Mexico encompasses nearly 2 million square miles of grasslands, mountain ranges, volcanic plains and rainforests. However, most visitors are familiar only with its shoreline. Travelers have been flocking to the beaches of Mazatlán, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta for decades. In recent years, the Caribbean “Riviera Maya” has become popular, as have pockets of the Pacific coast such as Zihuatanejo and Costa Alegre. A visit to the colonial heart of Mexico is extremely worthwhile. Mexico’s problems with drug-related crime have been well-documented: Most of the country is relatively safe, since violence is concentrated in areas adjacent to the border with the United States. Whatever their destinations, visitors to Mexico should check for travel warnings at the State Department’s website, travel.state.gov.