
Most Adventure Travel is Far From Adventurous
Adventure travel is a term I’ve come to appreciate and question in equal measure. Over the years, I’ve swung through zipline parks, ridden ATVs along dusty well-marked trails, and joined guided tours of cenotes. Fun? Absolutely. But did they feel like true adventures? Not quite.
THE REAL MAGIC – you know what I’m talking about – the kind that leaves you exhilarated and proud of what you’ve accomplished, came when I stepped off the over-touristed adventure paths and into the lesser-known – the more wild.
Contrived Adventure Travel: A Controlled Environment
Let’s start with the kind of adventures that seem exciting on the surface but don’t quite scratch the itch for discovery. Take ziplines, for example. I’ve soared through the network of ziplines at Salvatica in Cancun and while it was fun, it felt like a theme park ride more than an adventure. The guides were professional, the harnesses snug, and the platforms sturdy. It was fun, but I knew exactly what to expect as I waited my turn each time to zip across on the next cable.
Then there was an ATV tour I joined in Durango state. We followed a set trail, stopping at pre-planned photo ops. Sure, the scenery was beautiful, but it was all so controlled. There wasn’t much room to wander or truly immerse myself in the surroundings.
And don’t get me started on the cenote tours in the Yucatán Peninsula. The cenotes themselves are breathtaking, but the all-inclusive tours often strip away the sense of discovery. Everything’s sanitized—from the pathways to the changing rooms. You’re part of a well-oiled machine.
These experiences had their merits, but they didn’t ignite that spark of adventure. They were more like scripted performances where I played the role of a spectator rather than an explorer.

Real Adventure Travel: Immersion and Discovery
Then there are the adventures that stick with you—the ones that push you, surprise you, and leave you marveling at what you’ve just experienced. One of my favorite memories is hiking deep into Veracruz’s jungles with a local villager as my guide. There were no crowds – just dense greenery, the hum of insects, and the occasional hidden waterfall. By the end of the trek, I was sweaty, tired, and completely exhilarated. Knowing I’d ventured somewhere few travelers had ever set foot gave me a sense of accomplishment that no commercialized guided tour could replicate.

Another unforgettable experience was kayaking in the Sea of Cortez. Even though I did go with a local guide, it was really just me, the beautiful clear water, the low hills in the distance, and the inviting warm sun overhead. On my first visit, I did not camp on a secluded sandy beach but I knew I wanted to return again to make that happen. I knew that after a day of paddle exploration and play, camping under a blanket of stars on a beach with the sound of the water gently lapping nearby would complete my connection to this pristine semi-arid region of México.
I also had the privilege of observing Día de los Muertos traditions in several small out-of-the-way towns in Oaxaca and Veracruz state. Unlike the lively, carnival-like atmosphere you’ll find in Oaxaca City, Merida, and México City, this was a deeply personal and sacred experience. Families gathered in cemeteries, lighting candles and sharing stories of their loved ones. The air was thick with the scent of marigolds and copal, and I felt honored to witness something so profound and unfiltered.

And then there was Copper Canyon. Instead of taking the tourist train, I and a few other adventurous souls chose to travel over unpaved rock-strewn roads to witness the grandeur of this canyonland oasis from deep within. Standing at the edge of incredible overlooks as the only humans around and looking out over its vast, rugged beauty, I felt an overwhelming sense of triumph.
It wasn’t just about the destination; it was about the journey and the selfish knowledge that I was one of very few others who have dared to traverse these dusty canyon roads to gain the prize – that of being awestruck as I stood in silence with a handful of friends to witness together this magnificent phenomenon of nature from deep inside one of God’s masterpieces.
The Value of Real Adventure Travel
These real adventures weren’t always convenient or comfortable, but that’s what made them meaningful. They challenged me to adapt, to interact with locals, and to embrace the unpredictability of the moment. Each experience left me with a story that felt truly my own—not one I’d share with scores of others on the same pre-packaged itinerary.

A Call to Intrepid Travelers
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the most rewarding adventures are the ones that take you out of your comfort zone. My advice – Step away from the cookie-cutter experiences and dive into the raw, unpolished beauty of the world. It’s messy, it’s unpredictable, and it’s transformative.
As mountaineer Reinhold Messner once said, “Adventure is not in the guidebook and beauty is not on the map. Seek and you shall find.”
So – Go. Seek out real adventure travel experiences.
In México, I have found a multitude of high adrenaline activities that just about anyone can accomplish, if they dare.
Here are 3 real Mexico adventure travel experiences you can join –
Back Roads of Chihuahua Desert & Canyonlands Tour – 12 Days
Back Roads of Veracruz Tropical Rain Forest, Wildlife & Coastal Villages Tour – 8 Days
Veracruz Outdoor Adventure Tour – 10 Days