When the Spanish conquistadores first saw the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, they were awestruck by its beauty and splendor. Built on an island in the middle of a lake and crisscrossed with an advanced network of canals, it was the Venice of the ancient world. Hernan Cortes, the man who would conquer Mexico for Spain, remarked that the city's spectacular Templo Mayor, or main temple, was one "whose immense size and magnificence no human tongue could describe." To this day, visitors to Mexico are just as impressed when they visit this country's treasures. Mexico has come a long a very long way since the Old World barreled into the New and changed the course of history. From Aztec and Mayan empires to democratic republic, the country has had a tumultuous and fascinating evolution. And it has become one of the most unique and colorful destinations in the world. Easily accessible from the U.S. with direct flights daily, Mexico offers coastal paradises with world-famous beaches; ancient ruins of awesome beauty and grandeur; a vibrant culture that's the birthplace of the mariachi, tequila, and one of the richest and most celebrated cuisines in the world. With good reason, a cruise to Mexico is one of the most popular cruising options on the planet. Between the Mexican Riviera on the west coast and the Mayan Riviera on the east, there are myriad cruise ships calling at ports of call to paradise, like Cabo St. Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun. On land, you can explore the vibrant, exciting capital of Mexico City, wander the colorful cities and cultural heartlands of Guadalajara and Oaxaca, and channel your inner archaeologist at thousands of incredible ruins from ancient civilizations... And that's just the tip of the Mexican iceberg.