Mexico Travel Trivia Quiz: How Much Of A Mexico Expert are you?
Ready to test your knowledge of Mexico with this travel trivia? Check out these 101 Questions, count how many answers you know, and insert the results in the
Mexico is a country bursting with history, color, and incredible diversity. From ancient pyramids hidden in the jungle to colonial cities filled with silver and song, every corner of the country tells a story. Itโs the birthplace of chocolate, tequila, mariachi, and some of the worldโs most vibrant festivals โ yet thereโs always more to discover beyond the clichรฉs.
This quiz is your chance to test just how much you really know about Mexico. With 101 questions covering geography, history, culture, food, and traditions, youโll explore everything from the mighty Aztec and Maya civilizations to modern-day cities and natural wonders.
Whether youโre Mexican at heart, planning your first trip, or just curious about the countryโs rich culture, this is a fun way to challenge yourself and maybe even learn a few surprising facts along the way.
How much of a Mexico expert are you? ๐ฒ๐ฝ You can use the included links to expand your knowledge with my detailed guides.
TIP– If you don’t want to see the answers and check your knowledge use the Table of Contents first to read the questions. Also you can find a fun test result calculator at the end of the quizzes to check you how did.
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Mexico Travel Trivial Quizzes
1. What is the capital city of Mexico?
The capital is Mexico City, one of the largest urban areas in the world, with over 22 million people in the metropolitan area. It sits at 2,240 meters (7,350 ft) above sea level in the Valley of Mexico.
2. Which ancient civilization built Teotihuacรกn?
Teotihuacรกn was built by an unknown culture around 100 BCE, long before the arrival of the Aztecs. The Aztecs later named it the โCity of the Gods.โ At its peak, it housed over 100,000 people.
3. What is the largest pyramid in Mexico by volume?
The Great Pyramid of Cholula, in Puebla, is the worldโs largest pyramid by volume. It measures 450 by 450 meters (1,480 x 1,480 ft) at the base and 66 meters (217 ft) tall.
4. Which Mexican holiday is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd?
The Day of the Dead (Dรญa de los Muertos) honors deceased loved ones with altars, flowers, and food offerings. Recognized by UNESCO, it blends indigenous beliefs with Catholic traditions.
5. What peninsula is home to Cancรบn and Tulum?
The Yucatรกn Peninsula, separating the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea, is known for its beaches, cenotes, and Mayan ruins. It includes the states of Yucatรกn, Quintana Roo, and Campeche.
6. Which desert in northern Mexico is one of the largest in North America?
The Chihuahuan Desert covers about 362,000 kmยฒ (140,000 sq mi), stretching into the U.S. It is known for unique flora like the agave and creosote bush.
7. What is Mexicoโs official currency?
The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, symbol: $). It is subdivided into 100 centavos. The peso is one of the most traded currencies worldwide.
The Mexican peso is theย 16th most traded currency in the world, the third most traded currency from the Americas (after the United States dollar and Canadian dollar), and the most traded currency from Latin America
8. Which Mexican artist is famous for her self-portraits?
Frida Kahlo is one of Mexicoโs most iconic artists, known for her surreal, deeply personal paintings. Her home, La Casa Azul, is now a museum in Coyoacรกn, Mexico City.
9. What is the highest volcano in Mexico?
Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltรฉpetl) is Mexicoโs tallest peak at 5,636 meters (18,491 ft). It is also the third-highest mountain in North America, after Denali (Alaska, US) and Mount Logan (Yukon, Canada).
10. Which UNESCO World Heritage city is nicknamed the โSilver Cityโ?
Zacatecas, founded in 1546, became rich due to silver mining. Its colonial architecture, pink-stone cathedral, and surrounding hills earned it UNESCO status in 1993.
11. What Mexican food is recognized as UNESCO Intangible Heritage?
Traditional Mexican cuisine (especially from Michoacรกn) was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. Staples include maize, beans, and chili peppers, with dishes like tamales, tortillas, and mole.
12. Which state in Mexico is famous for tequila production?
Jalisco is the birthplace of tequila, made from blue agave. The town of Tequila, near Guadalajara, is surrounded by UNESCO-recognized agave fields.
