Thanks to its varied territory that includes the vast Chihuahuan Desert, plains, and the rough peaks of the Sierra Madre Occidental, the state of Chihuahua is a perfect choice for enjoying ecotourism and adventure in Mexico. The largest state of the country, Chihuahua boasts exceptional landscapes that surround its many historical cities and Pueblos Mágicos. If you want to make the most of the territory and get in contact with nature, we suggest you visit these natural wonders.      

• Las Barrancas del Cobre (The Copper Canyon): this breathtaking canyon system is the prime access to the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. One of the best ways to explore the Copper Canyon is aboard El Chepe, a picturesque passengers train running from the Costa Pacifica to the Tierras Altas del Norte de Mexico. The area, whose unexpectedly lush vegetation includes cacti, pines, oaks, and many other species, offers great opportunities to practice rappelling, climbing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching.

• The National Park Basaseachi Waterfall: located within the Barrancas del Cobre, this impressive waterfall is the deepest in Mexico and one of the highest worldwide, boasting lavish vegetation that surrounds its jagged vertical walls.

• The Parque de Aventuras Barrancas del Cobre (Barrancas del Cobre Adventure Park): an unmissable destination for anyone looking for adrenaline and adventure in Mexico, the park is in Posadas Barrancas and is an excellent site for rappelling, zip-lining, hiking, mountain biking, or crossing thrilling suspended bridges surrounded by the majestic scenario of the Copper Canyon.

The diverse nature of the state of Baja California makes it a perfect destination to make the most of the outdoors and enjoy adventure and ecotourism in Mexico. Located in the northwestern part of the country in the California Peninsula, this eclectic state boasts incredible natural wealth and a varied territory encompassing deserts, beaches, valleys, canyons, and forests. If you want to enjoy Baja California’s natural wonders and long for an active vacation, we recommend you visit:  

• El Salto Canyon and Waterfall. This spectacular rock formation situated in Ensenada is one of the deepest in Mexico and is easily reachable from Tijuana and Mexicali. The area is an excellent setting for practicing adventurous outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, climbing, and admiring the scenic waterfalls and breathtaking panoramic views.

• Cuervitos Dunes: located in the quaint town of Algodones, this incredible dunes system has become a popular destination for sandboarding and ATVs drives. The dunes are just a 10 minutes drive from Mexicali.

• Cañón de Guadalupe. Not too far from Mexicali, you will find the evoking landscape of the Guadalupe Canyon, a true oasis nestled in the middle of the desert hosting ravines, palm trees, and a cave system. The area is ideal for camping, climbing, and rappelling.

• Rosarito: renowned for hosting some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, this young sea town facing the Sea of Cortez is a popular destination for surfers. If you prefer quieter activities, you can enjoy diving on the sunken ship Uribe 121, the first artificial reef in the North Pacific Ocean, or visit the nearby Coronado Islands and admire sea lions and many other marine species in their natural habitat.

Besides being a prime beach destination, the state of Baja California Sur offers numerous chances for enjoying nature. Facing the transparent blue waters of the Sea of Cortez, this vibrant state is mostly renowned for its fancy holiday venues in Los Cabos. Baja California Sur’s varied territory offers many chances to enjoy several outdoor and aquatic activities. If you want to practice ecotourism in Mexico and look for unique destinations to get in contact with nature, we suggest you head to:  

• Bahía de Magdalena. With a top location on the Sea of Cortez, this fascinating bay is ideal for swimming and other water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and sportfishing. If you visit in the first part of the year, you can also have the unique chance to watch gray whales.

• Estero San José del Cabo: located in the eponymous municipality in Los Cabos, this extensive natural oasis in the desert is the refuge of hundreds of fauna species and can be visited on foot or by water on a kayak.

• Los Cabos beaches: besides Cabo San Lucas’ iconic Arch and three adjacent beaches (Playa del Amor, Playa de Los Amantes, Playa del Divorcio), Los Cabos offers numerous stretches of coasts where you can indulge in the sun. Swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and even whale watching are just some of the options the town offers.

