Belize

A branch of the New River splits Belize City in two, with the North side full of markets, shops, and museums and the South side marked by upscale riverfront homes of the city's elite. Father along, the city gives way to the beautiful natural scenery of the surrounding jungle as you approach Lamanai. Huddled between the New River Lagoon and the jungle, the Lamanai Mayan ruins retain an air of silent mystery. This site is one of the few in the world to retain its original name; "Lamanai" comes from the Mayan for "submerged crocodile," and carvings throughout the site pay homage to its namesake. The top of the largest pyramid provides amazing views of the forest around the site as well as the black howler monkeys that perch in the branches.

Protected by forests and rivers, Mayan San Ignacio was one of the centres of rebellion against Spanish conquistadors -- in 1641, Mayan priests staged a parody of the Mass to incense the missionaries, and later the city befriended the independent British loggers who settled in defiance of the Spanish. Today the city maintains its independent, laidback charm.

See Belize's diverse and colourful wildlife as you cross bridges, cables, and platforms suspended high in the rainforest canopy.

Grab an inner tube and explore the caves considered sacred by the ancient Maya. You'll see amazing rock formations, archaeological remains, and more as you glide down underground rivers.

Explore the 6 plazas and more than 26 temples and palaces that make up this ancient Mayan city. Head to the steps of El Castillo, the largest pyramid and second tallest structure in Belize, and see if you can spot the “stone woman” with the fire red eyes that is said to haunt the site. Climb to the very top of the village for a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside – you can even see all the way to the Belize and Guatemala border!

Stop by the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch and learn about the ecology of Belize and its importance to butterfly diversity. Then head to the Forest Reserve to see the spectacular Rio Frio Cave with its 65 foot arched entrance, the mini Rio On Pools which create a series of breathtaking waterfalls and then cool off in the pristine waters of the Black Rock Falls.

Explore this 29 acre zoo for a chance to see native Belizean animals such as jaguars, ocelots, iguanas and more. Learn about the zoo’s efforts to create awareness and share knowledge about Belize’s wildlife as you visit each of the animals in their natural habitats.

Belize's dazzling coral reef, the largest in the Western hemisphere, stretches along the coastline, creating beautifully calm protected water around the country's cayes, or small coastal islands. The largest of these islands, Ambergris Caye, is also the prettiest, with a laidback Caribbean feel and gorgeous sand beaches.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve cuts through the coral reef up to the mangrove forest on the shoreline, giving you a cross-section look at three ocean habitats. The mangroves serve as a nursery for young fish, the seagrass that separates these trees from the ocean also provide food, and the coral reef itself is home to all manner of sea creatures. In Shark Alley, friendly rays and nurse sharks feed glide through the clear water.