13. What is the name of the Mayan city with the pyramid โEl Castilloโ?
Chichรฉn Itzรก, in Yucatรกn, features the Pyramid of Kukulcรกn (โEl Castilloโ), which is 30 meters (98 ft) tall. During equinoxes, the play of light and shadow creates the illusion of a serpent descending the stairs.
14. What is the largest state in Mexico by area?
Chihuahua is the largest Mexican state, covering about 247,000 kmยฒ (95,000 sq mi). It is larger than the United Kingdom.
15. Which Mexican city hosts the largest carnival?
Mazatlรกn, in Sinaloa, celebrates one of the worldโs largest carnivals each February with parades, concerts, and fireworks. The tradition dates back to the 19th century.
16. What ocean borders Mexico to the west?
The Pacific Ocean borders Mexico along more than 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles) of coastline, from Baja California to Chiapas.
17. What is the name of Mexicoโs longest river?
The Rรญo Bravo del Norte (Rio Grande) runs about 3,051 km (1,896 mi) from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico, forming part of the U.S.โMexico border.
18. Which Mexican city is the birthplace of mariachi music?
Guadalajara, in Jalisco, is considered the birthplace of mariachi. The genre combines violins, trumpets, and guitars and is now recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage.
19. What is the national sport of Mexico?
Charrerรญa, a rodeo-like equestrian tradition, is Mexicoโs national sport. It involves horse riding, roping, and other skills derived from ranching practices.
20. What is the meaning of the eagle on Mexicoโs flag?
It depicts an eagle devouring a snake on a cactus, a scene from the Aztec founding myth of Tenochtitlรกn, symbolizing strength, resilience, and the sacred roots of Mexico City.
21. What is Mexicoโs most visited archaeological site?
Teotihuacรกn is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico, with its massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon attracting millions of visitors each year.
22. Which mountain range runs through central Mexico?
The Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental flank central Mexico, while the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt crosses the middle, containing many of the countryโs active volcanoes.
23. What is the most populous city in Mexico?
Mexico City is the most populous, with about 22 million people in the metro area, making it one of the largest cities in the world.
24. Which Mexican beach town is nicknamed the โPearl of the Pacificโ?
Mazatlรกn, in Sinaloa, earned this name for its golden beaches, fishing industry, and colonial architecture.
25. What is the largest indigenous group in Mexico?
The Nahuas, descendants of the Aztecs, are the largest group, with over 2 million speakers of the Nahuatl language.
26. Which Mexican city is famous for its Day of the Dead parades?
Mexico City hosts grand Day of the Dead parades, especially after being featured in the James Bond film Spectre.
27. What is the official language of Mexico?
Spanish is the official language, but Mexico recognizes 68 national languages, including Nahuatl, Maya, Mixtec, and Zapotec.
28. Which Mexican state is home to Copper Canyon?
Chihuahua is home to the Copper Canyon system, a network of six canyons larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon in some parts.
29. What Mexican port city was crucial during the Spanish conquest?
Veracruz, founded in 1519 by Hernรกn Cortรฉs, became Spainโs main port for trade and conquest in New Spain.
30. Which ancient civilization built Monte Albรกn?
The Zapotecs built Monte Albรกn around 500 BCE in Oaxaca. It was one of the earliest planned cities in Mesoamerica.
31. What peninsula is home to the ancient city of Chichรฉn Itzรก?
The Yucatรกn Peninsula, home to the Maya civilization, holds Chichรฉn Itzรก and other major archaeological sites.
32. Which Mexican state is famous for chocolate’s origins?
Tabasco is where cacao was first cultivated by the Olmecs over 3,000 years ago, later used by the Maya and Aztecs.
33. What is the most important Catholic shrine in Mexico?
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, one of the worldโs most visited Catholic shrines, honors Mexicoโs patron saint.
34. Which sea borders Mexico to the east?
The Caribbean Sea borders Mexicoโs Yucatรกn Peninsula, home to Cancรบn, Cozumel, and Riviera Maya.
35. What is the second-largest city in Mexico?
Guadalajara, in Jalisco, is Mexicoโs second-largest city, with over 5 million people in its metro area.
