Picture yourself entering a place where the sun ignites the colors and joyful expressions of people all around, the pyramids whispering tales of days of extreme glory with newfangled food temptations melting at the sight. Hello to Mexico, which is a place where the colors of its huge cultural heritage criss-cross like the waves of the ocean and the incredible scenic beauties and its lengthy history are in perfect harmony. As a travel writer who has come and gone in its busy cities, explored its mythical ruins, and enjoyed every cuisine bite, I promise you the greatest moments of your life by offering you a voyage of 20 must-do experiences that will redefine your view of this fascinating realm.

Delighted by the loads of beauty like in the sparkling cenotes of the Yucatan peninsula and amazed at the thrilling experience of the Monarch butterfly migration, and to take part in the merry celebrations around Día de los Muertos, the article attempts to paint the picture of the soul of Mexico. With every selected experience curated in such a way to offer you so much more than a typical trip, you are guaranteed to not only witness the very essence of Mexican customs but, above all, to connect with people on a very profound level of mutual affection. Start getting ready to be magnetized, for Mexico, a country encompassing a great diversity of points of view, will imprint some truly unforgettable emotions on you for the rest of your life.

1. Taxco silver jewelry

The sun, the centrality of fine silver hand crafty in the country, along with their interesting work attracts you to each souvenir hailed as a treasure here. This place is bordered by cherry-red, white-washed houses, delighted tiny public squares adorned by enthusiastic bougainvillaeas, through which a bit narrow and winding footpaths turn either up or down, both exciting and bewildering at the same time. In Taxco, the exciting town where unusual facts are found in abundance, you will be able to select the most luxurious silver items. There is no better way to feel familiar with Taxco than by walking the city, welcoming different silver shops and giving us a sip of a great refreshment every time we wanted to sit down and relax.

2. Birdwatching adventure at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Occupying the coastline area and stretching up to 29 km on an east-west axis, it is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve whose gigantic territory blue and green parts come together. It is a mix of ecologically diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to streams and coastal barrier reefs. It harbours a variety of species, of course, birds are at their peak and the ones most likely to be actively seen. This reserve will be a wonderful marvel of mother nature in Mexico.

3. Flavours of tequila or mezcal

The most famous drink in Mexico and certainly internationally is tequila, produced from the agave or the maguey plant, of which there are many types of labels. Just as there are two different categories of tequila, there are also other liquors made from different varieties of maguey plants, the most famous of which are mezcal and pulque.

4. Historic murals of Bonampak

Nestled within the forest, Bonampak, although tiny in size compared to the big Mayan sites, however, carries with it a great weight of importance. Lying within a single building is the lone cache of what could have been hundreds of Mayan mural paintings, which managed and survived through the ages that have passed. These murals bear initiation of color and detail which provide a captivating overview of the ancient Mayan civilization. The Bonampak murals are among the rankings of the best things to do in Mexico.

5. Sandy Shores Of Baja

Roaming along the coast of the Sea of Cortés, mainly around Concepción Bay, would be on my top list when it comes to activities I will do in Mexico. Along the coast, the sea shall shimmer in the turquoise waters studded with pearl-like white sand. Also throughout Baja California Sur, the different towns are famous for their excellent scuba diving, angling and kayaking activities. Among these Bahía Concepción, Loreto, La Paz, and phenomenal communities on the East Cape are shining the very brightest. The freshwater blue-green colour, the calm waters in the bays and the fabulously untouched magical white-sand beaches create a breathtaking and almost incomparable ocean experience.

6. Gambling at Diamonds Casino

Nestled in the loud and vivid city heart, Diamonds Casino is the lantern for all the gamblers of the town, featuring a huge collection which is about a thousand slots, the majority of them from the best manufacturers. Amid a busy casino where slot machines flash clatter, it has a table of chips which has been systematically arranged to create an engaging ambience for players from different levels. It is here amid all those spaces that people looking to perfect their blackjack strategy will call home. With specific areas set up for poker playing, the outlet takes gamblers who have different gambling preferences to cater for along with an amazing sports book and a nice dining outlet among others, the establishment provides a 24-hour operation daily to ensure customers are well-catered for. Besides gaming, the Diamonds Casino alone is a multi-serve location that features among its other offers luxurious spa, spacious family accommodations and waterfront parks to create a one-of-a-kind destination for those who are more than just gamblers.

