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10 Fun facts about Mexico: Beyond tacos and tequila!
Discover 10 fun facts about Mexico! Go beyond tacos and tequila to explore facts about ancient sites, culinary history, and natural wonders.
Welcome to Mexico! This vibrant country in Latin America, a land of ancient civilizations, stunning landscapes, and world-famous Mexican cuisine, has unique traditions. While you might know about its delicious food and fiestas, or one of the most popular festivals in Mexico, Día de los Muertos, many fun facts about Mexico often go unnoticed.
Read on to discover 10 fun facts about Mexico, from Mexico City, one of the best cities to visit in Mexico, to its rich cuisine, like chiles en nogada. Looking to uncover these Mexico facts in person? You’ll need an eSIM to keep you connected while you’re there. With Holafly’s unlimited data travel plans, you can explore Mexican culture without limits.
Limitless data, endless adventures
Stream, scroll, and share as you discover Mexico’s fun facts. With Holafly, your data’s always unlimited.
1. Mexico is home to 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mexico boasts 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting its historical, cultural, and natural richness. To glimpse pre-Hispanic civilizations, visit Mexico, where you’ll find ancient cities like Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan. This remarkable collection — one of the largest in the world — speaks volumes about Mexico’s enduring cultural and natural significance. From the colonial charm of cities like Mexico City and Oaxaca City to the beauty of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, each site offers a glimpse into Mexico’s global impact and some interesting facts about Mexico’s heritage.
2. Chocolate, chili, and corn originated in Mexico
Did you know three of the world’s beloved ingredients are rooted in Mexico and Mexican cuisine? Talk about some cool facts! The Maya and Aztecs cultivated cacao (the source of hot chocolate), chili peppers, and corn thousands of years ago. These foods have enriched global cuisine, so when you buy chocolate or purchase other Mexico souvenirs to bring home from your trip, remember their ancient origins.
3. Mexico has the world’s smallest volcano
When you think of volcanoes, you probably imagine towering peaks. In Mexico, you’ll find the smallest volcano in the world. Cuexcomate, located in Puebla, is often called a “mini-volcano”. Standing 43 feet tall, you can climb stairs inside, an experience many Mexicans enjoy. It’s a fantastic example of some cool facts about Mexico that showcase its geological wonders.
4. The Aztec capital was larger than any European city of its time
The ancient capital of the Aztec Empire, Tenochtitlan, was a marvel of urban planning and engineering and as bustling as present-day Mexico City. Founded in 1325 on an island in Lake Texcoco, it boasted an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 people by the early 16th century, making it larger than any European city of its time. The canals, floating gardens, and temples were a testament to Aztec ingenuity.
5. Mariachi music is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
One of the other fun facts about Mexico is that UNESCO recognizes Mariachi music as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Originating in Western Mexico and the pride of the Mexican people, Mariachi expresses cultural identity and storytelling. They are sung on occasions like the recognition of the Mexican Revolution and Mexican Independence Day. Characterized by the sound of trumpets, violins, traditional guitars, and Mexican horsemen, Mariachi bands embody the spirit of Mexican culture.
6. Christmas in Mexico lasts nearly one month!
If you love the festive season, you’ll love this fun fact about Christmas in Mexico! The Mexican version of Christmas begins on December 12th with the Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. It often extends into January, with Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) on January 6th, and sometimes Candelaria (Candlemas) on February 2nd. Mexicans celebrate with posadas (reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging while carrying baby Jesus), piñatas, and Mexican dishes.
7. Mexico is home to the world’s largest pyramid (by volume)
Mexico holds the record for the largest pyramid, beating every other country by volume. The Great Pyramid of Cholula, located near Puebla, has a base four times larger than that of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Though largely covered by vegetation and a church built on top, this massive pre-Hispanic structure is a testament to ancient Mesoamerican ingenuity and a great Mexico fun fact!
8. Mexico City has more museums than Paris or London
One of the most surprising facts about Mexico City is that it boasts more museums than almost any city worldwide, often cited as surpassing Paris or London! These include the National Museum of Anthropology, which houses artifacts from the Aztec and Maya civilizations, the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul), and contemporary art galleries. Most Mexicans explore these museums on Sundays, as admission is free for nationals. This is a must-visit if you’re looking for interesting facts about Mexico’s artistic scene.
9. Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles to Mexico
Among the fun facts about Mexico for kids and adults, the migration of the Monarch butterflies is a great family experience, and one of the best day trips from Mexico City. Every year, millions of butterflies travel up to 3,000 miles from Canada and the U.S. to the Oyamel forests in the mountains of Central Mexico, mainly in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This is a natural phenomenon where trees are blanketed in orange and black, showcasing Mexico’s vital role in global biodiversity.
10. The world’s largest underwater museum is in Mexico’s Caribbean waters
Mexico’s MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte) in the Caribbean waters off Cancun and Isla Mujeres combines natural beauty and man-made innovation. These waters are home to the best beaches in Mexico for families and divers alike. This underwater museum has 500 permanent sculptures, submerged to create artificial reefs and promote coral growth. It’s a living, evolving ecosystem where marine life thrives amidst human-made installations. The beauty of MUSA makes it one of the most interesting things about Mexico to discover.
Make Mexico’s fun facts your reality with Holafly
Mexico welcomes millions of visitors annually. While touristy spots might make you hesitate, the fun facts outlined above make Mexico a top vacation choice! Once you’re ready to learn more about Mexico’s fascinating history, a reliable internet connection is essential.
Unlimited data travel eSIMs have revolutionized seamless travel, making it incredibly simple to stay online and connected. Holafly’s eSIM for Mexico provides:
- Unlimited data
- The flexibility to choose the plan that suits you best
- 24/7 customer support
- An easy-to-use app
For as little as $3.69 per day for a 10-day trip to Mexico, you can enjoy unlimited internet and 500 MB of daily hotspot sharing. With a secure data connection, you can use your phone to navigate bustling streets and explore Mexico’s sites and flavors.
If you’re a frequent traveler or digital nomad, consider Holafly Connect instead. It’s a monthly eSIM subscription service, and plans range from 10 GB to unlimited data and hotspot sharing. Prices range from $39.90 to $64.90/month.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
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I’m a communications professional with over 17 years of experience in the social justice sector. Eight years ago, I started working as a freelance content writer and strategist. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the chance to work with a mix of social enterprises, NGOs, government agencies, and corporate clients. I have lived and worked in Australia, Austria, Mexico, and Indonesia. I love crafting content that resonates across cultures and tells a meaningful story.