36. Which Mexican painter was married to Diego Rivera?
Frida Kahlo was married to muralist Diego Rivera. Their tumultuous marriage is part of Mexican cultural history.
37. What is the official name of Mexico (in Spanish)?
The official name is Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United Mexican States).
38. Which Mexican island is known for scuba diving and coral reefs?
Cozumel, off the Yucatรกn Peninsula, is famous for its reefs, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.
39. What is the national flower of Mexico?
The Dahlia was declared Mexicoโs national flower in 1963, native to the highlands of central Mexico.
40. Which Mexican state is famous for mole sauce?
Oaxaca is considered the land of mole, with seven traditional varieties, the most famous being mole negro.
41. What is the busiest airport in Mexico?
Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is the busiest, handling over 46 million passengers annually.
42. What is the largest lake in Mexico?
Lake Chapala, in Jalisco, covers 1,100 kmยฒ (420 sq mi) and provides water to Guadalajara.
43. Which city hosted the 1968 Summer Olympics?
Mexico City hosted the 1968 Games, the first Olympics held in Latin America.
44. What was the Aztec capital city before Spanish conquest?
Tenochtitlรกn, founded in 1325, stood on Lake Texcoco. Today, it is the site of Mexico City.
45. Which Mexican state is famous for mezcal production?
Oaxaca is the heart of mezcal production, made from agave plants roasted underground.
46. What Mexican island was a pirate hideout in the 17th century?
Isla Mujeres, near Cancรบn, was once a haven for pirates like Jean Lafitte.
47. Which Mexican peninsula separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean?
The Yucatรกn Peninsula divides the Gulf and Caribbean, stretching into Belize and Guatemala.
48. Which Mexican city is called โThe City of Palacesโ?
Mexico City earned this name for its abundance of grand colonial palaces and mansions.
49. What is Mexicoโs national dish?
Mexico has two dishes widely considered its national dishes:ย Mole Poblano, a complex and rich sauce made from chilies, spices, nuts, and chocolate, and Chiles en Nogada, a poblano pepper stuffed with picadillo and topped with a walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, representing the colors of the Mexican flag.ย Both dishes are steeped in history and serve as significant cultural symbols within Mexic
50. What is the most visited museum in Mexico?
The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City welcomes millions yearly, housing the Aztec Sun Stone.
51. Which Mexican state is known for the Monarch Butterfly Reserve?
Michoacรกn hosts the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, where millions of butterflies migrate each winter.
52. What is the smallest state in Mexico by area?
Tlaxcala is the smallest, covering only 4,016 kmยฒ (1,550 sq mi).
53. Which Mexican city is famous for silver mining?
Taxco, in Guerrero, is renowned for silver jewelry and mining since colonial times.
54. What is the national beer of Mexico?
Corona is the most iconic Mexican beer, sold in more than 180 countries.
55. Which Mexican region is known for its cenotes?
The Yucatรกn Peninsula is dotted with thousands of cenotes, natural sinkholes formed by limestone collapse.
56. What city was the first capital of New Spain?
Mexico City became the first capital of New Spain after the fall of Tenochtitlรกn in 1521.
57. Which Mexican state produces the most avocados?
Michoacรกn is the worldโs leading avocado producer, supplying more than 80% of U.S. imports.
58. What is the oldest university in North America, located in Mexico?
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) was founded in 1551.
59. Which Mexican dish is traditionally eaten during Independence Day?
Chiles en nogada, stuffed peppers with walnut sauce and pomegranate, reflect Mexicoโs flag colors.
60. Which Mexican port city is known for its Afro-Caribbean influence?
Veracruz is famed for Afro-Caribbean music, dance, and cuisine.
61. What is the most popular sport in Mexico after soccer?
Boxing is the second-most popular sport, with Mexico producing many world champions.
62. Which Mexican island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve?
Isla Guadalupe, in Baja California, is a UNESCO reserve and prime spot for great white shark diving.
63. What is the name of Mexicoโs first indigenous president?
Benito Juรกrez, a Zapotec from Oaxaca, served as president from 1858 to 1872.
