Mexico City is the place the phrase 'sprawling metropolis' was coined for, with more than 20 million inhabitants living in an environment of high altitude, heavy traffic and reoccurring smog, the capital's centre is a high energy, colourful experience and not for the faint hearted.
The city does have another side to it, built in a large valley surrounded by mountains on the ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. The city has plenty to offer aside from the bright lights of city living.
Take a step into pre-Hispanic times by taking a trajinera (large punt boat) reaching the 'Floating Gardens' of Xochimilco Ecological Park. Visit the pre Aztec pyramids at nearby Teotihuacanand marvel at the remains of a surprisingly advanced civilisation.
Head to the historic centre of the city, the square of Zócalo or take a stroll along the Paseo de la Reforma, one of the most beautiful avenues in the world.
There is plenty of variety to be found by exploring away from the centre, from the Zona Rosa neighbourhood, known for its shopping and nightlife, to the bazaars and crafts markets in the neighbourhoods of Coyoacán and San Angel.
Mexico City is also home to world class museums and art galleries such as the acclaimed National Museum of Anthropology, the Casa Azul of Frida Kahlo and the National Art Museum. Art lovers will want to continue to Acclaimed Latin American painter Frida Kahlo's former home Casa Azul (blue house)
Travelling south and arching round the Gulf of Mexico you will find the Yucatán peninsula, an area of great importance to the ancient Mayan civilisation, still littered with former palaces and temples such as Chichén Itzá an, monumental Uxmal and the cliff top site of Tulum. There is also the opportunity to swim in the mystical cenotes, freshwater sinkholes sacred to the Maya, all easily reached by small colonial towns and beach resorts set on idyllic unspoilt beaches.
And of course this area is known for the world class resorts around Cancun. A place of natural beauty and relaxation, the beaches offer up colourful fish, coral reefs and soft white sands while the Kukulcán Boulevard gives opportunities to view several archaeological sites and links the tourist island to the city centre. The many Hotels in Mexico and resort centres offer a full range of activities and nightlife and real holiday party atmosphere.
Significant archaeological sites, such as Tulum, and nature reserves, such as Xcaret and Xel-Ha are also easily reachable.
Between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean is the port of Acapulco, Mexico's largest beach and resort spot, and a stop off point for cruise ships.
Though not quite as busy as it was in its 80s heyday, the resort still offers great conditions for scuba diving, water skiing, sailing, and surfing. Or for those who want to relax, top class restaurants and watch pelicans on the old fishing pier in front of the gleaming high-rise hotels at the south end of the shore.
In the west of the country, in the state of Jalisco, tucked away at the end of Banderas Bay is the seaside town of Puerto Vallarta, a natural getaway and a typical Mexican town of cobblestone streets, whitewashed walls and overflowing window boxes. Take your pick of beaches, Playas Gemeias, Conchas Chinas or Boca de Tomatlán Bay and many more besides.
Head to the Marietas Islands to view the dolphins and manta rays, or the Sierra Madre for it's beautiful waterfalls and tropical forestry.
Further inland is the state capital, Guadalajara, a prosperous and metropolitan city, loved by tourists for its backdrop of ancient monasteries, mansions, and palaces as well as its thriving entertainment scene. Guadalajara is the home of mariachi music and numerous cultural events such as the International Film Festival and the Guadalajara International Book Fair, the city is a magnet for opera, theatre and ballet, as well as folk dance and Mexican cowboy and rodeo culture.
To the south east of the country, buried in the jungles of the state of Chipas is the former Mayan city of Palenque. Home to the some of the most spectacular Mayan ruins n the world, including the Mesoamerican step pyramid, the Temple of Inscriptions. Natural treats include the 100-foot Misol-Há waterfall and Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve.
At the end of a day's hiking, kayaking, or rafting, Palenque has a good choice of lively bars and cafes, or you can just relax in one of several Palenque spas.
Flights to Mexico from the UK take between 10 and 11 hours depending on which airport you fly from, usually arriving at Cancun International Airport (CUN).
If you are planning a trip to Mexico this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket's search tool to find the cheapest deals.
When to go
Weather
Mexico has a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round. November to April is classed as the dry season and is slightly cooler. The wet season runs from May to October and is slightly hotter. However as the country is so vast, temperatures vary depending where you are in relation to the mountains and the coastline. June to July is the hottest time, and temperatures usually remain in the mid-30s throughout. September and October get the most rainfall, with June to October being the main hurricane season.
Events
Spring Equinox; usually seen 19th-21th March; El Castillo Pyramid, Chichen Itza: Thousands gather for the moment the sun SITS directly above the Equator, causing day and night to be equally long. A slither of light makes its way down the stone steps of the El Castillo Pyramid.
Festival Internacional Cervantino; Mid October; Guanajuato: Held for 19 days across the city of Guanajuato, the festival is a coming together of theatre, music, dance, cinema and visual arts. The festival has grown from strength to strength each year with performances now occupying every available theatre space, with many street performances in the local square.
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe Cliff Diving; 12th December; La Quebrada cliffs, Acapulco, Mexico: Every year crowds gather to watch dare-devil divers plunge 45m off La Quebrada cliffs into a scarily narrow strip of water in honour of their patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe. After dark the risk increases as they leap through a circle of flames.
What to do
- Grown-up families: The whole family will be gobsmacked watching fearless locals doing hardcore somersaults and dives off Acapulco's toffee-coloured cliffs. La Quebrada cliff divers get the whole family cheering and clapping on holidays to Mexico.
- Nightlife: It'd be a crime to visit Cancun without downing Mexico's finest tequila and dancing on the tables until dawn. Let your hair down on sizzling nights out in the Hotel Zone's pumping bars and clubs.
- Romance: Sail away with your sweetheart on a catamaran from Ixtapa into beautiful Zihuatanejo Bay as the sun dips below the sea. A warm breeze, soft waves and gentle whales swimming by can't fail to put you in a romantic mood.
- Kids & teens: Take the kids to Los Cabos to watch tropical fish glide under the glass-bottomed boat cruising along to Land's End, off Cabo San Lucas. Their faces will light up seeing blubbery sea lions and gigantic jagged white rocks sticking out of the sea.
- Relaxing: A dip in Banderas Bay and a fresh pineapple juice will cool you down. Alternatively, settling down in the powdery biscuit-coloured sand on Puerto Vallarta's bl;ockbuster beach, Los Muertos will do the trick.
- Active types: The diving and snorkelling around Cozumel island off the Riviera Maya is world-class. Gawp at a kaleidoscope of exotic fish and coral reefs in crystal clear Caribbean Sea. Feeling daring? Leap into Yucatán's deep-blue cenotes (wellsprings) to swim through a maze of underground caves.
- Shopping: Shopaholic? Mexico City's buzzing Saturday market, Bazar del Sabado is the place for you. Pick up wildly colourful Mexican masks, eye-catching jewellert and beautiful embroidered textiles.
