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When you think of Central America, you probably think of Costa Rica, El Salvador or even Panama.
But there is a lesser-known Central American destination that could become a lot more popular in the coming months and years.
Located south of the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico, with Guatemala to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize is a world of ancient history, beautiful mountains, lush forests and a beautiful coastline that rivals anything in the Caribbean.
It has a lot to offer, so we’ve explored six reasons why we think Belize is about to become a much more popular option for American travelers.
It’s easier than ever to get there
a recent report has revealed that several major airlines are opening new routes or expanding existing ones to this oft-overlooked Central American country.
The report explains that travelers can reach Belize directly from Seattle and Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines, from Miami, Charlotte, and Dallas on American Airlines, from Atlanta and Minneapolis on Delta, from New York JFK on Jet Blue, and from Houston and Denver on Southwest Airlines.
This focus on Belize from major airlines makes it easier than ever to find a direct or connecting flight to the country at an affordable price.
Rich Mayan history
While Mexico may be the first place that comes to mind when you think of visiting remnants of ancient Central American civilizations like the Maya, Belize has its own rich and fascinating Mayan history.
Many of the temples you can visit are located in the west of the country, near the border with Guatemala.
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Highlights include El Pilar, a site still being excavated today; Cahal Pech, with fantastic views of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley; and Xunantunich, with an imposing pyramid 40 meters high.
Less explored Caribbean coast
In addition to offering Mayan ruins that you can visit without the crowds of its Mexican counterparts, Belize has a beautiful stretch of coastline on the Caribbean Sea with a similar vibe.
While the coast itself is perfect for relaxing in the sun for a few days, many of the small islands off the coast are the real gems.
Koko King is the ideal place for a Caribbean beach party, while Turneffe Atoll is a pristine marine reserve with some of the world’s best saltwater fly fishing.
This whole area is also known for its excellent snorkeling and diving, which proves how crystal clear and beautiful the water is.
Affordable and you can use US dollars
Although Belize is slightly more expensive than some of its Central American neighbors, it is still a very affordable place to visit for travelers.
According to Lonely Planet, you can take a trip to Belize with an average daily cost of between $75 and $125.
Belize uses its own dollar, but the US dollar is also widely accepted in the country. At the time of writing, one Belize dollar is worth about 50 cents, making the conversion easy.
It is not uncommon to pay for something in US dollars and receive the change in Belize dollars.
No visa required
The nice thing about Belize is that it is not too strict on entry visas.
US citizens can enter and stay in Belize for up to 30 days without any form of visa.
You can then extend that stay by visiting an immigration office and applying for a Belize visitor permit extension. You often need proof of your intention to leave the country.
Belize offers similar visa-free access to citizens of Canada as well as many European countries.
Combine with a trip to Mexico
Thanks to Belize’s unique location and relatively small size, you can easily spend a few days there while on a longer trip to Mexico.
The Mexican resort of Chetumal is right on the border with Belize, so you can quite easily enjoy a slow coastal walk from Quintana Roo and then on to Belize, crossing the land border.
If you already have plans to visit this super-popular part of Mexico, a trip south to escape the crowds can make Belize very appealing.
Traveler warning: Don’t forget your travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
