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Mex ico is one of the world’s most diverse destinations. Here, centuries-old colonial towns meet chic modern cities, tropical rain forests meld into endless white sand beaches and turquoise bays, and smoldering volcanoes tower over ancient ruins. The land south of the border also has a varied menu of outdoor activities, ranging from snorkeling and surfing off the coasts, to horseback riding, cycling and hiking in the country’s lush interior. Accommodations and restaurants also run the gamut. What’s more, Mexico offers all of this at prices to fit any budget. Here are some of our picks.

Cancun

Splurge!

The traditional sweat lodge at the W Mexico City.

Where to Stay: One of the country’s most posh all-inclusive resorts, the Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas gives you everything for one price—and then keeps on giving. Guest rooms are huge and nicely appointed with dark wood, light-colored tiles and bright fabrics. Most rooms boast views of the hotel’s large pool area and its enormous golden beach, as well as the turquoise Caribbean beyond. The eight Jacuzzi Suites are especially enticing, thanks to the whirlpools set on ocean-view balconies. The room rate includes unlimited fare at the grand buffet and at the five specialty restaurants, various land and water sports, all alcoholic beverages (even those served in your room), as well as the cover charge to the trendy Pacha dance club. Among the various other nightly entertainment options is a Michael Jackson impersonator who you would swear is the real deal. The Riu Palace is within walking distance of myriad shops, bars and outdoor markets in bustling Cancun (Jacuzzi Suites start at $306 per person, per night, all-inclusive; riu.com).

Where to Eat: Assuming that you’re not staying at a luxe all-inclusive, Cancun offers a number of intriguing eateries, like the swish Club Grill in the beachfront Ritz-Carlton. Candlelight and jazz complement a menu that highlights seafood and grilled meats, from Maine lobster and Alaska king crab to roast duck, filet mignon and rack of lamb. Mouthwatering soufflés round out a calorie-busting dessert selection. There is also a decadent five-course tasting menu paired with various premium wines (entrées start at about $33; ritzcarlton.com).

What to Do: Between mid-June and late August, whale sharks hang off the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Several Cancun-based tour operators, including Manta Divers, organize daylong excursions that feature snorkeling with the gentle giants, as well as a yummy lunch on the boat (excursions are $175 per person and include guides, gear, lunch and hotel transfers; mantadivers.com).

Save!

Where to Stay: While most hotels located right on the beach charge top dollar, the Oasis Viva

Scuba diving in a cenote.

Beach resort is a wallet-friendly option. The intimate all-inclusive resort has a pleasant garden pool and swim-up bar, tennis courts, a gym and a small spa with a traditional Mayan temazcal steam room. Bonus: The hotel is within easy walking distance of the town’s shopping district, happening bar scene and hot clubbing hub (room rates start at $72 a night; oasisvivabeachresort.com).

Where to Eat: The best bargain in these parts is at Labná in downtown Cancun. Set beneath a soaring thatched roof, the restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and traditional Yucatan dishes like lime soup, pavo en pepian (turkey cooked in pumpkin seed sauce) and poc chuc (grilled pork in a chili and tomato sauce). The eatery’s decor blends modern Mexican and ancient Mayan touches (entrées start at about $4; labna.com).

What to Do: Get your adrenaline pumping at Hidden Worlds Cenotes Park on the Riviera Maya, where you can ride zip lines across the jungle canopy and rappel deep into cenotes (limestone sinkholes filled with cool water). You can even snorkel and scuba dive in the submerged caves (excursions start at $24.95 and include a guided snorkel tour, some gear and a souvenir; hiddenworlds.com.mx).

Photography: (from top) Starwood Hotels & Resorts; Riviera Maya Tourism Promotion Board.

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