Tourism in Mexico is a very important industry. Since the 1960s, it has been heavily promoted by the Mexican government, as “an industry without smokestacks. Mexico has traditionally been among the World Tourism Organization, and it is the second-most visited country in the Americas, after the United States. In 2017, Mexico was ranked as the sixth-most visited country in the world for tourism activities. Mexico has a significant number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, with the list including ancient ruins, colonial cities, and natural reserves, as well as a number of works of modern public and private architecture. Mexico has attracted foreign visitors beginning in the early nineteenth century, with its cultural festivals, colonial cities, nature reserves and the beach resorts. The nation’s temperate climate and unique culture – a fusion of the European and the Mesoamerican – are attractive to tourists. The peak tourism seasons in the country are during December and the mid-Summer, with brief surges during the week before Easter and Spring break, when many of the beach resort sites become popular destinations for college students from the United States.

Mexico is home to the once great Mayan civilization and some of the best archaeological sites in the world. The ancient Mayans were ahead of their time with their unique agricultural systems, advanced infrastructures, and majestic temples. The Chichén Itzá ruins are the most famous in all of Mexico. The Kukulkan Pyramid is here, considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Other spectacular Mayan ruins can be found in Uxmal, Palenque, Coba and Tulum.

A visit to Popocatépetl Volcano in Puebla is a must. The snowcapped peaks tower over 17,926 feet high.  El Popo as it is know, recently erupted, covering the town below in a light layer of ash resembling freshly-fallen snow.  Mexico is also has several mountains great for hiking. The Sierra Madre Mountains, are a popular destination for travelers looking to explore the rugged side of Mexico.

If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with a great white shark, try cage diving off the Isla Guadalupe.

Love the beach? You’ll find over 6,000 miles of pristine coastline, in Mexico!  One of the best is in Tulum. There’s Playa Paraiso known as Paradise Beach.  In the Campeche region you’ll find limestone cliffs and stunning rainforest views. For something a bit livelier, Playa del Carmen is the go-to beach destination for volleyball by day and parties by night.

For sun, sand and fun, it’s hard to beat Cancún, a popular spot for families, kids enjoying “spring break”, and everyone in between.

On the other side of the country, Puerto Vallarta, has an old town at its heart, where cobbled streets fan out from a colonial plaza. Away from the tourist areas you’ll find some of the most unspoiled coastline in Mexico.

The food in Mexico is like no other. The cuisine is a a combination of ancient Aztec and Mayan dishes with the influence of the Spanish conquistadors. While you’ll find more internationally recognized dishes, like tamales, tacos and quesadillas, they also have a variety of dishes not found anywhere else.

Mexico is home to the creation of chocolate! Dating back to 1100 BC, the Aztecs used cocoa in their drinks.  If you’re lucky you may find a vendor that offers authentic Aztec chocolate.