The Backside of Mexico

Most people that visit Mexico only go to places like Quintana Roo and Cancun, and while that's understandable given the amazing things that can be done there, we want to show you a side of Mexico that not many tourists get to see. Wine routes, white-water rapids, ghost towns, and even mythical islands are on our list. As you'll soon see, Mexico has a lot of adventures and surprises. We have a few suggestions if you're looking for some new locations to visit when you're vacationing next time. Let's dive into them.

Cannonball down waterfalls just outside of Guadalajara

Jalisco is surrounded by stunning canyons filled with waterfalls, hiking, swimming holes, and much of the adventure centers on San Cristobal de la Barranca. There are numerous swimming holes and waterfalls in the canyon. You can go down 75-foot waterfalls, take a swim through pools, hike around large rocks and go down the sides of cliffs with tour operators e.g., Descender. 

Go wine tasting at Baja California Sura

Even though wine may not be what comes to mind when you think about Mexico, the country's wineries shouldn't be ignored. 

Wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture getting drinks in Mexico. But the wineries here shouldn’t be missed, and in-the-know wine lovers are starting to flock to Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California Sur to experience La Ruta del Vino, or the Wine Route. From Ensenada, you can hit the trail by car, stopping at stunning wineries with open-air tasting rooms. Or take the road less traveled—the Antigua Ruta del Vino (Antique Wine Route)—that goes south of Ensenada through Valle de Santo Tomás, Valle de la Grulla, and Valle de Vincente. You’ll ditch the crowds and support boutique family-run wineries in the process.

Enjoy white-water rafting at Veracruz

Want an adrenaline rush? Veracruz is the place for you. The region has over 40 rivers, making it a great attraction for kayakers and white-water rafters. Even though most water enthusiasts are generally drawn to Rio Antigua due to its decent waves, generally under class IV, Rio Pescados is also great. It has rapids that tend to get more intense and even faster during the rainy season. As for beginners and families, Rio Actopan is an excellent choice due to its milder waters. Several tour operators exist in Veracruz that can help with your water-rafting needs all year. However, the best time for humongous waves is in October.

Dine with the souls of the dead at Janitzio Island

Día De Los Muertos on Janitzio Island so incredubly unique. Right at the center of Lake Pátzcuaro, the island sits with the 40-meter statue of the famous Mexican hero José María Morelos. A local Purépecha legend speaks of underwater spirits around the island, while there's another that speaks of how the island attracts the dead like monarch butterflies. These legends add color to the annual celebration of Día de Los Muertos. If possible, get a front-row seat for the famous Midnight Candle Parade of Boats; the fishermen light up their butterfly-shaped nets and boats with candles.

Visit the ancient Mayan ruins at Yaxchilán Archeological Site 

Imagine taking a boat down the crocodile-infested Usumacinta River and then walking through the forests to intricate buildings with confusing passageways, carved epigraphs, altars, and towering staircases. This sounds like something straight from an Indiana Jones movie, right? However, this is the reality of the visually exciting Yaxchilán Archeological Site. This Mayan city flourished between A.D. 500 and 700 in the state of Chiapas. And, even though it's quite difficult to access, the experience is well worth it.

Take a swim in the stony waterfalls of Hierve el Agua 

Hierve el Agua appears to be cascading waterfalls from a distance, but as you get closer, you find that the waterfalls are frozen in place. This geological marvel is a petrified waterfall. It's so rare that there's only one other known one in the world. At some point in history, spring water filled with minerals used to run down the face of the cliff, but due to calcification, the astonishing landmark was created as time went on. That said, not everything has solidified. At Hierve El Agua, the pools have an average temperature of 75°, making it perfect for a midday swim. Thankfully, it's just 90 minutes from Oaxaca City.

Conclusion

When people think of vacation destinations, Mexico might not be the first name to come up on the list (Greece, Paris, and Egypt among others are usual favorites). There are tons of amazing places and activities that can be experienced in the beautiful country. Right from its natural attractions like waterfalls to relics of ancient civilizations, there's something for everyone that visits Mexico. A great bonus is that the Mexican people are hospitable and have amazing cuisines.