64. What is the national tree of Mexico?
The Montezuma cypress, known in Mexico as the Ahuehuete (โold man of the waterโ), is the countryโs national tree. Revered since pre-Hispanic times for its strength and longevity, it often grows near rivers and lakes, symbolizing life and resilience. One of the most famous specimens is El รrbol del Tule in Oaxaca โ a giant estimated to be over 2,000 years old with the widest trunk in the world, measuring more than 14 meters across. Itโs so massive that locals say an entire orchestra could play in its shade.
65. Which Mexican state is home to Palenque ruins?
Chiapas houses Palenque, a major Maya site that flourished in the 7th century.
66. What Mexican city has colorful colonial houses and underground streets?
Guanajuato is known for its tunnels, colonial streets, and vibrant houses.
67. Which peninsula is home to the state of Baja California?
The Baja California Peninsula in northwestern Mexico stretches over 1,250 km (775 mi), separating the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of California (also called the Sea of Cortez). The peninsula is divided into two states: Baja California in the north and Baja California Sur in the south.
Baja California Sur (South): Famous for its stunning beaches and marine life. The capital, La Paz, is a hub for eco-tourism, while Los Cabos is an international resort destination. The waters of the Gulf of California, described by Jacques Cousteau as โthe worldโs aquarium,โ are rich in biodiversity, with whale watching and diving among the best in the world.
Baja California (North): Known for its border city Tijuana, the wine country of the Valle de Guadalupe, and its rugged Pacific coastline. Itโs a hotspot for food lovers (especially famous for fish tacos and Baja Med cuisine) and also for cross-border culture.
68. What is Mexicoโs second-largest volcano?
Popocatรฉpetl, at 5,426 meters (17,802 ft), is Mexicoโs second-highest peak and one of its most active volcanoes.
69. Which Mexican island is called the Island of Swallows?
Cozumel means โIsland of Swallowsโ in Mayan.
70. What is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Mexico?
Cholula, inhabited for over 2,500 years, is considered the oldest still-inhabited city.
71. Which Mexican state is home to Huasteca culture?
San Luis Potosรญ, along with Veracruz and Tamaulipas, is central to the Huasteca cultural region.
72. What is the most consumed soft drink in Mexico?
Coca-Cola is the top soft drink, with Mexicans drinking more per capita than anywhere else in the world.
73. Which Mexican state is home to ancient pyramids at Calakmul?
Campeche contains Calakmul, a major Maya city deep in the jungle.
74. What is the national dog of Mexico?
The Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo), a hairless breed dating back to the Aztecs, is Mexicoโs national dog.
75. Which Mexican artist painted murals in the National Palace?
Diego Rivera painted murals depicting Mexican history in the National Palace in Mexico City.
76. What is the official residence of the President of Mexico?
The National Palace (Palacio Nacional) serves as the official residence and office.
77. Which Mexican city is famous for its tunnels and silver mines?
Guanajuato is known for its underground tunnels built to prevent flooding, now used as streets.
78. What Mexican peninsula is separated from the U.S. by the Colorado River?
The Baja California Peninsula is separated by the Colorado River and Gulf of California.
79. Which Mexican state is home to El Tajรญn ruins?
Veracruz is home to El Tajรญn, with its Pyramid of the Niches featuring 365 niches.
80. What is the highest waterfall in Mexico?
Basaseachic Falls, in Chihuahua, plunges 246 meters (807 ft), making it the highest waterfall in the country.
81. Which Mexican city is known for its hot springs and colonial architecture?
San Miguel de Allende, in Guanajuato, is famed for hot springs, baroque architecture, and art scene.
82. What is the most important port on Mexicoโs Pacific coast?
Manzanillo, in Colima, is the busiest Pacific port and a major trade hub.
83. Which Mexican state is known for the Tarahumara runners?
Chihuahua is home to the Tarahumara (Rarรกmuri), renowned for long-distance endurance running.
84. What is the most widely spoken indigenous language in Mexico?
Nahuatl is spoken by more than 1.7 million people across central Mexico.
85. Which Mexican volcano erupted in 1943, creating a new mountain?
Paricutรญn erupted in Michoacรกn, forming a volcano from a cornfield that grew to 424 meters (1,391 ft) in height.
