Adventurous Honeymoons In Mexico

These days, getting action on your honeymoon is just as likely to happen beyond the “Do Not Disturb” sign. Activities such as hiking, sailing and horseback riding not only get the heart pumping, they also showcase a destination’s gorgeous setting. In Mexico, you and your lover can go full steam or ease into the outdoor scene via soft-adventure options at some of the most scenic spots around the country. Get wet on snorkel or sailing trips or work up a healthy sweat on horseback or hiking treks on these fabulous adventures south of the border.

Photo Credit: Capella Pedregal/ Robert Reck

Go Snorkeling in the Yucatan

Scuba divers tend to deride snorkeling as a poor cousin of their deep-sea sport. But in the Yucatan, Mexico’s popular east coast peninsula, you can dive into some pretty extreme adventures with just a mask, snorkel and fins. Right off the coast of the number seven-shaped land mass is the world’s second-longest barrier reef (after the one in Australia), a magical underwater world that can easily be explored by snorkel on day trips from Cancun, Cozumel or the Riviera Maya. Isla Holbox (pronounced “hole-bosh”) off the peninsula’s northern coast affords a rare opportunity to snorkel with those gentle denizens of the deep—giant whale sharks.

But the region’s most extreme snorkeling is actually found inland. A giant system of subterranean rivers and sinkholes called cenotes offer a whole different type of underwater adventure. Buried deep beneath the jungle, these sunken caves are decorated with hanging stalactites and submerged stalagmites and inhabited by creatures (fish, bats, insects, oh my!) that rarely see the light of day. Here and there are ancient Mayan shrines or the remains of long-ago sacrificial victims. Hidden Worlds offers several underground snorkeling tours including one that combines with their jungle zipline. The romantic El Dorado Seaside Suites near Akumal, perched on a white-sand strand offers some good snorkeling just offshore. The adults-only, 282-room resort is decorated in slick modern Mexican style featuring large soaking tubs, hammocks and king beds draped in sheer linens in the spacious guest rooms. The oceanfront honeymoon suites flaunt private pools, as well as complimentary champagne and intimate beach beds for two (room rates start at $376 a night, all-inclusive; eldoradosparesorts.com).

Photo Credit: Karisma Hotels & Resorts

Go Horseback Riding in Jalisco

Mexico is the home of caballero, the original North American cowboy, as well as the hacienda, the original cattle ranch. And from lariat and chaps to buckaroo and bronco, many of our own ranching and riding terms are derived from the Spanish language. Equestrian culture still thrives south of the border, especially in the rugged state of Jalisco, which is set between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta in the west. Couples can take off on day rides away from their beach resort or ride into the sunset on multi-day horse treks into the rugged and picturesque backcountry.

Vancouver-based Hidden Trails offers a weeklong Five Haciendas Ride through the “land of tequila and charros” in central Jalisco. Based at the Hacienda Sepulveda boutique hotel, riders spend the day exploring five historic ranches in the area, with a chance to participate in work activities and interact with the local vaqueros (cowboys). Trail rides take in rolling hills, mountains and the awesome Alcazar Canyon.

Photo Courtesy of Hacienda Sepulveda

Alternatively, you can book an independent stay at the Hacienda Sepulveda Hotel & Spa and choose your horseback riding à la carte. Equestrian options range from four- to five-hour trail and hacienda rides to a day on a working ranch. Back at the homestead, indulge in the Sepulveda’s luxury spa and wellness center, where the menu includes chocolate wraps, red-wine therapies and leg re-energizers for those who are a little stiff from the saddle. The 17th-century rooms are romantically decorated with gilt mirrors, sturdy wooden furniture and Mexican folk art. Located in a former bar, the hacienda restaurant serves up traditional Mexican dishes nd locally made primo tequila (room rates start at $207 a night; haciendasepulveda.com.mx).

Photo Courtesy of Mexico Boutique Hotels

Go Sailing in Los Cabos

Down at the bottom end of Baja on the Pacific Ocean, the Cabo region offers excellent sailing conditions. Blue skies, a steady breeze and a combination of sheltered bays and the open ocean make this desert-like coastal area a paradise for those who like to frolic beneath the mast. And sailing here easily combines with other activities like the whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling and sunset cruises.

Based at the Cabo San Lucas marina, Cabo Sails offers three-hour private tours with a bilingual crew and plenty of goodies onboard including appetizers, cold Pacifico beer, premium tequila and other spirits on modern yachts. Sushi platters are on offer during the sunset cruises. You can also request flowers, strawberries, champagne and mariachis on the dock. Sailing tours can bring you to Pelican’s Rock for awesome snorkeling, the sea lion colony around Finisterra Rocky Point and past Cabo’s most photographed landmark— El Arco—a rock formation that juts out from the sea.

Photo Credit: Cabo Sails

Capella Pedregal located near Cabo San Lucas boasts its own marina and a small armada of wind- and motor-powered boats perfect for sportfishing, snorkeling or kayaking at secluded spots around the peninsula. Back on shore, the resort’s striking rooms blend Southwest desert architecture with modern amenities like widescreen TV, wireless Internet, a private plunge pool and a telescope for evening stargazing. There are also three restaurants, a spa and golf course (room rates start at $525 a night; capellahotels.com).

Go Hiking in Copper Canyon

Mexico’s version of the Grand Canyon, the Barranca del Cobre is a network of six massive canyons that merge together in the mountains of western Chihuahua. Most visitors reach the canyon’s western rim via the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico, a romantic railroad line that runs between Chihuahua City and Los Mochis on the Sea of Cortez. Hop off the train at one of the villages along the rim for numerous trails and hiking opportunities. Perched at around 8,000 feet (a similar height to the Grand Canyon’s north rim), the higher areas boast gorgeous pine forests. Trails descending into the canyons meander through chaparral and desert scenery to secluded Tarahumara Indian villages.

The spectacular Posada Barrancas Mirador near the town of Creel literally hangs over the canyon edge. Each of the 65 rooms and suites boasts a private balcony for sunrise and sunset views, al fresco romance or spectacular birdwatching. The Pueblo-style architecture is heavily influenced by Tarahumara design, featuring colorful bedspreads and drapes, wicker furniture and locally produced baskets and pottery. The front desk offers plenty of advice on local hiking, including the 12-mile trek to the Urique River in the canyon bottom (which can also be done as an overnight trip) and the five-mile round-trip to the famous Divisadero Overlook (room rates start at $192 a night; hotelsbalderrama.com).