7. The vast metropolis of Mexico City

Moving to the statistics about the population, that city exceeds 25 million people, and therefore, it is a fully genuine megacity. Because the city is among the most beautiful and nestled hemispheres at the depth of the valley of over 2,400 meters, all newcomers are overcome by awe of its vastness. The city pulses with all the rhythms of this curiously relaxed unpretentiousness, cutting-edge culture, where the whole world converges into one tiny space. The scariness of the immensity of the universe might send you a chill down the spine. The very first thing you will do may be to search for a comfortable place to stay. At its heart, the town is essentially an ebb and flow around the main square, which is surrounded by the grandiose cathedral and the leftover city of Tenochtitlán. The main reason to go to Mexico City rather than elsewhere in Mexico is the experience that lies waiting to be discovered.

8. Traditional ceremony of the Papantla Flyers

Even though the full reason for Voladore’s dance did not survive the centuries, the dance remained almost unchanged as it was described by the earliest observers. This tolerance is due to the circumstance that the Spanish considered it more as entertainment than a pagan ritual. This unique “dance” was performed by five “flyers” dressed in bird costumes. Fastened to one leg by ropes, four of them, i.e., symbols of four cardinal directions undulate slowly and make a back leap, which resembles a slow-motion bungee jump from the peak of a 32-meter (105-foot) pole.

9. The pristine white sands of Tulum

Tulum exploration is one of the top things to do in Mexico because of different factors. First of all, it is an outstanding example of the visual Maya ruins. In addition, Tulum beaches are one of the best in the world with different options of accommodation that range from a simple one to an extremely luxurious one. It also is a bustling town and the major centre of action in the area. In any case, this city in Quintana Roo without a doubt deserves your visit.

10. Countryside charm of Valladolid

Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, the town basks in the homespun atmosphere of a rural town. A farmer’s and rancher’s market as well as a place where local women come to sell their intricately hand embroidered huipiles and various crafts can be found here. Get rid of your tiredness with a refreshing swim in the most exquisite cenotes of Mexico, where massive alamo roots are hanging above. Moreover, grab the occasion to indulge in the best of Yucatecan cuisine because it is packed with top-notch dining places around the corner.

11. Mexican culture at the Frida Kahlo Museum

Revolutionary spirit sprouts at Frida Kahlo’s house through politics, art and identity. Only 10 minutes walking distance from the centre of Coyoacán, the Museum Frida Kahlo (the so-called Blue House), it used to be the family home of the Kahlos. It was at home, in Casa Azul, that she was born, formed and lived for the most significant part of her life, at times with her husband Diego Rivera. With the arrangement of this gift, the house was subsequently dedicated to the nation in 1958, two years after her death.

12. Historic ruins of Palenque

Palenque stewed its fame to the peak in the 7th century under the leadership of Pacal the Great, a Mayan city-state which once fully thrived. The beauty and the masterful creativity of its monuments, as well as its marvellous sculptures, are the source of its charm and magnetism. Amazingly, only ten per cent of the city continues to be discoverable because it is hidden by the interfering jungle, which crept in 1,120 years ago after the city had been left.

Discovering the Magnificent Mexican Mexiquense Complex Prehistory period and the era of the colonial Friars periods along with their artistic and scientific landmarks, offers an ideal chance to evaluate Mexican history. By being a UNESCO World Heritage zone, Palenque has to be visited by tourists as one of the main activities to do in Mexico.

13. Sounds of Mariachi music

Mariachi can be heard in cities and towns all over Mexico, nevertheless ascends loudest in Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City. Evenings here are tangled with countless mariachi bands that gather themselves and then in snug, silver-decorated charro outfits and large sombreros, go on stage to perform for paying customers. The most common ensemble formation includes two to four violins, three trumpets which are placed not too close together, several guitarists of different sizes and a lead singer.

