Two Mexican cities have started open-top bus tours offering tourists a scenic view of political corruption and its consequences.

'Corruptour' in Mexico City takes in 10 landmarks, with buses roaming the streets while passengers are told about alleged corruption and misspending in the sprawling metropolis.

It was set up by campaigners Via Ciudadana and aims to expose the abuse of power and public funds that often go unpunished in the country.

Mexico ranks 123 out of 168 countries in the most recent Transparency International corruption index.

Stops on the tour include: the Senate of the Republic building, a notorious, budget-busting government project; the attorney general's office, accused of inaction after scandals involving government employees and officials; and a house linked to president Enrique Pena Nieto, who became embroiled in a property purchasing and financing scandal.


Image: The bus is decorated with messages referring to alleged corruption

Corruptour was founded by part-time political activist Miguel Trevino in Monterrey, where it also operates a tour.

"There is an architecture tour in Chicago and a ghost tour in Scotland. This is a tour about corruption," explained Mr Trevino.

"The moment citizens start to demand transparency the chances of tricking them decrease."

Mr Trevino was spurred into action when political corruption caused dozens of deaths during a narco-terrorist attack on a casino in Monterrey.

Fire broke out during the attack but the casino had dodged inspections and the building's exits were blocked.

"Everybody would have survived the attack if the emergency exits were properly working," said the campaigner.