Mexico has several famous volcanoes including Popocatepetl, Izttaccihuatl and Orizaba. It was once home to the Aztec empire which was destroyed by Hernan Cortes. Mexico gained independence from Spain on September 16th and is now a diverse country with many indigenous groups like the Mayans, Nahuatles and Zapotecas. Tourism is important to Mexico's economy with popular destinations including Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Ixtapa-Zihutanejo.