Mexico – Where Adventure Travel Never Ends

By Mike Cooney Chief Explorer, Cooney World Adventures

“Aren’t you afraid to travel there?” That’s usually the first question I’m asked when I tell people I’m going to Mexico. And to be honest, it pisses me off every time. That’s when I ask them if they’ve watched the local news lately; they respond with an uncomfortable chuckle as if to say, “Gee, I hadn’t looked at that way.”

Following my dissertation about the country’s natural beauty, its history, and the fact that Mexicans are among the most warm and hospitable people in the world — I’ve been to more than 50 countries, so I have a fairly good frame of reference — I always win them over to adding Mexico to their bucket list.

Sure, we all know about the all-inclusive resorts with their eat-and-party-until-you-drop philosophy. They can be fun too, but in small doses. Then there are the historical relics and temples scattered throughout Mexico that remind us of once mighty civilizations that rivaled Rome, Greece, and all other empires of note. And let’s not forget the culinary delights, which have been exported around the world from Beijing to Boise. But did you know that Mexico is one of the great adventure tourism destinations on the planet?



Everything from soft adventure to full-on adrenaline-fueled sports activities are available throughout many states and regions of Mexico. Some of the more well known include whitewater rafting, rappelling or canyoning, mountain biking, zip lining, sandboarding, hang-gliding, hiking, swimming with whale sharks, mountain climbing, skiing (yes, snow skiing) and much more. The only limitations are your own, and how far you are willing to push the adventure envelope.

For the second year in a row, I was invited to participate in Adventure Travel Mexico (ATMEX), which is sponsored in part by Adventure Travel Trade Association. In addition to several Familiarization (FAMs) tours, there is also a large three-day trade show where virtually every state and many travel tour operators converge to promote their region and adventure-filled itineraries. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Whitewater rafting options range from tubing on a placid river with minor drops to make-sure-your-insurance-is-paid class 5 rapids.  One of the best places to experience whitewater rafting is at Mexico Verde Expeditions, which is located on Rio Pescados northwest of Veracruz. The lodge offers glamping (glamorous camping) accommodations, excellent food, and a variety of adventure activities.



Ymbigapan is a tour company located in San Andrés Tuxtla also not far from Veracruz. They offer customized itineraries for all levels of adventure travel including caving, rappelling, bird watching, horseback riding, and experiencing awe-inspiring waterfalls that are off the beaten path.

Rappelling beside a raging 120-foot waterfall is both exhilarating and a bit unnerving, even for the most devoted adventure-seeker.  First, it requires getting geared-up in a thick wetsuit that’s like putting on a full-body girdle, strapping on a helmet, zip lining across a gorge, crossing a swift moving river on foot to the point where everyone begins the descent to the bottom of the waterfall. The wetsuit serves two purposes: First, it protects against abrasions when coming in contact with the jagged sides of the cliff, and two, it provides some protection against the freezing cold water plummeting to the rocks and deep pool below.




I’ve experienced my fair share of adventure travel, but one of the most exhilarating was riding an ATV on the sand dunes at Playa Chachalcas. The massive dunes come right up to the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico. They are constantly shifting and creating new windswept vistas. Even the powerful ATVs have a hard time cresting some of the huge piles of sand along the beach. Believe me, I know. It took me four
 attempts to conquer a formidable dune that seemed to rise at a 45-degree angle. Once at the top, I was treated to picturesque views of the Gulf’s azure waters and surrounding area.

Mexico offers adventure enthusiasts countless options and locations to experience what they love best. Whether you are new to adventure travel or have lived an adventurer’s life, new and exciting experiences await you in Mexico. What are you waiting for?




Interesting Facts About Mexico

·      Mexico’s official name is Estados Únidos Mexicanos, which translates to United Mexican States.

·      Chocolate, corn and chilies are all originally from Mexico.

·      The first printing press in North America was used in Mexico City in 1539.

·      Chihuahuas are named for a Mexican state.