Central America?s powerhouse country offers its visitors an impressive diversity of attractions, ranging from glitzy beach resorts and fantastic diving, to desert landscapes, ancient Mayan ruins, snow-capped volcanoes, unspoilt wilderness areas and exciting, cosmopolitan cities. It has forged its own distinctive character with mariachi music, fiesta and siesta, mouthwatering chilli dishes and fiery tequila.

Mexico city is a sprawling metropolis comprising of Aztec, colonial and modern architecture, parks, gardens and canals. Cento Historico forms its heart, along with Plaza de la Constiticion. Its loaded with museums, all stuffed full with ancient Aztec and Mayan artifacts and also has many galleries.

Two southern suburbs, Coyoacan and San Angel are charming with their narrow cobbled streets, colonial houses, cafes and a generally festive atmosphere ? especially with the Bazar Sabado every Saturday. Day trips to the ancient and impressive sights at Xochimilco, Teotihuacan and Tlatelolco are also rewarding.

Guadalajara, Mexico?s second city, is the best place to truly experience Mexico?s distinctive fiesta culture of tequila, chimichangas, sombreros, mariachi music and dancing senoritas.

Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, is a glitzy strip of bustling beaches, high-rise hotels, discos, and shopping malls. Popular with North Americans, tack and elegance sit side by side in this exciting city. The famous cliff divers of La Quebrada have been amazing visitors since the 1930s.

Over on the Caribbean coast, the main attractions of Cancun are its tropical beaches, particularly Playa Tortugas and Chacmool. Most the action is found on a spit of land, separated from the mainland by a vast tidal lake. It also gets busy, and even has its own Bull ring, but you can escape to the popular island of Cozumel, which has plenty of room for its quieter resorts.