Travel Guides
Mexico boasts a rich history and stunning landscapes. These 10 interesting facts about Mexico will show just how extraordinary it truly is. Fun facts about Mexico Mexico is a country of remarkable contrasts, rich in history, culture, and natural wonders. From record-breaking landmarks to fascinating traditions, it offers plenty to explore—whether you're planning a trip […]
Mexico boasts a rich history and stunning landscapes. These 10 interesting facts about Mexico will show just how extraordinary it truly is.
Mexico is a country of remarkable contrasts, rich in history, culture, and natural wonders. From record-breaking landmarks to fascinating traditions, it offers plenty to explore—whether you're planning a trip or simply curious about its unique attractions. If you're considering a visit, check out the best time to go to Mexico for ideal weather and fewer crowds.
Yes, it’s bigger than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Cholula, located in Cholula, Puebla, Mexico, surpasses Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza in volume, making it the largest pyramid by volume in the world.
However, in terms of height, the Great Pyramid of Giza is significantly taller, originally standing at 146.6 meters (481 feet), compared to Cholula’s 25 meters (82 feet).
Unlike Egyptian pyramids, which were primarily built as royal tombs, pyramids in Mexico served as ceremonial and religious centers for ancient civilizations like the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs.
The Great Pyramid of Cholula, built over centuries starting around 300 BCE, was dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl and functioned as a major religious site.
In the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, people have a unique way of communicating—through whistles.
Known as "whistled speech," this ancient practice allows locals to send messages across valleys and dense forests without shouting. Used for generations by the Chinantec people, this fascinating form of communication is still alive today.
One of the whistled languages is Mazateco, one of 162 indigenous languages spoken in Oaxaca. This system reproduces the tones of spoken language, allowing people to understand full conversations through whistles alone.
Built on the former lakebed of Tenochtitlán, the ancient Aztec capital, Mexico City is sinking at a rate of up to 12 inches (30 cm) per year. The city was constructed on soft, water-rich soil, and as groundwater is extracted, the ground continues to compact and sink.
Landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palace of Fine Arts have tilted over time due to this phenomenon. Despite the challenges, engineers and conservationists are working on solutions to slow the city’s descent.
Off the coast of Quintana Roo, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Mexico to Honduras. It’s home to hundreds of marine species, including whale sharks, sea turtles, and colorful corals. Snorkelers and divers from around the world visit Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Tulum to experience its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
The world’s largest coral reef system is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, which spans 2,300 kilometers (1,429 miles) along the country’s northeastern coast. Despite its smaller size, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is crucial for marine biodiversity, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect it from climate change and pollution.
In the Yucatán Peninsula, a surreal phenomenon occurs inside Cenote Angelita, where a river appears to flow beneath another body of water. Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed by collapsed limestone, revealing underground freshwater pools.
Cenote Angelita has a dense layer of hydrogen sulfide that separates freshwater from the salty water below, creating the illusion of an underwater river with its own swirling currents and eerie mist. This breathtaking natural wonder is a favorite among advanced divers. The Mayan civilization considered cenotes sacred, believing they were gateways to the underworld and vital water sources.
Just south of Mexico City, Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls) is one of the country’s strangest attractions. The island is covered in hundreds of old, decaying dolls hanging from trees, originally placed there by a caretaker who believed they would ward off the spirit of a drowned girl.
Today, the eerie island has become a haunted tourist destination, with visitors claiming to hear the dolls whispering at night.
Mexico’s Chichén Itzá, an ancient Mayan city in the Yucatán Peninsula, was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. The site’s most famous structure, El Castillo, is a pyramid that aligns with the sun during the spring and autumn equinoxes, creating the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps. This UNESCO-listed archaeological site attracts millions of visitors each year.
With 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mexico holds the record for the most UNESCO-designated sites in the Americas.
These include 27 cultural sites, such as the ancient cities of Teotihuacán, Chichén Itzá, and Monte Albán, and colonial towns like Guanajuato and Puebla.
The country also boasts 6 natural sites, including the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and El Pinacate. Additionally, Mexico has 2 mixed sites, like the stunning Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, which combines both cultural and natural significance. These protected landmarks highlight Mexico’s deep history, architectural achievements, and incredible biodiversity.
Founded in 1551, the National Autonomous University of Mexico is the oldest university in North America, predating Harvard University, which was established in 1636.
Its main campus in Mexico City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring stunning murals by renowned Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros.
Today, it’s one of Latin America’s top universities, recognized for its excellence in science, arts, and humanities.
Every December 23rd, the city of Oaxaca hosts La Noche de los Rábanos (The Night of the Radishes), where artisans carve giant radishes into intricate sculptures.
This tradition dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish friars introduced radishes to Mexico, and local farmers began carving them to attract customers at Christmas markets.
Today, the festival features elaborate scenes from Mexican folklore, religious themes, and even pop culture icons, all made entirely of radishes.
A reliable internet connection is crucial when traveling in Mexico, whether for maps, messaging, or booking activities on the go.
eSIMs provide an easy way to stay online without needing a physical SIM card, offering flexibility and convenience for visitors.
Below is a comparison of top eSIM providers for Mexico, outlining their advantages and drawbacks.
For a more in-depth look at your options, visit our guide on the best pocket WiFi and prepaid SIM cards for Mexico to choose the best solution for your trip.
| Provider | Pros | Cons | Price | |
| Holafly |  | Unlimited data, easy activation | Data sharing limited to 500MB daily, a little pricier than competitors | $6.90 unlimited data per day |
| Saily |  | Reliable coverage, flexible plans | No unlimited data, doesn’t support SMS or calls | $5.99 1GB data for 7 days |
| Airalo |  | Affordable, 24/7 customer support | No unlimited data option, no phone calls | $6 1GB data for 7 days |
Mexico is home to iconic sites like Chichén Itzá, Teotihuacán, and the Great Pyramid of Cholula. These ancient structures showcase the architectural brilliance of civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs.
Yes, Mexico has cenotes, underground rivers, and a sinking city. The Yucatán Peninsula’s cenotes were considered sacred by the Maya, while Mexico City is slowly sinking due to its lakebed foundation.
Mexico has 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most in the Americas. These include archaeological ruins, colonial cities, and stunning natural reserves.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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