Mexico   Map Mexico has been called the country that has it all: gorgeous beaches, colonial cities, rugged mountains, superb archaeological sites, a rich cultural heritage, fabulous shopping, delightful cuisine and an open and friendly people. Its sophisticated capital, Mexico City, offers much to the visitor: a large number of quality museums, international dining, the art and architecture of the historic center, beautiful parks, handmade crafts, designer shopping. Visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Michoacán; climb the pyramids of Teotihuacán; explore the colonial city of Guanajuato, just one of Mexico's 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites; relax at a luxury beach resort or enjoy horseback riding at an authentic hacienda. CENTRAL MEXICO Known as the Mexican heartland, Central Mexico is an area of beautiful natural surroundings, picturesque towns full of life and color, and historic colonial cities with some of the richest sources of colonial art and architecture. Here are located Mexico's colonial silver mining cities, among them San Miguel de Allende, a charming town of winding cobblestone streets with a resident artist population, and Guanajuato, a city of unusual beauty with streets that taper off into steep, twisting alleys or underground tunnels. > GUANAJUATO   Description  |  Hotels     (HIGHLIGHTS: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato) > MICHOACÁN   Description  |  Hotels     (HIGHLIGHTS: Morelia, Patzcuaro)   PACIFIC COAST With spectacular natural scenery, the Pacific Coast includes cities and towns with rich cultural and culinary traditions, fabulous beaches for relaxation or water sports, and the exclusive resorts of the Costa Alegre. The state of Jalisco is steeped in tradition: many of its cultural features such as Mariachi bands and cowboys have become synonymous with Mexico. And this is where the country's traditional beverage, tequila, is produced. Guadalajara, with its striking colonial buildings and numerous cultural centers; Tlaquepaque and Tonalá, known for their original handicrafts; and the famous Puerta Vallarta are located here. > JALISCO   Description  |  Hotels     (HIGHLIGHTS: Guadalajara, Costa Alegre, Puerta Vallarta, Tlaquepaque)   YUCATAN PENINSULA Known as the gateway to the Mayan world, the Yucatan Peninsula is blessed by white sand beaches and the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Scuba dive or snorkel along the world's second largest coral reef, off Isla Mujeres. Swim with the fish in the largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Ha. Explore the Mayan sites of Uxmal, Tulum and Chichén Itzá. Pamper yourself in a luxury resort in Playa del Carmen. Visit the Mayan Zone, inhabited by Mayan communities that have managed to preserve their ancient rites and traditions. > QUINTANA ROO   Description  |  Hotels     (HIGHLIGHTS: Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Xel-Ha, Tulum, Cobá)