Mexico is vibrant, colourful and unique.

The country has many faces, from cactus-studded deserts to white sandy beaches and blue waters, tropical rainforest and jungle-clad hills to steep rocky canyons and narrow gorges, and from snow-capped volcano peaks to bustling cities.

Mexico has endured a torrid history. Since the height of Mayan and Aztec civilisations, it has suffered the destructive force of the Conquistadors, European colonial rule, civil and territorial wars, rebellions, dictatorships, recessions and earthquakes.

But despite all of that the Mexican people remain warm and friendly. Much of the countryside remains unspoilt by development, and its cities display a unique style of architecture. Evidence of this extraordinary history is seen in the form of ancient Mayan temples strewn across the jungles and ruins of Aztec civilisations, rural indigenous villages, Spanish colonial cities and silver mining towns, and traditional Mexican ports.

The country's culture is richly diverse blending together traditional and modern, where pagan meets Christian in a series of festivals, or fiestas throughout the year.

But a visit to Mexico isn’t all about history and culture.

Mexico also boasts several hundred miles of coastline extending down through both the Pacific and the Caribbean, which has branded the country as a popular summer retreat destination. Beach resort cities such as Acapulco, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya is accepted vacation havens.  

The currency is the Mexican Peso. You will find that credit cards are not as widely accepted as in Europe or the USA. MasterCard and Visa are the two most widely accepted cards with American Express and Diners Club accepted on a smaller scale. There are ATMs in cities and most major tourist destinations nationwide, although not all debit cards are accepted, so check before leaving.