The Baja California peninsula was formed around 10 million years ago as a result of the earthquakes registered in the San Andres fault line, thus creating a profound channel.

Nowadays, the waters that entered the channel form the Sea of Cortes, a breeding ground for whales.

This state forms the southern part of the world's longest peninsula. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the region was inhabited by indigenous groups including the pericúes, the guaycuras and the cochimíes.

Nowadays, this is one of the most visited destinations of the country.

Campeche is one of the states located in the Gulf of Mexico and it is the nations richest, with regard to the country's petroleum reserves, a vital liquid for Mexico's finances.

Its climate is warm and sub-tropical and 60% of its area is covered with sub-tropical forest.

One of the principal natural lungs of the continent, which surprises with its forests, lakes, great rivers and an incredible variety of wild animals.

Furthermore, here you can visit the architectural gems of the pre-hispanic era, such as Palenque (right), Bonampak, Yaxchilán and many more.

Tuxtla Gutierrez is the state capital, but with regard to tourism, the beautiful city of San Cristóbal de las Casas attracts most of the visitors, both national and international.

The State of Chihuahua is the largest in Mexico and offers an incredibly wide range of topography for adventure tourism and hunting.

Deserts and deep gorges; the Sierra Tarahumara mountain range with its astounding flora and fauna, is not only diverse, in some cases, they are unique throughout the world.

Tha state capital of Coahuila is Saltillo, a state which is distributed between the Sierra Madre Oriental (68%) and the mountains and prairies of the north (16%).

Torreón (left) is the state capital and offers a good variety of tourist attractions in a colonial atmosphere.

Here you can visit Parras, one of Mexico's Magical Towns, so named due to their cultural and historical value.

Also on offer here is the incredible natural marvel of the salt Dunes of Bilbao, one place you shouldn't miss on a visit to the state. A whole new world, don't miss them.

Here, visitors will find a great diversity of attractions ranging from the beauty of its coastal region to the majestic volcanoes, such as the one with the same name as the state, Colima, located in its own national park in the photo to the right.

Durango is one of the best places in the world to explore vast and beautiful natural surroundings, the large mountain ranges offering excellent hunting. This state is located between the western part of Mexico's Sierra Madre mountain range and the eastern part of the high central plains.

In touristic terms, Guerrero has three main centers. To the left is a photo of Taxco, the capital of the world of silver in Mexico, which, with its cobbled streets, turns out to be quite romantic, as well as good for bargain-hunting ground.

Meanwhile, on the coast is the world famous port of Acapulco, considered by many to be the national emblem regarding tourism in Mexico, it was the country's first tourist port.

Ixtapa / Zihuataneco also has its fair share of charm, further north along the coast.

Picturesque mining towns that conserve the luxury of the British bonanza of centuries past; pulque producing ranches (Haciendas) on the plains of Apan; surprising archeological zones of history and legend; the majestic convent dating back to the 16th Century. All are indelible reminders of the mix of cultures to be found in this entity.

Located in the west of the Mexican Republic, Jalisco is a privelaged territory with a variety of climates, majestic mountain ranges and profound canyons; rivers and many lakes.

Additionally, there are extensive valleys where the blue agave cactus is planted; raw material for the production of Mexico's world-famous tipple: Tequila.

Michoacan, in the indigenous 'tarasco' language, signifies "place with an abundance of fish," a clue as to the immense richness of the state's lakes and lagoons, where exquisite fish are bred for the plate; rich in both quality and flavour, the local white fish (pescado blanco) or the trout (truchas) will give your pallette an excellent treat.

The state capital, Morelia, is a place of stunning architectural beauty, most of the examples of which date back to the times of the colonial era, and are incredibly well preserved.

For its magical beauty and excellent climate this state has been considered as the "Tamo anchan," or "earthly paradise" in the local indigenous mythology, as nature has offered us an exquisite demonstration of its work.

One of the state's treasures is the archeological site of Xochicalco, in the southeast of the state of Morelos, just 38 kilometers from the state capital: Cuernavaca.

Nayarit is bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Tourists can relax on the warm, soft sands of the beaches of this state.

Visitors who enjoy birdwatching will have a great time here as there is a wide variety on show.

Nayarit is also the home of the famous Huicholes, who wear extravagantly decorative clothing embroidered with bright colored animal patterns.

This is one of the most industrialized states of the country and of Latin America in general, making it the hub for business in Mexico's northern territory.

One of the most famous man-made landmarks in this state is the "Faro de Comercio" - "Lighthouse of Commerce" (above) in the state capital, Monterrey, a salute to the importance of the city's commercial activities.

Oaxaca is one of the most visited of the country due to the magnificent pre-hispanic archeological sites such as the world renowned Monte Alban (right).

Other attractions include the festival of the Guelaguetza, in which visitors can witness a whole host of indigenous peoples taking part in dances and showing off their traditional costumes.

The name of the state capital is Puebla de Zaragoza; administrative center of a vast mountainous region with foothills crossing the state.

The local production of handcrafts and clothing is impressive, especially the traditional clothing. Buy some on a visit to Cholula, with the truly colonial church perched on the top of a piramid, literally.

The old aquaduct, which majestically divides part of the city, is just one of the impressive icons from the past in the state capital, Queretaro.

If you're looking for a stylish present for someone, don't miss the opal mines.

Another must is a visit to the Monticulo de Bernal for a taste of the Sierra Gorda of Queretaro.

This is an incredible, forested area; rearing livestock is a prime activity along with breweries, both of which take advantage of the state's abundantly rich waters.

It borders with Zacatecas, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Hidalgo, Queretaro, Guanajuato and Jalisco.

Looking out on the Bermejo Sea, tourist developments offer luxurious accomodation from which to enjoy an unforgettable beach vacation.

Situated on the shores of the Gulf of California, Sonora shares its borders with the U.S. to the north, and the Mexican states of Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Baja California.