Belize

Belize might be small, but it’s packed full of things to do. With thick Central American jungles on its west side and pristine Caribbean shores on its east side, the country is blessed with diverse natural beauty, a wealth of opportunities for adventure, and a welcoming culture.

Belize’s natural sights include opportunities to spot thousands of birds at the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, kayaking through extensive limestone caves at the Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, and black howler monkeys at Mayflower Bocawina National Park. Off the coast, the enormous Belize Barrier Reef is home to thousands of species of marine plants and animals, and boat trips out to one of the many islands that lie on the water’s surface are popular. Some clusters of islands, such as the beautiful Glover’s Reef, have hotels and resorts a world away from urbanity. Unique diving is on offer at the Blue Hole Natural Monument, a majestic natural sinkhole at which reef sharks and hammerheads can sometimes be spotted.

The country’s rich culture includes ancient Mayan temples, overgrown with jungle at Caracol – known for its gargantuan pyramid construction – perched on a hilltop at Lubaantun, or by the side of a still lagoon at Lamanai. In the modern day, Carnival is one of the biggest festivals in Belize and sees inhabitants don flamboyant, brightly coloured costumes and dance to infectious Caribbean rhythms.