CANCUN
Cancun morphed from tiny jungle fishing village to major tourist destination within a few decades, and it continues to be one of the most popular – and most visually spectacular – places in Mexico. Located on the Yucatan peninsula, Cancun and its surrounding areas are a Caribbean vacationer’s nirvana. The crystalline turquoise waters, endless entertainment options, Mayan temples, fresh water swimming holes and fascinating water parks make Cancun a place where you can combine a beach vacation with unique cultural explorations.

RIVIERA MAYA
On Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya, is famous for its white sand beaches and All Inclusive holiday resorts. The great outdoors beckons travellers to the Riviera Maya with a number of eco-parks where you can swim, relax and simply admire the breath-taking views. Xcaret’s 200-acre park offers rivers for swimming, a butterfly sanctuary, play with dolphins, snorkel, snuba (diving without a tank) and enjoy the lush tropical surroundings. Xel-Ha, which is also located in Riviera Maya, is a private lagoon park that also offers a variety of nature activities. Don’t miss out on Sian Ka’an, a 1.3 million-acre ecological park.
 
LOS CABOS
Located at the southernmost tip of Baja California are the towns of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Cabo San Lucas is the party town, San José del Cabo is quaint and quiet, and the strip of coast in between is fertile soil for some of the most extravagantly luxurious resorts in Mexico and some of the world's best golf courses. Like many Mexican beach destinations, the best time to visit Los Cabos is from Christmas to Easter. Whale watching season is December to March and great fishing is available year-round. Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are 21 miles apart.

TULUM
The walled fortress of Tulum, 131km (78 miles) south of Cancún, has been described as one of the most dramatic sites of the pre-Hispanic world. Perched atop rugged cliffs on the coast, this last outpost of the Maya civilization commands a breath-taking view of the Caribbean. Settlement here dates from AD 900-1500 and sights include the Temple of the Descending God, El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes.

PUERTO VALLARTA
Puerto Vallarta is the largest town in the immense Bahía de Banderas resort area (one hour 10 minutes by air from Mexico City). It is situated on the Bahía de Banderas, which is the largest natural bay in Mexico. There are a hundred miles of coastline with many sandy beaches and facilities for parasailing, shooting, scuba diving, sailboarding, fishing, golf and tennis. Boat trips provide opportunities to explore the coast. For the visitor who would relish the experience of journeying in a dugout canoe, there is the chance to visit Yelapa, a Polynesian-style village which cannot be visited in any other way. The mountains behind the bay may be explored on horseback. Charreadas, uniquely Mexican rodeos, are held at certain times of the year. Amongst the smaller resorts are San Blas, Barra de Navidad and Zihuatanejo.