By Amanda Little
Mexico is a land of diversity and beauty known for a variety of iconic features, ranging from Ancient Mayan Ruins to underground cenotes.
While many people know Mexico for its incredible landscapes, beaches, and cuisine, there's so much more to Mexico.
Curious? Here are some surprising facts about Mexico that may inspire your next trip.
View vacation packages to Mexico (flights, hotel, and more included).
Mexico City is slowly sinking
We'll start off this list of fun facts about Mexico by introducing something interesting about Mexico's capital city: Ciudad de México (Mexico City) Something you might notice when visiting Mexico is the rather unique terrain in the country's capital. In recent decades, researchers have discovered that the city is slowly sinking to the depths of the oceans. Some may say it's a real life modern version of Atlantis.
Mexico City is sinking at a rate of about 10 inches a year as the city pumps water from the lake that supports it. In fact, it has sunk so much that it lost its title as the 7th highest capital city in the world to Yemen and now sits at #8.
As you might be able to guess, one of the primary causes of Mexico City slowly sinking underwater is the country's several water crises within the past few centuries. This, in large part, has to do with the city's system of pulling a majority of its water from underground. The solution? Look for other sources of water – but that has yet to become widely implemented.
This fun fact about Mexico might seem off putting, but as a visitor, it shouldn't be of concern to you. Just be warned that some roads and sidewalks may seem a little… off center.
Mexico is the birthplace of North American print
Long before phones and the internet became commonplace, Mexico was the literature hotspot in all of North America. In 1539, Mexico City was the first place in North America to use the printing press. To this day, the Casa de la Primera Imprenta de América is still open and is now a public exhibit.
Be sure to visit it whenever you're in Mexico City to learn even more interesting facts about Mexico, as the museum has additionally made it a mission to preserve all things related to Mexican culture! You can then boast to your friends about visiting the first ever printing press in North America.
Kids in Mexico don't get presents on Christmas
Did you know that kids in Mexico usually don't get their Christmas gifts until January 6th? This is when Dia de Reyes takes place, otherwise known as "Three Kings Day." The holiday is in honor of the date when the Three Wise Men supposedly gifted Jesus with presents, according to the Christian religion.
In contemporary times, more and more households are now following the tradition of giving gifts to kids on December 24th. This follows other trends in the evolution of Mexican culture as the country continuously implements westernized traditions, as well as more secular holidays.
The world's largest tamal
If you think the portion sizes in the United States are big, think again! One interesting fact about Mexico is that it's the home of the 3-foot long, 150 pound tamal which earned its place on the Guinness World Records. The tamal was made in none other than the city of Villahermosa. The tamal is about 164 feet long and took an incredible amount of ingredients to make. This huge meal apparently took well over $2,600 USD to make, which is just under double the monthly gross income of a middle-class worker in Mexico.
If that scares you away from trying out tamales during your vacation to Mexico, don't let it! This is just a one-off outlier in the world of tamales, and a unique fact about Mexico that really shows the country's devotion to food. You can find all types of tamales around Mexico, usually cheaper than your local fast food restaurant.
Mexico City is the oldest city in North America
Many believe the oldest city in North America is St. Augustine, but Mexico City was actually founded a little over 40 years before it back in 1521. The city was built by the Spaniards on the ancient ruins of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán. Most of what you'll see in contemporary-day Mexico City is largely Spanish-influenced, with heavy traces of U.S. influence as well. Indigenous roots can be seen in certain parts of the city, but have definitely been washed out over the years. However, you can visit museums, bookstores, monuments, and certain small subdivisions to witness the glorious Indigenous roots that this city bases itself on.
Since we're on the topic, here's another Mexico interesting fact that you might have not known: over 50+ indigenous languages are spoken in Mexico City alone!
There are women-only cars in the subway
Safety first! Mexico City has a few subway cars designed for women only. These sections prohibit men from entering in hopes of creating a space that's completely safe for women. Like any large city, Mexico City has its standard crime rate – but to compare, Mexico City is still about as safe as New York City. It even has the reputation as one of the safest places to visit in Mexico. Minors below the age of 12 are also allowed to sit in these sections.
As it seems, female-presenting people are not policed for their gender upon entering the women-only sections. But if you happen to use one of these subway car sections as a gender-nonconforming person, it's still important to remain vigilant. If you need help, check out our transgender travel safety guide for tips on staying safe as a trans person while traveling.
You can snack on crawling critters
A stroll through any market in Mexico can bring you by spiders, grasshoppers, and even scorpions, all up for sale to put on your dinner table. Some find this horrifying, but adventurous foodies can find some excellent grub in these markets, among other crawling things.
If you're not a fan of eating live creatures, Mexico City is one of the best places to find vegan food in Mexico, as the city has followed the global trend of embracing more plant-based food options.
Home of the world's smallest volcano
Mexico is home to the world's smallest volcano! A small-cano, if you will. The Cuexcomate Volcano sits just outside the city of Puebla and stands at a mere 43 feet tall. Compared to Mauna Loa in Hawaii, which stands 13,678 feet tall, this volcano is barely a hill!
If that isn't a good enough height comparison, try this one: Cuexcomate isn't even half the height of the Statue of Liberty. Although this fun fact about Mexico might surprise you, it might intrigue you even more to know that the volcano isn't much of a volcano, but actually a geyser erupted from the ground. The more you know!
Mexico is LGBTQ+ friendly
Same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption are both legal in Mexico! While its strong ties to the Roman Catholic Church made the country lean towards the conservative side, there has been a social shift, and Mexico has even marketed itself as a gay-friendly destination, with Mexico City as a frontrunner. As of 2025, Mexico is ranked #26 on the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries to travel to.
Mexico has near ancient education
What is the oldest university in North America? Many would assume Harvard, but it has nothing on the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City. This dinosaur of a school opened in 1551 as the Royal and Pontifical University of New Spain, but unfortunately, was closed in 1867 during the dictatorship. It re-opened during the revolution, so unlike Harvard it hasn't been open as long, but it has been around longer. Today, it's not just a historic institution but also a modern academic hub, offering everything from science to essay help for students navigating higher education
People forget about Mexican Tarot
Mexican Tarot offers a vibrant and culturally rich interpretation of divination, deeply rooted in Mesoamerican symbolism and artistic traditions. Unlike standard Rider-Waite decks, its imagery often incorporates pre-Hispanic deities, folklore, indigenous flora and fauna, and vibrant color palettes reflecting Mexican muralism and folk art. This unique visual language breathes new life into archetypal meanings, providing a distinct lens through which to explore universal themes of fate, choice, and spiritual growth. You may even see some practioners give a free tarot reading, like Tarotoo, on the street to lure you into their shops.
The cards might feature Aztec or Mayan gods, calaveras, or elements from DÃa de Muertos celebrations, infusing readings with a sense of historical depth and spiritual connection to ancestral wisdom. This cultural specificity allows for a more relatable and resonant experience for those familiar with Mexican heritage, while also offering a fresh, visually captivating perspective for all. The blend of ancient tradition with modern artistic expression makes Mexican Tarot truly one-of-a-kind.
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