Mexico
is full of vibrant traditions, ancient civilisations and everyday
surprises that most travellers never come across. Discover the
cultural quirks, hidden history and little-known facts that reveal a
deeper side of this incredible country.
• Mexico introduced chocolate to the world through ancient Mesoamerican civilisations.
• The world’s smallest volcano — Cuexcomate — is only 13 metres high.
• Mexico City is slowly sinking due to its foundations being built on an ancient lakebed.
• The country experiences frequent earthquakes because it sits on three tectonic plates.
• Mexican jumping beans move because they contain a moth larva reacting to heat.
• Colour television was invented by Mexican engineer Guillermo González Camarena.
• Mexico is home to North America’s first university, founded in 1551.
• Agave cultivation introduced the world to tequila and mezcal.
• Ancient Mesoamericans developed early rubber-processing techniques long before Europe.
• Greetings often involve a handshake or a cheek kiss, even in semi-formal settings.
• Loud or aggressive behaviour is frowned upon in public places.
• It is normal to keep shoes on when entering someone’s home unless told otherwise.
• Drones and tripods are banned in various archaeological zones.
• Frida Kahlo remains one of the most recognised artists on the planet.
• Diego Rivera’s murals shaped global political and social art movements.
• Benito Juárez is celebrated internationally for his major national reforms.
• Filmmakers Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuarón have won multiple Oscars.
• Mexico has 68 officially recognised Indigenous languages.
• The Copper Canyon is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon.
• The country offers dramatic geographical diversity from desert to jungle to coastline.
• Mexico has 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most in the Americas.
• Family is a core cultural pillar, with many multi-generational homes.
• “Sobremesa” — long, relaxed post-meal conversations — is a beloved tradition.
• Many locals dine late, often after 9pm.
• Street markets remain central to daily shopping and social life.
• Day of the Dead honours loved ones with colourful altars and offerings.
• Mexican cuisine is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Telenovelas are a major part of daily entertainment.
• Regional music styles vary widely, from mariachi to son jarocho.
• The Aztecs once ruled from Tenochtitlán, now Mexico City.
• The Maya built sophisticated cities, calendars and astronomical systems.
• The Olmecs, one of the earliest civilisations, are known as the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica.
• The Mexican Revolution reshaped the country’s political and social identity.
• Chichén Itzá is a New Seven Wonder famed for its astronomical precision.
• Las Coloradas is known for its naturally vivid pink lakes.
• Hierve el Agua features mineral formations that resemble frozen waterfalls.
• The Cave of Swallows is one of the deepest open-pit cave shafts in the world.
• Mexico is home to the largest pyramid in the world by volume.
• The country has more than 200 varieties of native chillies.
• Mexico City has more museums than any other city in the Americas.
• Mexico is one of the world’s top producers of high-quality coffee.
• Yucatán cuisine is heavily influenced by ancient Maya traditions.
• The Mexican peso is among the most traded currencies globally.
• Mexico has over 30 active volcanoes.
• Monarch butterflies migrate around 4,500km to overwinter in Mexico.
• Regional slang varies dramatically across states.
• Mexico exports more silver than almost any other nation.
• Tacos differ widely by region, from Baja fish to cochinita pibil.
• The Riviera Maya is one of the world’s most visited coastal destinations.