This gorgeous colonial town, sandwiched into a narrow ravine, is home to one of the country’s finest Baroque churches, a thriving student scene and a relaxed café and bar culture.
Colored Houses Iglesia de San Roque Market Mercado Hidalgo Guanajuato, Mexico © Bill Perry/Shutterstock
The town of Taxco, an interesting place in itself, offers the most exquisite silver products in the country.
© S and S Imaging/Shutterstock
A huge, stunning coastal nature reserve with ecosystems ranging from tropical forest through fresh- and saltwater marshes to barrier reef. Wildlife of every sort lives here, but it’s especially good for birdwatching.
Mangrove tree in the Caribbean Sea in the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve near Tulum, Mexico © Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
Visit the town that gave birth to Mexico’s favourite tipple, surrounded by fields of blue agave, and enjoy tours of local distilleries.
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T photography/Shutterstock
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The ancient temples at Bonampak depict vivid scenes of Maya life.
Bonampak is an ancient Maya's city. Chiapas. Mexico © AntonBkrd/Shutterstock
The Sea of Cortés coast around
© Shutterstock
Mexico has fantastic diving opportunities: the coral reefs off Isla Cozumel provide some of the best.
© RVLIKEMIDGLEY/Shutterstock
From December to April, thousands of grey whales come to mate in the lagoons of
© Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock
The eternal heart of the city, the capital’s main plaza is surrounded by its cathedral and the ruins of Aztec Tenochtitlán.
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An ancient religious ritual, this gravity-defying spectacle is still mesmerizing.
Papantla flyers perform their show in the magical town of Tequila Jalisco © Jose de Jesus Churion Del/Shutterstock
This important Maya spiritual and cultural centre is one of the most picturesque, with a spectacular beach.
Mayan Ruins Besides Caribbean Sea. Riviera Maya, Traveling America © DC_Aperture/Shutterstock
Take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear sinkholes, one with the roots of a huge alamo tree stretching down into it.
© lunamarina/Shutterstock
Politics, art and national identity combine at the home of Frida Kahlo and
Frida's portrait © robin.ph/Shutterstock
This Maya site is remarkable for its distinct architectural style and its setting in jungle-smothered hills.
Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico © Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock
The most famous of the Maya sites. See the sprawling ruins and complex carvings over a couple of days.
Chichen itza sunset, Mexico © Ondrej Kucera/Shutterstock
You’ll find mariachi played the length and breadth of the country but most notably in Mexico City’s Plaza Garibaldi.
Mariachi on streets colonial Campeche city, Mexico © javarman/Shutterstock
An enormous collection of artefacts from all the major pre-Hispanic cultures.
Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico © Mikiko/Shutterstock
Dance on the sand or in super-hip small clubs alongside stylish Mexico City weekenders and European expats in this Caribbean boomtown.
© DisobeyArt/Shutterstock
Take in the carnival atmosphere and colours while being punted around the canals and serenaded by mariachi bands.
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Any market in Mexico is a feast for the senses, but Oaxaca’s are especially vibrant, with everything from fresh produce to some of the country’s most imaginative textiles.
© Tati Nova photo Mexico/Shutterstock
The granddaddy of all ancient Mesoamerican pyramids, built in 100 AD and some 70m high.
Teotihuacán, Mexico © Rafal Kubiak/Shutterstock
Watch the clavadistas plunge into the sea from precipitous cliffs.
© Ramunas Bruzas/Shutterstock
If bullfights aren’t for you, head to a charreada (rodeo) instead; the ultimate charro (cowboy) event, traditional charreadas make a brilliant spectator sport.
© Leonardo Emiliozzi Ph/Shutterstock
Whether you take the awe-inspiring train ride or hike along the canyon floor, a visit to this vast system of chasms is the definite highlight.
Train in Barranca del Cobre, Mexico © wayak/Shutterstock
Once the most important city on the Gulf coast but only rediscovered in 1785.
© Noradoa/Shutterstock
This picturesque ghost-town once thrived on the wealth of its silver mines. Huichol pilgrims visit the nearby desert in search of peyote.
Real de Catorce, an old town in San Luis Potosi, Mexico © Shutterstock
Deep in the heart of the jungle, this is the largest known archeological zone in Mesoamerica.
© Rainer Lesniewski/Shutterstock
See
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Most famous for its Day of the Dead celebrations, this enchanting lake is a worthy destination year-round.
© Marcos E Ramos Ponciano/Shutterstock
Ancient silver mines, thrilling ziplines and one of Mexico's most opulent cathedrals.
© stacyarturogi/Shutterstock
Top image: Death Day © Shuterstock