86. What is the name of the Mexican Hat Dance?
The Jarabe Tapatรญo, often called the Mexican Hat Dance, is Mexicoโs national folk dance.
87. Which Mexican city has canals originally built by the Aztecs?
Xochimilco, in Mexico City, has canals from Aztec times where colorful trajineras (boats) still float.
88. What is the national instrument of Mexico?
The guitarrรณn mexicano, a large bass guitar, is essential in mariachi bands.
89. Which Mexican state is home to the Mayan Riviera?
Quintana Roo, along the Caribbean, includes Cancรบn, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
90. What is the largest indigenous market in Mexico?
Tlacolula Market, in Oaxaca, is one of the largest and oldest indigenous markets, held weekly.
91. Which Mexican city is home to a famous mummy museum?
Guanajuato is home to the Mummy Museum, which exhibits naturally mummified bodies from the 19th century.
92. What is the oldest public park in the Americas, located in Mexico?
Alameda Central in Mexico City, created in 1592, is the oldest urban park in the Americas.
93. What is the meaning of the name โMexicoโ in the Nahuatl language?
โMฤxihcoโ means โthe place in the navel of the Moon,โ referring to Lake Texcoco where Tenochtitlรกn was founded.
94. Which Mexican town is home to wild pink flamingos and salt lagoons?
Rรญo Lagartos, a small fishing town on the Yucatรกn Peninsula, is famous for its pink salt lagoons, Las Coloradas, and flocks of wild flamingos. The bright pink water gets its color from red algae and plankton, which also give the flamingos their rosy feathers. The nearby Rรญa Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is a protected wetland that shelters crocodiles, sea turtles, and over 300 bird species, making it one of Mexicoโs best spots for wildlife watching.
95. Which Mexican city has a library where bookshelves form a giant glass-and-steel maze?
Pueblaโs Biblioteca Palafoxiana, founded in 1646, is the oldest public library in the Americas and feels like stepping into a Baroque time capsule.
96. Which Mexican town has a church submerged in a lake, visible only when water levels drop?
In Chiapas, the Temple of Quechula resurfaces from the Nezahualcรณyotl Reservoir during droughts, drawing curious visitors in boats.
97. Which Mexican cave sparkles with the largest crystals ever found?
The Cave of Crystals in Naica, Chihuahua, contains giant selenite crystals, some over 12 meters (39 ft) long, formed in extreme underground heat. For this reason it’s not possible to visit and access is only reserved to authorized scientists.
98. Which Mexican state has a forest where millions of monarch butterflies migrate every winter?
Michoacรกn hosts the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, where forests turn orange and black with millions of butterflies from Canada and the U.S. But you can also visit a reserve near Valle de Bravo.
99. Which Mexican island is known as the โIsland of the Dollsโ?
Isla de las Muรฑecas, near Mexico City, is filled with hundreds of dolls hanging from trees โ a creepy landmark created by a hermit in honor of a drowned girl.
100. Which Mexican town hosts a festival where people literally beat each other to bring rain?
Chiapasโs Tzeltal and Tzotzil communities celebrate with ritual combat during the Fiesta de Santa Rosa, believed to ensure a good harvest.
101. Which Mexican lagoon glows at night thanks to bioluminescent plankton?
Laguna de Manialtepec, near Puerto Escondido, lights up neon blue when disturbed, creating magical night swims.
MEXICO TRAVEL TRIVIA TEST RESULTS CALCULATOR
Mexico Trivia Quiz: Conclusion
So, how did you do? Whether you breezed through all 101 questions or stumbled on a few, youโve just taken a deep dive into the heart of Mexico โ its history, landscapes, traditions, and culture. From the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacรกn to the flavors of mole and tequila, this country holds stories that continue to inspire and amaze.
If you discovered new facts along the way, thatโs the beauty of travel trivia: it opens our eyes to details we might otherwise overlook. And if you scored high, consider yourself a true Mexico expert โ ยกfelicidades!
Either way, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep your curiosity alive. Because when it comes to Mexico, thereโs always another secret waiting to be uncovered. ๐ฒ๐ฝโจ
You can also check your score and see how you did here.
