In Mexico there is plenty of room for family adventure. Canyons, waterfalls, mountains and caves, you will always find corners and landscapes worth exploring and that will guarantee unforgettable moments.
This year we celebrate the 5th. edition of the awards The Best of Mexico which recognizes the best experiences, routes and destinations in our country. One of the categories of 2023 is Best family adventure experience.
From February 20 to March 15, You can learn about the different categories with their nominees and vote for your favorites at the lomejormexico.com site platform
Plan your family getaway to an adventure destination here.
These are the reasons why these destinations were nominated for the Best Family Adventure Experience, which is your favourite?
1. El Salto Waterfall, Chiapas
Chiapas is one of the states that offer an infinite number of adventure experiences. One of its many amazing destinations is the El Salto Ecotourism Center, also known as Huextoc Natzin which means waterfall. Is located in Palenque, Chiapas, the imposing waterfall of more than 20 meters, can be seen from the viewpoint.
This landscape has the ability to cause great astonishment for children and adults alike, making it an excellent option for discovering nature as a family. In addition to enjoying the landscape from the viewpoint, it is possible to cool off in its jade-green waters, taking the necessary precautions.
If you like camping, you can do it in the Huextoc Natzin Ecotourism Center, lulled by the water currents and the sounds of the Lacandon Jungle. Very close to the site is also the archaeological zone of Palenque, a set of ruins that tell the story of an ancient Mayan capital.
2. Caves of Cacahuamilpa, Guerrero
The Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park extends to the north of the state of Guerrero over an area of 1,598 hectares in the municipalities of Pilcaya and Taxco de Alarcón. It was declared a National Park in 1936 and houses one of the most surprising and visited systems of caves and calcareous formations in the Mexican Republic.
Cacahuamilpa is a Nahuatl word whose meaning is: “in the peanut field”, or fertile place for the cultivation of peanuts. In the Chontal language, its name was Cocoyocuatl, and the cave was known by the natives as salachi, a ceremonial place.
The main ecosystem of the park is terrestrial, basically low deciduous forest, but there is riparian vegetation and aquatic ecosystems can be established in the rainy season.
You can be sure that the faces of the little ones when they see the figures formed in the stone walls inside the caves is something that you will never forget. The stalactites and stalagmites formed by the passage of time generate shapes that resemble people, animals and objects of all kinds.
Very close to the caves is Tequesquitengo, a destination that attracts travelers for the beauty of its lagoon and the adventure activities that can be done in its surroundings, such as navigating the rapids of the Amacuzac River or exploring the ruins of Xochicalco. Without a doubt, an exciting family adventure!
3. Tolantongo Caves, Hidalgo
These caves in the state of Hidalgo are located in the Grutas de Tolantongo Tourist Center, which has a pool area, restaurants, small bars, and even adventure activities such as zip lines.
The Tolantongo pools are 40 terraces located on the steep cliff where the water from the river that flows through the caves accumulates, each one independent from the rest, which allows you to rest in its hot springs from above. The intense blue color of the water is due to the salts and minerals dissolved in it, which also have many beneficial properties for health.
Fun and wonder are guaranteed in this magical place in the Sierra de Hidalgo. The hot springs located in the hills and the oasis with a river that is located there are enough reasons to explore this place with the family.
A few kilometers to the south is also Ixmiquilpan, a charming little town where you can admire some jewels of colonial art.
Recent research has established that Calakmul is the most important city of the Classic Maya and, together with Tikal and Palenque, headed the political organization of the highlands. Hieroglyphic studies show a history of wars between Calakmul and Tikal for almost a century, which indicates the political rivalry of these cities.
The dimensions of the archaeological zone of Calakmul are enough to leave anyone breathless. Admiring the sea of jungle from the top of the main pyramid will be a lasting family memory.
Also, if you visit the reserve in winter, you will have the opportunity to observe jaguars in their natural habitat, since this is their mating stage. It is also possible to observe many other species of cats and tropical birds. Of course, they will have to be accompanied by an experienced guide, which they can get in Campeche or Xpujil.
5. City of Durango and Ecological Parks of the Sierra, Durango
The capital of Durango is part of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro and has magnificent colonial buildings, where religious temples stand out. Durango It is home to film sets and its surroundings invite you to practice ecotourism activities. In addition, in its markets and restaurants you can try delicious dishes such as the traditional Duranguense caldillo.
When you visit this wonderful state you will feel at home. It is enough to enjoy its incredibly blue skies, the dream landscapes, the beautiful architecture and the endless cultural attractions to understand the pride of its inhabitants.
The City of Durango and its surroundings provide endless possibilities for family adventure. You can not miss the opportunity to travel in time in the Old West Ridea theme park where they can become cowboys for a day.
In it El Tecuán Ecological Park they can do it all: hiking, fishing, biking, camping, horseback riding or jeeping, the place is beautiful! On the other hand, Rancho La Muralla awaits you with a zip line, children’s play area, horseback riding, rappelling, gotcha and mountain biking.
6. Sanctuary of the Fireflies, Tlaxcala
A totally magical natural experience that will stay in the minds of all family members. Fireflies gather in this wooded area of Tlaxcala every year to mate. This concentration creates the impressive night show that has made this place famous.
The sanctuary receives travelers during the months of June and July, since that is the season in which the fireflies congregate in the forest. On a certain day, the phenomenon usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.
Although the sanctuary is located near the city of Tlaxcala, it is best to stay in the ecological hotels of nanacamilpa to live a true experience in contact with nature. One option is the Eco-Hotel Piedra Canteada, which has eight well-equipped cabins. The other is Santa Clara Forest Villaswhich has a camping area to rest next to a campfire.
There are operators that offer packages for the firefly sighting and include services such as food, pulque tasting, space for camping or cabins.
Spectacular views and extreme sports await families eager for adventure in this area of Aguascalientes. The canyon system formed in this area offers impressive landscapes and the possibility of experiencing zip lines, horseback riding and vertiginous hanging bridges.
There are also bike paths that reveal the amazing landscapes of the canyons. For families traveling with their bikes, it’s perfect!
The destination, perfect for lovers of adrenaline, also provides impressive backgrounds to take unrepeatable photos of the family.
15 km from tunnel mouth is San José de Gracia, known for the sculpture of the broken christ, one of the five largest statues in Mexico. This attraction, visited by thousands of people each year, is located on an island in the middle of the Calles dam.
8. Xochimilco and surroundings, CDMX
Venice is far away, but Xochimilco is in the center of our country. A ride in a trajinera through the canals, a tour of the chinampas area and a lunch of exquisite quesadillas are the elements for a perfect family day.
Xochimilco, along with the Historic Center of Mexico City, was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987. To enjoy a walk through the canals of Xochimilco, the piers near the center are: Fernando Celada (Laguna del Bull); on Nuevo León avenue (Laguna de Caltongo); and at the end of Calle del Salitre and Calle del Nogal.
If you want to learn more about bees, you can do it in one of the apiaries that operate there. And if you are nature lovers, you cannot miss the axolotarios that are dedicated to rescuing and caring for specimens of this endangered species.
To top off the family adventure, you can visit the colorful nurseries and purchase beautiful and exotic species of plants to decorate your home.
These are some of the best family adventure experiences. Choose your favorite in The Best of Mexico.
Vote for your favorites from March 20 to 15 on the site platform lo mejormexico.com