Mexico is a country full of rich culture, history, and natural beauty, but it also boasts some truly bizarre and offbeat destinations. If you’re seeking unusual experiences, here’s a guide to the weirdest places you can visit in Mexico.
Exploring these weird places in Mexico will take you off the beaten path and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Read here best things to know before visting Mexico and the best Mexico sim card for tourist
Read here Mexican food, vegetarian food in Mexico and Mexican drinks
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Tips for Visiting Weird Places in Mexico
Plan Ahead: Some places, like the Cave of Crystals, are currently closed but can still be explored through exhibits or nearby sites.
Respect Local Legends: Many destinations are steeped in folklore or have spiritual significance to locals.
Bring the Right Gear: Comfortable shoes, swimwear, and cameras are essential for exploring these unusual destinations.
Hire a Guide: Many of these sites, like Las Pozas or Hierve el Agua, are best experienced with knowledgeable guides to explain their history and quirks.
Be Open-Minded: Embrace the unusual and immerse yourself in the magic and mystery of these weird destinations.
Weirdest Places to Visit in Mexico
1. The Island of Dolls (Isla de las Muñecas)
What It Is:
A small island filled with hundreds of decaying dolls hanging from trees, fences, and buildings.
Why It’s Weird:
The dolls were placed by a hermit who believed they appeased the spirit of a girl who drowned nearby. The eerie sight of weather-worn, dismembered dolls creates a haunting atmosphere.
Where:
Xochimilco canals, near Mexico City.
Must-See:
Take a boat ride through the canals and explore the island’s spooky nooks.
2. Las Pozas (The Surrealist Garden of Edward James)
What It Is:
A surrealist sculpture garden built by English poet Edward James, featuring whimsical staircases, gates, and arches amidst the jungle.
Why It’s Weird:
The fantastical architecture seems plucked from a dream and blends seamlessly with the lush jungle.
Where:
Xilitla, San Luis Potosí.
Must-See:
The “Stairway to Heaven” and the massive sculpted flower structures.
3. The Zone of Silence (Zona del Silencio)
What It Is:
A mysterious desert area where radio signals and electronic devices are said to stop working.
Why It’s Weird:
Often compared to the Bermuda Triangle, it’s shrouded in legends of UFO sightings and magnetic anomalies.
Where:
Near Mapimí, Durango.
Must-See:
Visit with a guide to hear local legends and explore the surreal desert landscape.
4. The Mummies of Guanajuato
What It Is:
A museum featuring naturally mummified bodies, many of which were exhumed in the 19th century.
Why It’s Weird:
The mummies’ haunting expressions and the sheer number of preserved remains make this an eerie yet fascinating destination.
Where:
Guanajuato City, Guanajuato.
Must-See:
The most famous mummy, Dr. Remigio Leroy, and the chilling display of infant mummies.
5. Cave of the Crystals (Cueva de los Cristales)
What It Is:
A massive cave filled with some of the largest natural crystals ever discovered, reaching up to 12 meters in length.
Why It’s Weird:
The extreme heat and otherworldly appearance make it feel like stepping onto an alien planet.
Where:
Naica, Chihuahua (currently closed to the public but can be appreciated through exhibits and photos).
Must-See:
Learn about it at nearby museums or exhibitions featuring its discovery.
6. Paricutín Volcano
What It Is:
A volcano that emerged suddenly from a farmer’s field in 1943 and buried two villages under lava.
Why It’s Weird:
You can walk on hardened lava fields and see the ruins of a church partially buried by volcanic ash.
Where:
Near Uruapan, Michoacán.
Must-See:
The church ruins, particularly the steeple protruding from the lava.
7. The Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)
What It Is:
An underwater museum featuring hundreds of sculptures designed to promote coral reef growth.
Why It’s Weird:
The sculptures create a surreal and haunting underwater landscape.
Where:
Cancún, Quintana Roo.
Must-See:
Take a snorkeling or diving tour to view the submerged sculptures.
8. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)
What It Is:
A sacred cave filled with ancient Mayan artifacts and skeletal remains.
Why It’s Weird:
The fully intact skeleton of a young woman, known as the “Crystal Maiden,” sparkles due to calcification.
Where:
Near Belize (close to the Mexican border).
Must-See:
Explore the ceremonial chambers and eerie artifacts.
9. El Trono de Moctezuma (Montezuma’s Throne)
What It Is:
A unique rock formation resembling a throne, surrounded by myths and legends of the Aztec ruler Montezuma.
Why It’s Weird:
Its strange shape and spiritual significance have made it a pilgrimage site for centuries.
Where:
Near Teotihuacan, State of Mexico.
Must-See:
Combine a visit to this site with a tour of the Teotihuacan pyramids.
10. The Tunnels of Puebla
What It Is:
A network of underground tunnels dating back to the 16th century, rediscovered only recently.
Why It’s Weird:
These tunnels were hidden for centuries and are steeped in legends of secret societies and wartime strategies.
Where:
Puebla City, Puebla.
Must-See:
Take a guided tour to explore the restored sections of the tunnels.
11. Hierve el Agua
What It Is:
A set of natural rock formations that resemble cascading waterfalls, created by mineral deposits.
Why It’s Weird:
Despite looking like waterfalls, they’re completely solid rock.
Where:
Oaxaca, Oaxaca.
Must-See:
Swim in the natural infinity pools with breathtaking views of the valley below.
12. The Bridge of God (Puente de Dios)
What It Is:
A natural rock arch over a crystal-clear river surrounded by lush vegetation.
Why It’s Weird:
The ethereal light reflections and the natural cave-like pool create an almost magical atmosphere.
Where:
Tamasopo, San Luis Potosí.
Must-See:
Swim under the natural arch and explore the surrounding waterfalls.
13. The Chapel of Salt (Capilla de Sal)
What It Is:
A chapel carved entirely out of salt, used for religious ceremonies and events.
Why It’s Weird:
The walls, altar, and sculptures are all made from salt, giving the place a surreal, shimmering appearance.
Where:
Zapotitlán Salinas, Puebla.
Must-See:
Attend a local mass or tour the intricate carvings.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.