Mexico is a great place for anyone interested in archaeology. The land known as "Mesoamérica" has been home to important cultures for more than 3,000 years.

CANCUN:

• Coba: Fresh water, forest and fauna made this the site of an ancient Mayan city around 2,200 years ago, now spread over four areas including buildings, roads, platforms, foundations, pyramids and patios, named Coba, Chumuc Mul, Macanxoc and Nohoch Mul.
  
  
• El Rey: In the south of the island there is a small Mayan settlement, occupied from the year 1200 to the Spanish conquest by a pyramid and two town squares.
  
  
• Tulum: A site that is 100 km from Cancun on top of a cliff looking over the Caribbean Sea. One of the most spectacular sites in the whole of the Mayan World.
  
  
• Chichen Itzá: Just two hours from Cancun, this important site provides a true vision of the full splendour and grandeur of the Mayan World.
  
  

COZUMEL:

Cozumel has an important pre-Hispanic past and an archaeological heritage of 25 major sites. The majority are still being explored, but at least three of them are well worth a visit: San Gervasio, El Cedral y El Caracol in Punta Sur.

• Musical Instruments: Exhibiting pre-Hispanic musical instruments, amongst other things.
  
  
• Scuba Diving Museum and Gallery: With underwater photographs and beautiful shells and other marine exhibits.
  
  
• Cozumel Island Museum: Covering all aspects of the island fauna, flora, pre-Hispanic culture and history.
  
  

IXTAPA:

• Archaeology: Famous for its breakwater built, according to the legend, by King Tarasco Calzontzín to prevent sharks reaching the bay.
  
  
• Costa Grande Archaeological Museum: Open from Monday to Sunday between 10:00 and 18:00 hours in the Paseo del Pescador Avenue and Plaza Olof Palme.
  
  

LOS CABOS:

• The Old Lighthouse: Ruins that recall the history of the port. Set on a small rising that dominates part of the bay and docks.
  
  
• San José Mission: Founded by the Jesuits José de Echeverría and Nicolás Tamaral. Over the door to the temple built in 1940 there is a scene showing the martyrdom of Father Tamaral, assassinated by Pericúe Indians.
  
  

MEXICO CITY:

• Ancient College of San Ildefonso: Justo Sierra, 16. Centre. A collection of buildings with murals from the 1920s by the artists Ramón Alva de la Canal, Fermín Revueltas, José Clemente Orozco, Jean Charlot and Diego Rivera. There are also important temporary exhibitions and other cultural activities.
  
  
• Culhuacán Convent: Morelos, 10 (corner of Taxqueña). One of the few examples of architecture and art from the 16th. century.
  
  
• Guadalupe Basilica Museum: Annex to the ancient basilica. Eje 5 Norte. Calzada de Guadalupe y Calzada de los Misterios. Metro La Villa. A collection paintings, cult objects and images of the Virgin of Guadalupe from different eras.
  
  
• Pinacoteca Virreinal de San Diego: Doctor Mora, 7. Centre. The walls of this ancient convent house works of art by Spanish and Mexican artists.
  
  
• Monument to Christopher Columbus: On the first Reforma roundabout. Neo-renaissance sculpture by the French artist Charles Cordier, built in 1877 and housing figures of several monks including Bartolomé de las Casas. There is another statue of Columbus in the Plaza de Buenavista, opposite the train station.
  
  

PUERTO VALLARTA:

• Parish of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: The dome of the cathedral is a replica of the crown worn by Empress Carlota in 1860 and now a symbol of the city.
  
  
• Houses in Puerto Vallarta: Puerto Vallarta is a picturesque and welcoming coastal town thanks to its cobbled streets and houses with colourful tiles in the purest Mexican colonial style. When seen from a height, a tower with clocks and a crown of beautiful metallic ornaments stands out from the jumble of houses and roofs.
  
  
• Terra Noble: With the best view over the Bay of Banderas, Terra Noble also gives visitors a chance to learn the ancient techniques for the manufacturing of ceramics.