Football, the great popular sport
In Mexico, soccer is THE national sport. The dream of every Mexican child is to one day win the Football World Cup! In fact, every four years, most company employees interrupt their work to watch the matches of the national team, the Tricolor (or Tri). When this isn't possible, there's always someone to set up a screen in the office so you don't miss the show. Although they have never lifted the World Cup, Mexico can boast some excellent footballers, including Hugo Sánchez, Jorge Campos, Rafael Márquez, one of the few players in the world to have played in five World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018), Javier Hernández "Chicharito" and Giovani Dos Santos. The new generation, launched at the 2018 World Cup, looked promising despite being eliminated in the Round of 8 by Brazil (2-0 defeat). Unfortunately, they didn't even make it past the first round at the 2022 edition.
At local level, matches follow one another at a frenetic pace, with no less than two championships taking place in the course of a calendar year, each followed by a play-off phase, the famous knockout matches that unleash passions throughout Mexico. The most popular club is undoubtedly Chivas de Guadalajara, which has the distinction of fielding only Mexican players, thus playing on the patriotic fibre. Along with Club América (owned by audiovisual giant Televisa), they have won the most national titles. Their clashes mark the highlights of every season, although we mustn't forget the famous Pumas (club of UNAM, Mexico City's leading university), FC Monterrey (winners of the North American Champions League in 2019 and 2021) or Tigres de Monterrey (winners of the North American Champions League in 2020), the club where former Marseille player André-Pierre Gignac has become an idol, and which contested the Club World Cup final in February 2021 against Bayern Munich (1-0 defeat). Clubs that see their stands tremble every time their protégés take to the field. Watch out, eyes and ears, chants and grandiose tifos guaranteed!
Traditional sports, the real folklore
Lucha libre. Lucha libre is a colorful form of wrestling. More technical than physical (unlike American wrestling), the spectacle takes place both in the ring and in the hall, where the audience is one of the main players. By creating a thunderous din of shouting, booing, whistling and cheering, the spectators become the protagonists of this battle between "good" and "evil", represented by the various wrestlers. While it's always the representative of "good" who wins, the wrestlers ( luchadores) and their colorful masks (always deliciously kitsch), mostly from poor neighborhoods or regions, set an example for young people and are often elevated to the rank of heroes, or even demigods (like the famous Blue Demon, El Santo, El Hijo Del Santo, etc.). A show that's part sport, part theater, and a must-see if you ever get the chance to see it, at theArena México for example!
Charreadas. Charreadas are the famous Mexican rodeo. The aim is to demonstrate the skills of both rider and mount. One of the tests is to stop the horse at a gallop on a line marked on the ground. The most impressive event is the one in which the rider has to bring down a small bull by wrapping a rope around its legs. Unlike American rodeos, there are no financial rewards. Only glory is promised to the winner, who is always an amateur.
Cockfights. Rooster fights(peleas in Gallo) are still held all over the country. Whatever one thinks of them, these cruel fights often unleash passions and are the object of numerous bets.
Underwater, the big show
In Mexico, a world of silence awaits scuba diving enthusiasts. There are two major sites to choose from: the Caribbean Sea, opposite the beaches of the state of Quintana Roo and around the island of Cozumel, in the middle of the world's second largest coral reef, and the Sea of Cortés in Baja California (Isla Espíritu Santo, Loreto, Cabo Pulmo). Other minor sites include the Pacific coast and the Gulf of Mexico. Freshwater diving should not be overlooked either: Laguna de la Media Luna (Rio Verde, San Luis Potosi), open cenotes and lagoons near the Lagunas de Montebello (Chiapas). Diving in the many cenotes and underground rivers of the Yucatán Peninsula (Quintana Roo, from Tulum to Puerto Morelos) is a magnificent experience, but only for experienced divers.
On the water, too, we'll be working hard!
Canyons, cenotes, lagoons - there are plenty of options for enjoying water sports inland.
