10 Quick, Funny, & Random Facts About Mexico: A Solo Female Traveler’s Take!

Hola fellow wanderers! As a solo female traveler, Mexico had always been on my bucket list. The allure of ancient ruins, vibrant culture, delicious tacos (yes, tacos deserve their own category), and colorful cities pulled me in. But let’s be real, there’s way more to Mexico than meets the eye! Buckle up as I take you on a fun ride through some quirky, random, and downright fascinating facts about this beautiful country. You might even learn something you didn’t know!

1. Mexico: The Land of Ancient Civilizations

If you’re into history (or just enjoy walking through Instagram-worthy ruins), Mexico is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations. Think Aztecs, Mayans, and Olmecs. They gave us things like pyramids, chocolate, and… math—thanks for that. Seriously though, the Mayan city of Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. A must-see if you’re hopping around the Yucatán Peninsula!

Quick Tip:

When visiting ruins as a solo traveler, be prepared with water and sunscreen, and don’t forget to haggle with locals selling cool trinkets at the entrance!

Tour recommendation: Chichen Itza Tour Departure from Playa del Carmen

2. Mexico City is Sinking (Literally!)

I was mind-blown when I found out that Mexico City is sinking at an average rate of 10 cm per year. Built on a lake, it’s slowly sinking like a cookie dipped in milk (but less tasty). But don’t worry! The city’s got its charm—imagine vibrant markets, artistic neighborhoods like Coyoacán (shout out to Frida Kahlo!), and street tacos on every corner.

Quick Fact:

Mexico City is not only the capital but also one of the highest capital cities in the world, sitting at 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level. If you’re like me and your fitness levels drop drastically after one taco too many, the altitude can really hit you!

Recommended tours: Mexico City Walking Tours

Must read: Embracing the Mexico City Altitude: A Solo Female Traveler’s Journey

3. Love for Festivals: There’s Always a Party in Mexico

Who knew Mexicans loved to party? (Answer: everyone.) From the colorful Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to La Guelaguetza, there’s always a festival to celebrate. Día de los Muertos isn’t just about honoring the dead—it’s an explosion of color, art, and even skeleton costumes! And for us solo travelers, it’s the perfect time to meet locals, snap those iconic sugar skull pics, and dance the night away.

Random Fact:

In Mexico, they celebrate the dead with more flair than we celebrate the living—talk about life goals!

Tour recommendation: Day of the Dead Tour Packages

4. Tequila’s Hometown: Say Hello to Jalisco!

Did you know that true tequila can only come from the state of Jalisco? As a solo female traveler, I went straight to the source to sip on the good stuff. Jalisco is also home to mariachi music and charros (Mexican cowboys). So, if you’re into tequila shots and dancing (like yours truly), you’ve found your place.

Fun Fact:

Mexicans have a traditional way to drink tequila called la bandera (the flag). It involves three shot glasses—lime juice, tequila, and sangrita (spicy tomato juice). ¡Salud!

Must do: Authentic Mexican Cooking & Tequila tasting experience-Casa Humo

5. Tacos, Tacos Everywhere (But Don’t Call Them Tex-Mex)

Forget what you think you know about tacos—Mexico does them better. The street tacos here are an art form. From al pastor (pork) to carnitas (slow-cooked pork), the flavor explosion is real. And the best part? They’re cheap, fresh, and served up with all kinds of salsas.

Taco Trivia:

Mexicans eat tacos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And here’s the kicker—there are NO taco Tuesdays. Tacos are for every day. You’ve been living a lie!

Must do: Taco Tours in Mexico

6. You Can See Volcanoes… Everywhere

Not to be dramatic, but Mexico has 48 active volcanoes. And yes, some of them make great hiking spots! Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl are two famous ones near Mexico City. I didn’t hike them (let’s be honest, I’m more of a “sit and look at the view” kind of traveler), but the sight of their snow-capped peaks against a sunny sky? Breathtaking!

Fun & Fiery Fact:

Popocatépetl is still active and has erupted more than 15 times since the 1500s. So, maybe don’t get too close?

Hiking tour recommendation: Volcano Hiking Tours

7. Cenotes: Nature’s Hidden Swimming Pools

Who needs a fancy spa when you’ve got Mexico’s cenotes? These natural sinkholes are found mostly in the Yucatán Peninsula, and they’re perfect for a swim after a hot day of exploring. Imagine swimming in crystal-clear water, surrounded by caves. It’s like Mother Nature’s gift to tired solo travelers.

Hidden Gem:

Some cenotes were sacred to the ancient Mayans, believed to be portals to the underworld. A swim in one of these? Talk about an otherworldly experience!

Affiliate Link Suggestion: Cenote Swimming Tours | Waterproof GoPro Camera for Adventure Travelers

• Read more:
  • Best Restaurants, Cenotes, and Nightlife in Tulum, Mexico
    • Discovering Ixtapa Island for Solo Female Travelers

8. Mexican Spanish Has Its Own Flair

Even if you know Spanish, Mexican Spanish might throw you off! Mexicans have their own slang—chido means cool, fresa means snobby, and güey (pronounced like “way”) is used like “dude.” So when chatting with locals, embrace the language quirkiness! If you hear, “No manches, güey!” it’s just them saying, “No way, dude!”

Funny Fact:

Mexicans love to add -ito or -ita to words to make them sound cute. So “perro” (dog) becomes “perrito” (little dog), and “abuelita” means “granny,” but in the most endearing way possible.

9. Frida Kahlo: Mexico’s Iconic Artist

Frida Kahlo is more than just a famous painter; she’s a cultural icon. Her home, La Casa Azul in Mexico City, is now a museum and a must-visit for art lovers. Her unique self-portraits, depicting everything from pain to passion, have inspired women around the world—including me!

Inspirational Fact:

Frida’s life story is as colorful as her paintings. She once said, “Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”

Link to museum tickets: Frida Kahlo Museum Tickets

10. Mexico Has the World’s Smallest Volcano!

Move over, big volcanoes—Mexico also has the world’s smallest volcano, Cuexcomate, standing at just 13 meters (43 feet) tall. Located in Puebla, it’s more of a quirky stop than a hiking challenge. But hey, size doesn’t matter, right?

Random Fun:

You can actually go inside the Cuexcomate volcano (it’s dormant, I promise). How many people can say they’ve done that?

Tour recommendation: Private Day Tour to Puebla City, Cholula & Cuexcomate

Final Thoughts: Viva México!

Mexico is a place that continues to surprise me at every corner—from its ancient history to the vibrant, modern cities. As a solo female traveler, I found Mexico not only safe but also warm and welcoming. And with so much to see, eat, and experience, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never get bored here.

So, whether you’re sipping tequila in Jalisco, exploring ancient ruins, or swimming in a cenote, Mexico’s got your back. And who knows, you might leave with a few more tacos under your belt (I sure did!).

That’s it for now, wanderers! Have you been to Mexico? What’s your favorite fact or memory? Let me know in the comments! 🌮✈️