Volcanoes
The high, scenic and often snow-capped volcanic peaks of Popocatépetl and Nevado de Toluca make for memorable climbs. You can even go scuba-diving in their spectacular water-filled craters.

Gondolas
A world away from Venice, brightly painted trajineras (a type of gondolas, usually accompanied by mariachi singers) can be hired to cruise the beautiful, tree-lined canals and Aztec-engineered floating gardens of Xochimilco. 

Day of the Dead
Mexico's Day of the Dead is actually a two-day festival. On 1 November, angelitos (dead children) are remembered, and the next day, dead adults. Celebrations range from sombre and quiet affairs with candlelit visits to cemeteries, to raucous remembrances.

Column of Life
Legend has it that Column of Life tells visitors when they will die. If the hands overlap, the visitor is living on borrowed time. This curious relic is situated in the prehistoric site of Mitla.

Beaches
On the Baja Peninsula, head for the Cabos San Lucas and San José del Cabo. On the Caribbean side, make for Cozumel, an island with nothing but beaches in every direction - Playa Bonita is one of the best.

Ranches
Luxury guest ranches let you play at being cowboy, with action-packed days in the saddle and relaxing evenings of fine local cuisine and indulgent tequila tastings.

Diving
The reefs of Los Manchones, Cuevones, Chital or La Bandera - are all prized diving spots worth a closer look, known for their extraordinary marine life and unusual cave structures.

Copper Canyon Railway
The Copper Canyon (see Getting Around) offers one of the most spectacular train rides in the world. For the best views do the 13-hour trip from Los Mochis on the Pacific coast to Chihuahua City, rather than the other way around.

Beach Parties
Those with a ticket to one of Cancún's 15,000-capacity beach parties will want to sleep all day as they will need all the energy they can get. Take a break for sunrise.

Fine Arts
The Ballet Folklórico, performing Wednesdays and Sundays at Mexico City's Palace of Fine Arts. Performers dance their way through Mexico's rich traditions and ancient rituals, and the headdresses are stars in their own right (www.balletamalia.com).

Watersports
Mexican resorts offer a full range of watersports, including jet-skiing, windsurfing and sea-kayaking. Surfing can be enjoyed on the wild Pacific breakers and parasailing is another exciting sport.

Spas
The ancients knew what was good for them and made full use of the country's countless hot springs. Follow in the footsteps of the Aztecs with a relaxing spa break.

Give something back
Mexico is a poor country, enjoyed by predominantly rich tourists. Buy souvenirs direct from local artisans, keeping their craft alive. Politely ask permission before taking photos of locals, and offer to send a copy.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.