My partner and I would like to head to Mexico end of May 2010. We have about three weeks at the end of a Europe trip and ideally would fly into LA to visit a friend. We were wondering if there would be a couple of route options, perhaps from Mexico City, that would encompass a bit of a cultural experience and also some beach time, which we love.
Nick Kemplen

Here are two options you might consider: this first option begins in the centre of Mexico and continues south, through Oaxaca and Chiapas states - with indigenous populations, pre-Hispanic ruins and dramatic scenery - to the ancient Mayan cities and Caribbean beaches of the Yucata'n Peninsula.

Start your trip by exploring fascinating Mexico City, including a visit to the awesome pyramids of Teotihuaca'n. Then head east to colonial Puebla before crossing the mountains southward to Oaxaca, a lovely colonial city with Mexico's finest handicrafts at the heart of a beautiful region with a large indigenous population, and the ancient Zapotec capital, Monte Alba'n.

Cross the Sierra Madre del Sur to one of the sun-baked beach spots on the Oaxaca coast, such as Puerto Escondido, Mazunte or Zipolite. Then move east to San Cristo'bal de Las Casas, a beautiful highland town surrounded by indigenous villages, the lovely jungle lake Laguna Miramar and Palenque, perhaps the most stunning of all Mayan cities, with a backdrop of emerald-green jungle.

Head northeast to colonial Me'rida, the Yucata'n Peninsula's cultural capital and the base for visiting the fine Maya ruins of Uxmal and those along the Ruta Puuc. Next stop is Chiche'n Itza', the Yucata'n's most awesome ancient Mayan site. From there, head to Tulum on the Caribbean coast, a Maya site with a glorious beachside setting, and then make your way northward along the Riviera Maya toward Mexico's glitziest resort, Cancu'n.

On the way, halt at hip Playa del Carmen and take a side trip to Cozumel for world-class snorkelling and diving.

If you plan on driving, the second option forms the route of an all-time classic Mexican road trip, along the Transpeninsular Highway from the Mexico-US border to Los Cabos - but you will forego Mexico City.