Extreme Mexico: Our Complete Guide to Adventures on Land, Air, and Water

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The diversity of ecosystems has made Mexico one of the best countries for adventure travel. Whether on land, in the air or underwater, these are the trips we all must do, at least once

Overland feats

Mexico offers endless possibilities for adventurous travelers; our territory is made to be lived to the fullest.

Mountain biking

Xalapa, Veracruz

It is a risky sport, since it travels through narrow roads and steep slopes.

Private tours, small groups, mechanical assistance, safety, adrenaline and fun is what Veradventours promises, a cycling community based in Xalapa, Veracruz, which promotes local tourism through bike rides through the mountainous area of ​​downtown Veracruz. Their tours are designed for all kinds of adventurers, from novices to experts. 

Sandboard

La Paz, Baja California Sur

Gliding at full speed on a dune of more than 30 m is only possible in El Mogote, the natural barrier that protects the bay of La Paz from hurricanes and storms. To get to this place you must take the transpeninsular highway and then the junction to San Juan de Los Planes and take the deviation that leads to the dunes. Don’t worry, the equipment and the tour, you can organize it at bajades.com.  

Abseiling

Ciudad Valles, San Luis Potosí

At 105 meters high, the Tamul waterfall is a symbol of the Huasteca Potosina, and rappelling down through its rocky system is perhaps one of the most exciting experiences, not only because of the sound of falling water and the sensation of vertigo, but for the postcards that you will take with you in memory. Huaxteca has an excellent team for you to enjoy it to the fullest. 

Polaris 4×4

Los Cabos, Baja California Sur

One of the most impressive destinations to experience adrenaline on board these off-road vehicles is, without a doubt, Los Cabos, in Baja California Sur. The most popular places to carry out this activity are Rancho Tierra Sagrada (cabo-adventures.com) and Playa Migriño, both north of Cabo San Lucas; you will have in the background the Pacific Ocean and the contrast of the desert, an adventure at 100 km / hr. 

The privileged view that the height gives away reveals the majesty of our country. Many of the best views in Mexico are reserved for the fanciest traveler.

Parachute

Tequesquitengo, Morelos

Jumping out of a plane at 17,000 feet and falling 250 kilometers is an unbeatable experience. The country has great places to practice parachuting over lagoons and valleys, between mountains and volcanoes, and with different facilities. Tequesquitengo, two hours from Mexico City, 40 minutes from Cuernavaca, and 150 km from Puebla, also offers helicopter rides and acrobatic flights.

You can also practice it in Puebla, Puerto Escondido and Playa del Carmen.

Paragliding

Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico

Since its lake began to attract visitors from nearby cities – such as Mexico City, Toluca, and Morelia – seeking natural respite, Valle de Bravo devised new ways to show off its nature. One of the most popular was from the heights, where the most daring travelers could admire its magnificent artificial lake and the dialogue that it establishes with the hills that surround it.

Zip lines

Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

Among the rocky heights of Divisadero, in Chihuahua, the Barrancas del Cobre Park houses a circuit of seven zip lines with a length of almost 5 kilometers, divided into seven jumps, with two hanging bridges. In addition, it has a Ziprider that consists of a ride on a zip line with a length of 2,538 meters, considered the longest in the world. 

Hot air balloon flight

Teotihuacán, State of Mexico

From the Magical Town of Huamantla, in Tlaxcala, to the skies of Oaxaca, the options to fly in a balloon in Mexico are magnificent. It is not surprising that perhaps the most recognized is in Teotihuacán where the take off on one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the world; It starts at 6:30 a.m. at the Globopuerto, 5 minutes from the Archaeological Zone.

Ultralight

Rosarito, Baja California

Both the beaches of Rosarito and San Felipe, in the northern part of the state, to the great resorts of Los Cabos, the coasts, the deserts, the valleys and, of course, the seductive seas that cover the Baja California peninsula offer the better landscapes to be admired from an ultralight plane. In addition, its hot climate cooled by the currents that bring the spirit of the ocean are ideal.

Thanks to its extraordinary biodiversity and enviable climate, Mexico has earned a place among the best countries in the world for practicing water sports.

Diving

Cozumel, Quintana Roo

Home to the second largest coral reef on the planet, Cozumel has earned a spot on the bucket list of all scuba divers. Its dazzling seabed makes up a captivating multi-colored landscape that is home to species as dissimilar as sponges, crustaceans and the striking reef fish. Currently, the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park has established rest periods in some of the most touristic regions.  

Los Cabos, Baja California Sur

The coastline that captivated Jacques Cousteau contains complex aquatic ecosystems that surround three faces of the peninsula. The waters of Baja California Sur are a paradise brimming with life where schools of fish coexist with colossal manta rays, sea lions and whale sharks. Just one hour from Todos Santos and two from La Paz, Los Cabos is the perfect starting point to explore the state’s beaches.

Surf

Mazatlan Sinaloa

Sinaloa’s lively beaches complete its offering of unrivaled seafood and dazzling sunsets, with some of the best surfing waves in the country. The variety of nearby destinations with different topographic characteristics make Mazatlán a perfect place for beginners and expert surfers. However, those who chase the best waves will do well to come between April and September.

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Without a doubt, one of the most recognized destinations among the surfing community, the waves of Puerto Escondido have become accustomed to receiving the most advanced. However, its proximity to places such as Mazunte, Zipolite, Huatulco and Barra de la Cruz, invite you to rent a car, climb the table and explore all the variety of beaches, experiences and destinations that the Oaxacan coast offers to those who decide to explore it. in depth.

Stand-Up Paddle

Punta Mita, Nayarit

Sustaining its place among the great luxury destinations in Mexico perfect to attract visitors of all ages with a comprehensive offer of nature and adventure, the Riviera Nayarit has diversified its range of experiences to include more types of travelers. Today, its large resorts have enriched their sports program with classes, as dynamic as they are relaxing, of stand-up paddle in the Bay of Banderas.

Swimming with dolphins

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

The beaches of Puerto Vallarta are home to three groups of coastal bottlenose dolphins of up to 70 members. A boat ride, led by an expert guide, helps us find and identify them, in addition to ensuring our safety and that of the dolphins, is essential to be able to swim with them in complete freedom. At Wildlife Connection they complete your tour with a small lesson about dolphins.

Rafting

Jalcomulco, Veracruz

Between the Filobobos and Jalcomulco rivers, Veracruz has some of the best tributaries for rafting in the country. With different levels of intensity at each stage, they are perfect for receiving experienced travelers, as well as those who are doing it for the first time. The perfect trip also includes hiking in the vicinity of rivers and visits to nearby archaeological sites.

Kayak

Lacandona Jungle, Chiapas

At the infinite Lacanjá lagoon, the nerve center of the Lacandon jungle, the days begin with a refreshing dip in the Lacanja River, before embarking on a visit to the mythical archaeological zone of Bonampak. At sunset, it’s time to sail the lagoon aboard a wooden canoe, while your guides tell stories of the cave paintings that your grandparents discovered in the region. Our recommendation is to camp on site.

By Miriam Lira and Domingo Álvarez

Mexico Daily Post