Belize, barely the size of Massachusetts, is experiencing a dramatic rise in tourism numbers. This success, in turn, is attracting more airline service from the U.S., as well as cruise ships that come calling into its port.

Though Belize has long made a splash with scuba divers, this small, English-speaking country also boasts prominence as a premier place for unearthing the mystery of the Mayas, and as a natural choice for eco-tourism. Located in the Western Caribbean, Belize hugs the eastern borders of Mexico and Guatemala and shares with them a place in the Mundo Maya, a network of fabulous and fascinating ancient sites. Belize has four major Mayan archaeological areas that are each only a day trip from Belize City. Tikal, the most famous Mayan City of all, lies just across the border in Guatemala.... more