01. The Belize Barrier Reef • For spellbinding natural beauty, it’s hard to beat a snorkeling or diving trip to the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest in the western hemisphere, and where you might see everything from turtles to tropical fish.
02. Toucans • The unmistakable keel-billed toucan is the national bird of Belize and, though found almost anywhere, is best seen in the village of Sittee River.
03. The Museum of Belize • This museum features excellent collections of painted Maya ceramics and jade jewellery. A visit here is one of Belize City’s highlights.
04. The Blue Hole • On Lighthouse Reef, dive the inky depths of the coral encrusted Blue Hole, an enormous circular cavern over 980ft across – or fly over it in a light plane or helicopter.
05. Caracol • The greatest of Belize’s ancient Maya cities is gradually revealing its history and attracting more visitors every year.
06. Tikal • Across the Guatemalan border is the monumental Maya city of Tikal, looming out of a magnificent protected rainforest.
07. Carnival • The music and energy of Carnival in Belize City is the highlight of the “September Celebrations”, which commemorate Independence Day and the Battle of St George’s Caye.
08. San Ignacio • San Ignacio, the adventure centre of western Belize, also has one of the best markets in the country.
09. Lamanal • More than two thousand years ago Lamanai was the largest city anywhere in the Maya world; today, take an exciting riverboat journey to see its massive temples rising out of the jungle.
10. The Mountain Pine Ridge • Hike the hills, peaks and gorges of this vast forest reserve, taking in the majesty of the tallest waterfall in Central America and perhaps staying in a luxurious riverside lodge.
