Mexico — Introduction

From the azure blue sky to the deep chilli red of a spicy salsa, Mexico is a kaleidoscope of colour.

The sunshine-soaked playground of Cancún is one of Mexico’s most popular resorts due to the white sand beaches that drift into the Caribbean Sea. Here sipping cool margaritas under the shade of an umbrella is the ideal way to spend an afternoon before heading out along its party strip for dinner and its fine mix of entertainment.

But Cancún and the neighbouring resort of Playa del Carmen also have culture in abundance. They are very close to some of the most famous Mayan and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, such as the remarkable Chichén Itzá and Tulum.

Off the coast of Playa del Carmen the delicate island of Cozumel sits on the edge of one of the biggest reefs in the world – the Great Mayan Barrier Reef. Here tropical fish flash intense iridescent colours before an array of happy snorkelers and divers.

Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a quiet town with a great selection of shops, restaurants and nightclubs. The nearby beach resort, Nuevo Vallarta boasts silver-white sandy beaches backed by a tropical lagoon. The area is great for golfers and nature lovers with whale watching, jungle tours and botanical gardens.

Acapulco may be one of Mexico’s oldest beach resorts but it still puts on a brilliant show for visitors. This grand-dame was once the favoured destination of Hollywood stars attracted by the great night­life of this friendly port. In fact it still draws Mexico’s glitterati today.

The city has an impressive number of beaches and two mangrove-filled lagoons which are great for exploring on boat tours.

Relaxing is even easier in Mexico’s many all-inclusive resorts where meals, drinks and activities are covered in the price of your holiday.