Kayaking. If you're in Tulum, don't miss out on a kayak trip at dusk to the lagoons of the Reserva de Sian Ka'an, where the colors of the water and sky come together; discovering the Laguna de Bacalar is also ideal in this way. As for sea kayaking, which is much more demanding, the sites of La Paz and Loreto (Baja California) are ideal for discovering the islands on expeditions lasting several days. You can even reach Loreto from La Paz along the coast.
Rafting. The best areas for rafting and other water sports are Huasteca Potosina, in the state of San Lus Potosí, and throughout the state of Veracruz. Quiet river descents are also possible, though not necessarily in the midst of infernal turbulence, as at the Arco del Tiempo in Chiapas.
Canyoning. This involves venturing into canyons and descending riverbeds on foot, abseiling or jumping over waterfalls. Head for the Matacanes canyon (Santiago, not far from Monterrey) or those discovered in the Agua Selva region (Tabasco). For these activities, remember to bring water shoes with non-slip soles.
On land too, adventure is on the agenda
In Mexico, sports enthusiasts can enjoy themselves on or under the water, but also inland, where hikers and mountain bikers will find choice spots.
Hiking. Mexico has thousands of beautiful places to go hiking, whether for a few hours or several days. Wherever you go, we strongly recommend that you be guided by locals and people with a good knowledge of the area and terrain. This is particularly true of the Pueblos Mancomunados de la Sierra Norte de Oaxaca, which offer well-organized multi-day excursions (camping, village huts) in these magnificent mountain landscapes. There's also the Sierra de la Laguna traverse (Baja California Sur), a four-day trek that takes you to the top of a peak offering a panoramic view of the cape where the waters of the Sea of Cortes meet those of the Pacific Ocean. You'll also find breathtaking walks in the famous Barrancas del Cobre de Chihuahua, where you can also practice mountain running with the Tarahumaras.
Cycling and mountain biking. There are a few enthusiasts who cross Mexico's roads by bike: the descent of Baja California, a region renowned for its safety, is a formidable adventure. Many places, especially in the mountains, also rent out mountain bikes for exploring the surrounding area, as in the city of Oaxaca. The Barrancas del Cobre in Chihuahua also offer a wide range of mountain-biking activities. The Pueblos Mancomunados de la Sierra Norte de Oaxaca also offer long-distance routes, enabling you to visit numerous sites without ever returning to the same place. Thrills guaranteed!
Attacking the walls
In Mexico, rock-climbing and mountaineering enthusiasts can also enjoy themselves on numerous rock faces all over the country.
Experienced climbers should not miss the Huasteca Canyon in the state of Nuevo León. This superb canyon features cliffs over 300 m high and almost 180 climbing routes. Other areas in the north of the country (Chihuahua) are ideal for this sport. More centrally, the Peña de Berna, in the state of Querétaro, is also a magnificent climbing site. In the village of Mineral del Chico (Hidalgo), a well-designed via ferrata leads up to a rocky peak.
For experienced mountaineers, the must-see site is the Iztaccíhuatl volcano, on the border between the states of Puebla and Mexico. Another possible destination is the Orizaba peak, 5,610 m high.
Abseiling, the poor relation of climbing, is also increasingly practised in Mexico, particularly in magnificent caverns and chasms. Difficulties vary enormously, from 100-metre vertical descents in chasms (Cima de Las Cotorras near Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas), to more leisurely descents of five- or ten-metre-high waterfalls (Reserva Ecologica Villa Luz, Tabasco).
Mexico from the air
Enjoy the Mexican landscape as you soar over some of the country's most popular spots!
Paragliding. Paragliding can be practised under safe conditions in Valle del Bravo (2 hours from Mexico City) or in the village of Tapalpa (2 hours from Guadalajara). Panoramic views and unique memories guaranteed!
Parachuting. A sport with a dangerous reputation, parachuting nonetheless offers unique sensations and is mostly practised along the coast in very touristy areas, such as Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca) and Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo).
