Mexico is frequently listed among the best places to visit in the world. If you’ve ever been, then you know it’s not hard to figure out why. After all, the U.S.’s southern neighbor is a country rich with history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. Its mixture of an ancient civilization and modern sensibility yields an experience that’s both familiar and pleasantly unpredictable.

Still not convinced? Well, here are eight fantastic reasons to travel to Mexico. You can thank us when you’re back home!

The Affordability

Mexico is one of the most affordable countries to visit in the Western Hemisphere, and it’s just a short plane ride for the majority of Americans. That’s why flying to Mexico is always a popular option for almost any occasion. So Cabo San Lucas is just a quick flight away, and usually won’t break the bank. And hotels are even cheaper. Americans can stay in either local boutique hotels or international chains and expect high-quality amenities and experiences without much cost, and your savings can be magnified if you book with a tour package or cruise. With a cruise, visitors can often pay upfront and enjoy a wide variety of amenities without forking over extra money.

The Historic Ruins

One of the coolest attractions for tourists is to see and explore the remains of the pre-Columbian society that once stretched from Southern Mexico to El Salvador. The Mayan empire lasted from around 700 BCE to nearly 1700 CE — over 2,000 years! — and left many prominent urban centers and buildings still standing to this day. Two of the best Mayan sites in Mexico include Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula — one of the most visited Mayan sites in the world — and Palenque in Chiapas, which is one of the most studied and written about Mayan archeological sites.

The Luxurious Resorts

Renown throughout the world for their blend of awe-inspiring scenery and lavish pampering of guests, Mexican luxury resorts give many people a chance to live the good life. The Caribbean coastline of Riviera Maya, stretching around the fabulous beaches of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is just one of many areas full of all-inclusive mega-resorts that cater to your every whim and fancy.

The Culture

Mexican culture is one of the richest and most varied in the world. The country has had several hundred years of European influence culture, plus thousands of years of its own native culture. These cultural influences have blended into a rich tapestry of native and Spanish cultures.

Mexico is known for a number of cultural products. There’s plenty of dances and various forms of music. Many Spanish instruments like the traditional guitar are found in the music of Mexico. The religious culture and customs of Mexico are also still dominated by the past five centuries of Spanish presence. Mexico is still overwhelmingly Catholic, although there are more and more people who do not profess a religious culture.

The Amazing Beaches

Whether you’re surfing, snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing in the sand, Mexico has some of the best beaches in the world so you can do your thing while basking in the sun. Join the crowds at popular destinations like Cancun and Acapulco or pay a little extra and head to a more remote locale like Tulum and everywhere in between. Just like the resorts you can stay in, there’s plenty of options to choose from!

The Wildlife and Nature

Mexico is a large country that stretches thousands of miles from its U.S. border to its southern border with Guatemala and Belize. As a result, it has a wide variety of ecosystems that visitors can explore and experience. On the northern border, there are hundreds of miles of desert and several landmarks. The climate becomes tropical south of Mexico City. Hot, dense jungles offer visitors a chance to see flora and fauna they have only read about before. There are also mountain peaks and vast plains that people can hike and explore. Mexico has nearly 70 national parks that stretch across its expanse and provide numerous opportunities for both locals and tourists.

The Delicious Food

There’s no need to make the case that Mexican food is a treat for the palate. From fiery peppers to succulently marinated and grilled meats and vegetables, there’s a fusion of various influences that goes into many of our favorite Mexican dishes. The state of Oaxaca, with its cross-section of different subcultures and resulting culinary blending, remains a favorite destination for travelers wanting to try some mouth-watering dishes. There’s also the city of Puebla, which is famous for its district of Mexican sweets sellers, known as “la calle de los dulces,” or the candy street. Oh, and you can’t forget the famed food scene of the country’s capital city, Mexico City, which serves up a feast for travelers, from high-end restaurants to street vendors.

Every region of Mexico has a different take on the nation’s cuisine. Coastal regions focus more on seafood and incorporating fresh catches into stews and main dishes. Interior areas incorporate beef, corn, beans, and rice. Tostones, tortas, and tacos are just three of the many dishes that are popular in America but have their origins in Mexico. There are also dishes such as tequila and Oaxaca cheese that are seminal to Mexican culture and have been exported all around the world.

The Outdoor Activities

One of the most common activities to engage in when one visits the coasts of Mexico is snorkeling. This activity is most popular in areas where there are large coral reefs and other tropical settings. People who enjoy deep-sea diving can see thousands of species of fish, coral, and other unique specimens. They can view the brightly hued colors of the Caribbean just a few miles off of the Mexican coast.

Hiking and golf are two other activities that visitors to Mexico can enjoy. Golf may seem like one of the less-expected reasons to visit Mexico that people would cite. Many people believe that Mexico is an exotic land where they have to engage in activities that they would not otherwise be able to do during a vacation. But in many ways, Mexico is similar to the United States. It’s a modern, developed country with many of the amenities that Americans have in many areas.

Have you been to Mexico? What was your favorite part of visiting this rich and vibrant country? Tell us about it in the comments below!