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Active Things to Do in Mexico

Megan Kopp · May 5, 2021 · Leave a Comment

In honour of Cinco de Mayo, here’s a roundup of posts including active things to do in Mexico. Whether you enjoy going off-grid on canyon adventures, exploring the culture of historic city centers or travelling by RV, there’s something for you here!

Note: While we can’t travel freely quite yet due to the pandemic, change is definitely in the air. As more and more people are vaccinated, travel will open up fast. Put this post in your pocket so that you’re ready when it does!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something from one of our affiliates, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thanks for helping to keep our blog up and running!

Pin image for active things to do in Mexico post at Time.Travel.Trek.

Table of Contents

  • What is Cinco de Mayo?
  • Active Things to Do in Mexico
    • Camping Adventures Exploring Baja’s Cave Paintings 
      • Cueva Pinatada
      • Cueva de las Flechas
    • City Exploration: Guadalajara
      • Another Central Mexico City: Guanajuato
    • RV Adventures in Baja: San Felipe
      • Want Active Things to Do in Baja? Head to Bahia de los Angeles
      • Chillin’ in Bahia Concepcion
  • When You Go

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo means “Fifth of May” in Spanish. It’s less widely known as the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla. This holiday is celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States in honour of a military victory way back in 1862. 

Although the day is celebrated in the state of Puebla, it’s not as popular in the rest of Mexico. In the U.S., the celebration of Cinco de Mayo has morphed into a way of expressing pride in heritage for Mexican immigrants. It has also taken off as a good reason to drink tequila and other Mexican alcoholic beverages. 

Active Things to Do in Mexico

This post is using the celebration aspect of Cinco de Mayo to highlight active things to do in Mexico. Do you enjoy sleeping in a tent and going off-grid on canyon adventures? Or do you prefer exploring the culture of historic city centers? Maybe you like to travel by RV? No matter what type of travel you prefer, there is something for you here. Read on for a selection active travel adventures in a country we love – Mexico!

Camping Adventures Exploring Baja’s Cave Paintings 

What’s not to love about a canyon filled with UNESCO World Heritage-worthy prehistoric sites? This overview post looks at the re-discovery and UNESCO World Heritage designation of the cave art in the Sierra de San Francisco region of Baja. When friends suggested a mule-supported camping trip to explore these ancient cave paintings in the heart of Sierra de San Francisco, we had just one question. When?

Women and man riding mules on steep canyon trail.
The climb out of the canyons is almost as interesting as going in – hang on to your sombrero! (Photo: Megan Kopp)

Cueva Pinatada

Join us for a hop, skip and a scramble deep in the canyons of Baja’s Sierra de San Francisco. Hidden in caves is a world-class collection of prehistoric art. Cueva Pintada is one of the largest and most impressive painted caves in the region. It will take your breath away – and if doesn’t, the mule ride down into and out of the canyon will!

Palm tree with canyon wall and cave painted with rock art.
Prehistoric cave art in Sierra de San Francisco (Photo: Megan Kopp)

Cueva de las Flechas

On the opposite canyon wall from Cueva Pintada, Cueva de las Flechas awaits. It’s another scramble to get there, but it’s worth the effort. Flechas is a Spanish word meaning arrows. This Cave of the Arrows is a stunning example of the stories behind the art. How many arrows can you find? What was the meaning of this panel? Look for shamans and totems and let your imagination fly back in time. Active travel adventures in Mexico are always beyond the ordinary.

City Exploration: Guadalajara

Not into canyon camping, riding a mule and scrambling rock faces to search for ancient rock art? Then you might want to hop on a bus and explore Mexico’s second largest city – Guadalajara. You can bus in from Sayulita on the Pacific Coast (another worthy adventure with excellent surfing and boogie-boarding opportunities). Even though Guadalajara has a reputation for drug-related crimes, we found its historic center utterly captivating. Wandering on foot, we explored plazas and gazed in awe at the astonishing beauty of its historic architecture. 

Moon Handbooks GuadalajaraShop on Amazon

Another Central Mexico City: Guanajuato

Looking for an outstanding collection of Baroque and neoclassical architecture dating back to the 17thcentury? Look no further than Guanajuato. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Guanajuato is an historic silver mining town tucked snugly in a ring of mountains. It’s a four-hour bus ride from Guadalajara to Guanajuato through scenic countryside. Entering the city through one of the various tunnels, Guanajuato presents itself with an intriguing maze of narrow streets and alleyways that beg you to get lost. Walk on! 

Streetside statues
Culture lives in Guanajuato, Mexico (Photo: Megan Kopp)

RV Adventures in Baja: San Felipe

We invite you to come along as we share driving tips, camping options and a few of our experiences about travel in Baja California, Mexico. The first post of this journey takes you from the U.S/Mexico border down to San Felipe.

Want Active Things to Do in Baja? Head to Bahia de los Angeles

If you dream of sun and sun and Boojum tree forests – this adventure is for you! In the second part of this three-part post, we take you with us from San Felipe to Bahia de los Angeles on the Sea of Cortez. Get ready for paddling and biking adventures.

Chillin’ in Bahia Concepcion

From one bay to another, we’re on the road to Bahia Concepcion. It’s a place where dolphins are flipping to greet you as you paddle out on sheltered waters. Where evening beach strolls conversing with fellow campers is a real thing. And it’s a place where chillin’ in the hammock is not a dream.

Two crossed feet on bow of blue inflatable kayak on blue green waters with dark lava island in background.
Soaking up the sun, sounds and slight breeze of a day on the bay! (Photo: Megan Kopp)

Unfortunately our trip to Baja in 2020 was cut short as the crushing news of Covid-19 began to break. As we headed south, streams of traffic were heading north. We hadn’t been listening to the news. Cell phone coverage was scarce. But when we got service, our phone began ringing incessantly. Within two weeks, we were back in Canada.

Thankfully, the tide now seems to be turning. With most people accessing vaccinations – we have our first one done! – travel will once again be there for us. Camping on the beaches of Mexico is on our list in 2022. Happy Cinco de Mayo – however and wherever you celebrate!

Sunset reflecting off ocean and small trailer parked on the beach.
Camping on Baja beaches is a dream come true! (Photo: Megan Kopp)

When You Go

To start planning your next Mexican adventure, check out Visit Mexico!

Pick up a good guidebook; we like Moon Handbooks.

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