It's been called therapy for the soul, and is guaranteed to lift even the blackest mood. Mariachi music, with its classic mix of brass, strings, rousing vocals and "cowboy" uniforms, is the most enduring symbol of Mexico and a major contributing factor as to why so many visitors leave these lands with their hearts uplifted and their spirits rekindled.

Getting to Tequila

Among other events built around the Mariachi Festival is a 10-hour round-trip train ride from Guadalajara to Tequila, the production center of Jalisco's famed firewater. Eat Mexican food, drink tequila and make merry aboard a specially decked out train accompanied by mariachi groups and dazzling views of rolling blue maguey hills. The trip to Tequila includes a visit to an agave-growing hacienda and a tour of a distillery taking in all stages of the production process. Cost is 490 pesos