By far one of the most exciting adventure tourism and ecotourism destinations in Mexico, the state of San Luis Potosí is a true paradise for nature lovers. Located in the Bajío region, it is characterized by the lush landscape of the Huasteca Potosina, whose lagoons, forests, rivers, cave systems, and canyons make it the ideal setting for an adventurous vacation. Its vast territory offers infinite opportunities for rafting, zip-lining, hiking, rappelling, kayaking or simply feeling one with nature. Among the top locations you can visit in the state of San Luis Potosí, we recommend you:  

• Minas Viejas (Old Mines Waterfall) and Micos Waterfalls. Both located in Ciudad Valles, these natural wonders are worth being seen for the spectacular panorama they offer. Adventure tourists can get thrilled by rappelling and rafting, while travelers seeking a more relaxed immersion into nature, can enjoy camping in the area.

• Xilitla: San Luis Potosí’s most mysterious Pueblo Mágico combines the alluring charm of surrealist art with the spectacular tropical location. Visit Las Pozas, also known as Edward James Surreal Garden, set in the middle of the jungle. Before leaving, explore the nearby Grottoes de Xilo and Xilitla, and admire their peculiar formations of stalactites, stalagmites and stalagnatos, and cave paintings.

Chiapas is one of the best locations to enjoy adventure and ecotourism in Mexico. Boasting four fascinating Pueblos Mágicos, incredibly well-preserved historical towns, and some of the country’s most important archeological sites, this southern Mexico's green state features impressive nature and scenic landscapes. Its natural wonders include luxurious forests that conceal the secrets of the Mayan civilization, rivers, lagoons, beaches, and natural reserves. Sport and outdoors lovers will find infinite opportunities for exploring the Lacandon jungle, rappelling, caving, swimming, and enjoying the country’s national preserves. During your visit to Chiapas, we suggest you include in your destinations list:  

• The Parque Nacional Cañón del Sumidero (Sumidero Canyon National Park): located not too far from Tuxtla Gutiérrez and the Magical Town of Chiapa de Corzo, it is one of the most majestic natural parks in Mexico. Immersed in an evoking scenario made of imposing rock formations, lush forests, and clear waters, this area is ideal for rafting, hiking, zip-lining, climbing, rappelling, and exploring unique sceneries.

• Sima de las Cotorras Ecotourism Center: just one hour from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, you can find this famous natural wonder, a chasm opens to the outside through a long vertical tunnel, housing a colony of thousands of green parrots. Besides admiring the birds descending and spiraling up to the surface again, you can enjoy the adventure by rappelling and hiking.

• The waterfalls and nature around Palenque. Chiapas third Pueblo Mágico is a renowned archeological site and is surrounded by astonishing nature. Make sure you head to beautiful Agua Azul and Cascadas de Misol Ha waterfalls and the Ecoparque Aluxes (Aluxes Ecopark), where you can practice outdoor activities and admire the autochthone preserved fauna.

Located in the country's southern region, the lively state of Veracruz has all to offer to enjoy an adventurous vacation in Mexico. A prime ecotourism destination, Veracruz’s territory features natural gems ranging from mountains and forests to the beautiful beaches in Heroica Veracruz and Tuxpan. The state’s varied geography will allow you to discover incredible rocky landscapes, the natural wealth of the Huasteca Veracruzana that encompasses mangroves, forests, beaches, and several nature preserves. If you look for the best locations for ecotourism in Mexico, Veracruz will not disappoint you. During your stay we recommend you visit:  

• El Parque Ecológico Paso Coyol: situated in the proximity of Córdoba, it is one of the most visited natural parks in Mexico. Its extensive area offers great opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain bike riding, zip-lining, rappelling, and climbing, and admire the scenic landscape of the Barranca del Río.

• Pico de Orizaba: the iconic Citlaltepetl volcano, known as the Pico de Orizaba, is a top destination for climbers and mountain lovers. It can be accessed by the Pueblos Mágicos of Orizaba and Coscomatepec and is part of the Parque Nacional Pico de Orizaba (Pico de Orizaba National Park). This natural preserve also offers many options for hiking, mountain biking, and admiring the impressive landscape.

The wealthiest and largest state in northeastern Mexico, Nuevo León is the quintessential destination for mountain enthusiasts. The imposing panorama of the Sierra Madre Oriental dominates the landscape of this fascinating state. The iconic Cerro de la Silla, the hallmark of Monterrey’s skyline, was designated a natural monument by the Mexican government and is perfect for practicing camping, hiking, and climbing. Among the top-rated destinations for ecotourism in Mexico, Nuevo León’s territory is mostly rocky, with peaks reaching 2000 meters and extensive valleys in between the mountains. If you are up to an active vacation, make sure you do not miss:  

• Cañón del Chipitín (Chipitín Canyon): this canyon system is heaven for adventurous travelers, who can enjoy many outdoor sports and activities such as zip-lining, rafting, rappelling, and admiring the beautiful homonymous waterfall.