14. National Museum of Mexico City

The Museo Nacional de Antropologia, with its impressive exposition of pre-Hispanic artifacts, housing all of the notable and celebrated civilizations, is one of the best museums worldwide. Side-by-side are the halls for each exhibit making them have great presentations. Sala Mexica, the place with a Concentration on the history and art of the Aztecs, has a huge publicity from the famous Sun Stone (the Aztec Calendar) and a model of the enigmatic Teotihuacá́n city. The Cultura del Golfo Hall features two amazing Olmec basalt heads obtained from San Lorenzo in Veracruz while the Maya Room shows a copy of King Pakal’s tomb at Palenque. Ceramics have been often overlooked but now with modern technology, their beauty is on display as the walls that receive no special attention are adorned with live history. One cannot know the characteristic features of the Olmecs better than to take a closer look at them on a visit to Tabasco. Traditionally less visited region of Mexico which is known for its wealth of historic sites as well as engaging activities.

15. Vibrant nightlife in Playa del Carmen

Formerly a placid fishing hamlet, Playa del Carmen (usually only called “Playa”) was previously a point of rest for those travelling to Isla Cozumel. However, Playa is now a popular nightlife venue. It is not just the dwellers of Mexico City coming here for some fun and merriment, it also draws people who are on vacation before or after their cruise ship stops abroad and day tourists from nearby Cancún turning it into the most happening neighbourhood. The cuisine on Playa del Carmen’s scene has recently proliferated, providing a wide range of eateries that can satisfy customers of any taste, such as the customary Mexican restaurants that continue to serve up to the early hours. This could not go without mentioning street food tours as a must-do item when visiting.

16. Festive carnival vibe in Mexico City

Conjure yourself in the exotic carnival ambience and colours as you flow on the canals while listening to the melodies of the mariachi bands next to you. Embark on a boat tour through the historic floating gardens in La Xochimilco, a nearby area of Mexico City. The carnivals of Mexico City that come to life are sure to delight your children right along with you. It could, therefore, be termed as the ideal destination to spend a family vacation.

It helps you sink in the atmosphere of the old city which is full of activities and is the centre of water-borne trade with lots of shiny colours. From the multitude of attractions, be set on the gastronomic discoveries, which include the ever-present tacos al pastor.

17. The Markets of Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a special case being the primary carrier of indigenous heritage. Within the total population of the state, the Zapotec and Mixtec communities constitute a large share with the remaining 16 groups being indigenous and each of them has its own language and culture as is the case in the rest of the country. Markets in Mexico attract people of all senses yet these markets in Oaxaca are especially lively with a variety of fresh produce and the most creative textiles in the whole country. Teotitlán del Valle, an indigenous city in Oaxaca, one of the best spots reflecting the insuperable weaving and textile art, is certainly a perfect destination that can be listed as the beginning of a visitor’s itinerary.

18. Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacán

Just outside Mexico City lies one of the country’s most remarkable sights: the original splendour of the huge Teotihuacán ancient city. “The place where men become gods”, the ruins stand as the remains of the city that was built on a grand scale. At its height, Teotihuacán was undoubtedly the biggest, most impressive city of pre-Columbian America housing as many as 150,000 people. It is possible to join a walking tour around the area for free or be one of the many people who are attracted to the ruins from above and appreciate it in a hot air balloon ride.

19. Cliff divers of Acapulco

Four times every day, a skilful and dashing leap is demonstrated around Acapulco when the local clavadistas take the risk of jumping from the enormously high Cliffs of La Quebrada. Sometimes, they somersault their dramatic dive at their landing.

The Acapulco divers, who take the 35m jump from the cliffs of La Quebrada, had their beginnings in the early 1920s, and they have managed to captivate millions of people all over the world. They perform these manoeuvres with precision, positioning their body ahead of the roller and approaching a suitable water depth, so that the landing is going to be soft, without hitting the rocks below.

20. A day-long excursion to experience a Charreada

But if the notion of bullfighting doesn’t please you, then perhaps you would rather witness an authentic charreada (a Mexican rodeo) instead. The traditional charreadas are the main acts in the Mexican Ride which always wows the audiences. In north Mexico these events not only show skilful displays but also are celebrated for larger-than-life proud traditions and costumes, therefore, it is a good chance to enjoy the Mexican culture at its best.