Mexico is a travellers ideal; offering a broad spectrum of culture and varied landscape for the more independently minded whilst also offering world class beaches and fantastic weather for those looking to just kick back.

For many a typical image of Mexico may feature moustached banditos, singing mariachis and the notorious Tequila or Mezcal that is produced there - however many more layers await discovery for the more adventurous traveller.

While the weather in Mexico is pleasant year round, October to May is probably the best bet for those wishing to avoid the heat and humidity. It is also worth mentioning that depending on the places you visit, malarial medication may well be required as will the usual dose of travel shots.

Mexico City is the most likely first point of call on arriving in the country and while there are huge amounts to enjoy in the capital, such as the fantastic Cathedral Metropolitana built in 1573, travellers should be aware that crime can be a problem.

The country spans 756,061 square miles and has a population of 101,000,000 with a colourful history to match its size.

The culture and history of Mexico will really define any journey to the country. Although some full-blooded indigenous tribes remain and even fewer Mexicans of pure Spanish descent, the majority of the population are mestizos combining both of these races.

This mix of history encompassing the Spanish colonisation over 500 years ago with the even older indigenous tribes has given rise to some of the best options for travellers wishing to discover the real Mexico.

North of Mexico City, the hectic capital and world's third largest city, is Teotihuacan - the site of the pyramids from the Aztec period. To the east hidden away in the jungle of the Yucatan peninsula are the stunning remains of the Mayan ruins situated at Palenque.

In the north, travellers can experience The Copper Canyon Railway running almost 2000km from Chihuahua in the north down to Los Mochis on the west coast. The 19-hour train journey traverses spectacular landscape taking in desert, jungle, coast and of course the mammoth Copper Canyon itself.

Of course if beaches are your passion Mexico can offer everything that a traveller could possibly want. While the resorts of Cancun situated in the north of the Yucatan peninsula take many of the visitors, the truly stunning beaches lie elsewhere.

In the south the relaxed surf town of Puerto Escondido offers fantastic waves for the more energetic, while others can simply enjoy the slow pace and lie back with a Tecate beer.

If you are lucky enough to be in Mexcio on November 2nd, you will witness the country's most famous fiesta - Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The macabre event celebrates the return of the souls of the dead to earth and the population wears colourful masks and parades paper-mache skeletons.

Guadalajara offers an opportunity to enjoy a cultured colonial city that people say is far removed from the sometimes-oppressive capital. The city is littered with open spaces, cathedrals and beautiful parks - for the best nightlife head down to the Plaza Tapatia, enjoy some tequila and watch the world go by.

One tip: the notorious 'manana' mentality that rules Mexican daily life is alive and well so just remember to relax and enjoy the ride.