• Grutas de García (Garcia Grottoes). Located a few kilometers from Monterrey, this alluring cave system is the second largest in the world, and a great option for a day trip.

• Cerro de la Silla: Monterrey’s most famous mountain counts four peaks ideal for climbers and hikers of all levels. From the top of the Cerro, you can appreciate the most scenic view of Monterrey.

• Bustamante: in the proximity of this fascinating Pueblo Mágico you will find endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and adventure. El Cañón de Bustamante and the cave system Grutas de Palmito are only some of the natural wonders you can discover here.

The fascinating state of Querétaro is another great option if you look for an exceptional destination where to enjoy ecotourism in Mexico. Nestled in the center of the Bajío region, Querétaro is rich in cultural and natural wonders that include historical colonial cities, Pueblos Mágicos, archeological sites, and some of the most beautiful and peculiar natural parks in Mexico. During your stay visit the Reserva de la Biósfera Sierra Gorda (Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve), a popular ecotourism destination ideal for camping, mountain biking, climbing, and hiking. Other unmissable halts while discovering Querétaro include:  

• The Peña de Bernal: the third largest monolith in the world is the perfect destination for climbers and mountaineering enthusiasts. Located in the Magical Town of Bernal, this imposing rock is a sacred site for the Otomí-Chichimeca community. The best way to explore it is by hiking, climbing it, or on a safari truck.

• Cadereyta de Montes and the Sierra Gorda: this Querétaro’s Magical Town enjoys privileged access to the state’s mountain system. The Sierra Gorda’s amazing landscapes are the ideal setting for being in touch with nature. Admire the breathtaking Cascada Velo de Novia (Bride’s veil Waterfall) and enjoy hiking to the Los Piñones and La Esperanza grottos.

With a landscape dominated by the vast Chihuahuan desert and delimited on the eastern side by the mountains and forests of the Sierra Madre Oriental, the state of Coahuila is among the most surprising destinations for adventure and ecotourism in Mexico. Located in the country’s northeastern region, the Mexican Republic’s third-largest country boasts immeasurable natural, cultural and historical richness. Counting seven Pueblos Mágicos and natural wonders of immense value such as Cuatro Ciénegas Biosphere Reserve, Coahuila offers several ways to make the most of its territory and outdoors. Our favorite natural attractions in Coahuila include:  

• The Cuatro Ciénegas Biosphere Reserve: this is among the most precious natural parks in Mexico and is the ultimate destination for nature lovers. You can enjoy camping, rappelling, diving, and mountain biking, or simply exploring the preserve’s territory and admire its biodiversity. Cuatro Ciénegas can be easily reached from Saltillo, Torreón, and Monclova.

• Poza Azul: you can find this crystalline natural pool is inside the Cuatro Ciénegas Biosphere Reserve. Admire its turquoise waters that are inhabited by the first type of organism that originated on Earth.

• Arteaga: nicknamed The Mexican Switzerland for its rocky landscape, this quaint Magical Town is an ideal destination for skiing, horseback riding or cycling, or hiking.

Sonora has a varied territory that ranges from the vast landscapes of the Sonoran deserts to the peaks of the Sierra Madre Occidental and the gorgeous sandy beaches facing the Gulf of California. Situated in northwestern Mexico and bordered by the state of Sinaloa, it is one of the most eclectic destinations for enjoying ecotourism in Mexico. This multifaceted state offers many chances to make the most of its landscapes. Some of our favorite activities to practice in Sonora are:  

• Aquatic sports. Sonora’s diverse geography includes some of the most scenic stretches of coast on the Sea of Cortez. Scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, and swimming are only a few of the choices you have in popular sea locations such as the quaint fisherman town Bahía de Kino (Kino Bay).

• Explore Isla Tiburón: this Sonoran jewel is not too far from Hermosillo and is a natural reserve and part of the Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Islas del Golfo de California (Gulf of California Islands Flora and Fauna Protection Area). The island hosts a variety of animal and plant species and is a superb option for ecotourism enthusiasts.

• Sandboarding: this unconventional sport is becoming more and more popular in Mexico. In Sonora, you can get an adrenaline thrill by surfing the golden dunes of the area around Puerto Peñasco and in San Nicolás beach, near Hermosillo.