon on the island of Holbox, and one of the best experiences in Mexico for those beach lovers. Visit here and you will most likely have this opportunity to witness the large sandbar that forms in Holbox. 

Keep in mind that this happens only in morning, when the tide is low. Check the tides beforehand to make sure it's a day where you will find a sandbar come out of the water right next to the shore.

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #19: Hike Above the Clouds

This was one of the best views we had in all of Mexico! About 15 minutes outside of Pinal de Amoles, this is definitely one you'll want to add to your bucket list experiences in Mexico.

The hike of Cuatro Palos is easy and guided. If you go during the day you will have a beautiful view of the green mountains. But if you go early enough (around sunrise) you will be able to witness the whole area covered with a blanket of clouds!

Reservations need to be made in advance by contacting +52 14411212269. Guides are free, but we suggest tipping them for their service.

Bucket List Experiences in Mexico #20: Experience a Balloon Festival

This was definitely one of our favorite bucket list experiences in Mexico, and one that we will go back for in the future.

Each year in November, the city of Leon hosts a hot air balloon festival. Not only are there tons of balloons soaring over the city, but they come in all different colors, sizes, and shapes- even some of them being cartoon characters!

You can participate in riding in one of the balloons if you volunteer with a party of 4 and a pick up truck, so make sure to reserve for the next one!

Now you see? There are so many bucket list experiences in Mexico that are outside the typical tourist areas! We encourage you to keep exploring and finding your own unique spots and adventures. Let us know in the comments if you'd like to add any!

Ready to explore more? We have over 40 Mexico travel guides waiting to spark your wanderlust.

Want to start planning your next epic trip? We're here to help make sure you have the best one yet! Let us do the work so you can explore more, stress less, and save all in one. Want to learn more? Check out our travel planning packages today!

Here are some other articles you'll love: