Activities for teens in Mexico
By Amy Lambert
Mexico is one of the world´s most popular holiday destinations and it´s easy to see why. As well as having a great climate, beautiful beaches and a vast range of hotel complexes, it also boasts many cultural, sporting and educational activities for all ages. Whether it´s with rest of the family or in their own free time, teenagers will find an abundance of exciting activities in Mexico.
Due to its extensive coastline and warm climate, Mexico is an ideal place for water sports. The Caribbean seas are gentle, around Cancún and the Sea of Cortés, whereas the rougher waves of the Pacific coast make it ideal for surfing. Many hotels and resorts offer all the equipment and facilities needed for youngsters to participate in a range of water sports. Acapulco is particularly well known for water-skiing (the minimum age for this is 16) and wannabe thrill seekers can watch (but not copy!) the famous cliff divers, who leap from stunningly high cliffs into the sea.
If you fancy an activity that´s a little bit more laid back, swimming with dolphins is a very popular activity in the waters of Cancún and Los Cabos, among others. Most places will offer 45 minutes to an hour of swimming with one of the most beautiful and affectionate sea creatures, plus a briefing and life jackets. Plus, for the parents, there is usually a viewing area for them to watch their teenagers enjoy this once in a life time opportunity.
Another coastal activity that attracts many tourists to Mexico and is suitable for teenagers is snorkelling or scuba diving. The coast of Cozumel, in the Mexican Caribbean has the second largest coral reef in the world and is just waiting to be explored! The underwater views through the clear seas are very impressive and you´ll have the chance to observe the natural sea life of the area. Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific coast, is also a popular spot for snorkelling.
Moving onto land and there is yet another wide range of activities for teenagers to take part in. Mountain biking tours will take you on a journey through old mining towns, impressive valleys, ranches and UNESCO sites and horseback riding, whether you have experience or not, can be done on the beach, on a ranch or pretty much wherever you want to explore in Mexico. The pleasant winter climate in Mexico is ideal for such activities. For the very adventurous, Canopy Adventure in Puerto Vallarta offers a truly unique opportunity to explore the treetops of the forests of Mexico, from a height of almost 30 metres! Via a series of zip wires, you´ll journey through the forest canopy, meeting the wildlife that lives there and enjoying spectacular views of the forest.
For teenagers with a thirst for knowledge, there are also many educational activities in Mexico. The remains of the ancient Mayan civilization, such as Chichén Itzá, or the old Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, are fascinating and full of history. Guided tours can be arranged with transport included, meaning that it can be a day out for the whole family, or the teenagers can go alone. These are stunning archaeological finds that reveal thousands of years of American history.
Mexico is also a great place to learn Spanish. There are many language schools across the country, including don Quijote´s Spanish school in Guanajuato, which offer a range of courses that will allow teenagers to improve their Spanish no matter what their previous level is. Courses usually come with excursion and activities included in the schedule and there is the possibility to live with a Mexican family for a truly authentic experience.
And, of course, there are many more exciting activities for teenagers to take part in; as a holiday destination suitable for young people, you really can´t get better than Mexico!
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