MEXICOGUATEMALAHONDURAS.........Mexico CityCholulaCelestúnSan CristóbalMéridaTuxtlaPalenque VillahermosaIzamálBELIZELacandónrainforestTo escape the heat and humidity of the junglehead up the gulf coast to Celestún, a low-key resort (popular among Mexican families) in a coastal wilderness dotted with shallow lagoons where stands of flamingos (in summer, up to 20,000 birds) feed in the algae-rich reflective waters. The area is replete with twisted mangroves and sandbars, and prolific birdlife (kingfishers, storks, hawks), you might also spot crocodiles. Remote Mayan sites and wild coast 15 days, 13 nightsMexico City 3 nights, San Cristóbal 2n, Palenque 2n, Mérida 2n, Celestún 3n, Mérida 1n.Day 1 Fly from the UK to Mexico City, arrive the same evening. Day 2 Visit the historical centre of Mexico City including its sinking cathedral and the magnificent National Palace. Continue to Teotihuacan, walk 'The Avenue of the Dead' and explore the pyramids of the sun and the moon. Day 3 At leisure. Day 4 Fly to Tuxtla, in the highlands of Chiapas, and drive via the Sumidero Canyon to San Cristóbal de las Casas. Day 5 Half day excursion to the nearby villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. Day 6 Drive out of the highlands to Palenque and into the Lacandón rainforest. Day 7 Visit the Mayan site of Bonampak Yaxchilán. Day 8 Visit Palenque's ruins. Drive to Villahermosa then fly to Mérida. Day 9 A full day excursion to see the 30m high pyramid of the Magician that greets you as you enter Uxmal; and the lesser visited site of Kabah which dates back to 3 BC and is famed for the impressive 'Palace of Masks'. Days 10-12 By road (2hrs) to Celestún, stay at the peaceful Eco-Paraíso Xixim. Day 13 Return to Mérida. Day 14 Fly to the UK, arriving day 15. Prices from £2,366pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Daily from the UK 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 13how about?» Taking a day trip from Mexico City to the floating gardens of Xochimilco. » Visiting Coyoacán, with attractive squares and public buildings and a lively cultural life. Here, the homes of former residents artist Frida Kahlo, her husband muralist Diego Rivera and revolutionary Leon Trotsky are open to visitors. » Extending your journey with a few nights in the UNESCO-protected, picturesque port town of Campeche (p18). hotel eco-paraíso xixim Lovers of nature and of peace and quiet will be attracted by this property, situated in coconut groves behind a virgin, shell-strewn beach. The secluded thatched bungalows, all with private terrace and sea views, are scattered around the grounds. There's a swimming pool where you can cool off but, in harmony with its eco-philosophy, only one television. It's not luxurious; the accommodation is simple, but facilities were upgraded in 2009. It's just a short way up the coast from Celestún, which has low-key tourist facilities. Left The temple of the inscriptions at Palenque which houses the tomb of Pakal.SHUTTERSTOCK.COMEco-Paraiso XiximSHUTTERSTOCK.COM

BOABaja California, the skeletal finger of land which traces the Pacific coast of Mexico from the US border southwards, is composed of a wild and unique desert landscape, scantily populated, scorched by flaming sunsets, indented with hidden coves. The reliable sunshine and comprehensive amenities have created a magnetic holiday destination. It's a place where you can choose from a range of outdoor sports or just relax under an infinite eggshell-blue sky. Facilities are high quality across the range.Across the Sea of Cortez from Baja California, cutting a swathe through the desert inland from Mexico's west coast, the fathomless Copper Canyon is best viewed from one of the world's classic rail journeys. The glassy turquoise sea promises kayaking, diving and snorkelling. On land the desert terrain is perfect for hiking and biking. There are boat trips (February/March) to observe the grey whale, a majestic creature up to 15m long. Thousands swim down from Alaska to calve and nurture their young in the shallow lagoons of López Mateos. Another fulfilling experience is a kayaking trip around the striking coast of Isla Espíritu Santo: you camp under the stars and explore island trails on foot. The compact, historic town of Loreto is a popular base for water-sports enthusiasts; further south, La Paz is a modern city with a few corners of colonial elegance. In San José del Cabo a favourite hotel is Casa Natalia, a restored historic residence transformed into a boutique property decorated with local artwork and with just 18 rooms and spa suites.On the southernmost tip of the peninsula are a series of upmarket resort towns such as Los Cabos. Golf-courses, hotels and luxury condominiums pepper the bays and headlands. We love the inspirational hotel Esperanza (right), where there's a real outdoor feel, with a spa, infinity pool and an art gallery. The classical ochre cottages feature modern works of art and you can dine al fresco at the water's edge, enjoying brilliant service. Baja California and the Copper Canyon 14 Mexico