Populated by over 26 million people, Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world. Despite this, its historic centre is eminently walkable. A stroll from the cathedral will soon reveal colonial churches, fascinating museums and well-restored municipal buildings. Look out for the slope: Mexico City was built on a drained lake and as a consequence, many of the city’s oldest buildings have sunk unevenly into the soft soil.

Visit one of the most beautiful cities in the region of Chiapas, Mexico. Local churches offer vantage points for viewing the city and nestled among the surrounding mountains you’ll encounter a number of Mayan villages. Day tours with a good guide are the best way to connect with the villagers.

Dating from the 7th Century, Palenque was once known as Lakamha, “Big Water”. Visit the Temple of the Inscriptions, the site’s most impressive structure. In its inner sanctum the crypt of Mayan ruler Pacal lies in an ornate vaulted chamber. Palenque has been a mine of information for archaeologists in learning more about the Mayan culture.

Influenced by the Mayans, British, French, Spanish and even Dutch, this historic town located to the north of the Yucatan peninsula is about as far removed from the bright lights of Cancun as you can get. It’s a delight to explore; begin with the stunningly beautiful art murals of Fernando Pacheco, the Palacio de Gobierno on the Plaza Grande or the city’s contemporary arts museum, the MACAY. Chichen Itza- Towering above the jungle, the Kukulkan pyramid of the sun at the ruins of Chichen Itza is one of the most impressive sights in the Mayan world. The site is vast. Take your time as you explore ancient ball courts, the beautifully carved El Caracol observatory and Tzompantli, the wall of skulls.

Towering above the jungle, the Kukulkan pyramid of the sun at the ruins of Chichen Itza is one of the most impressive sights in the Mayan world. The site is vast. Take your time as you explore ancient ball courts, the beautifully carved El Caracol observatory and Tzompantli, the wall of skulls.

Base yourself in the resort of Tulum, strung out behind the white sands of the stunning Mayan Riviera. Its cliff top ruins are just about the most atmospheric in the area, overlooking a quiet beach that doubles as the nesting ground for turtles. Further south, explore the remote ruins of Coba surrounded by jungle or visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Starting around ten miles south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya stretches along the Caribbean coastline to include Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. You can snorkel, dive, kite surf or explore the Rio Secreto, a labyrinthine network of underground passageways formed by the action of water eating away at the local limestone.