Belize

Relatively small, nestled in between México and Guatemala, Belize is the only English speaking Latin American country. It is fairly developed in relation to its neighbours, but in many places has a very backwater feel to it. Most of the main attractions are out at sea in the form of hundreds of cayes, many with beautiful beaches and the 184-mile long barrier reef (longest in the Northern hemisphere), complete with whale sharks, sting rays, multi-coloured fish and clear blue water. On the whole, the mainland is ignored. The main focus of activities away from the beaches are wildlife viewing and Mayan temples that are less grander than might be found in neighbouring nations. That does not mean the mainland is totally ignored. San Ignacio is a base for travellers, although this does have something to do with its position on route to Tikal, Guatemala, but is also a fantastic place. Other inland towns are less frequently visited and provide a great opportunity to get away from the Central American crowds and chill a little. The down-side however is that costs are much higher here than elsewhere in the region and considering this most travellers rush through and stay less than a week. The whole Caribbean atmosphere of the place, including the 'Bob Marley' variety of English spoken and (on the whole) friendly people makes Belize a great place when you are there - less so when you are counting the cost for excursions. Your time on the Cayes will come at a price.

Nine reasons why you should take a holiday in Belize:

1. Diving/snorkelling: Regardless of your level of ability or physical condition, there's a place and mask for you in Belize. Diving around the atolls is world-class, excellent on the reef off Stann Creek and Toledo districts, and not bad even around the more-visited parts of the barrier reef such as near Ambergris Caye. Snorkelling is also excellent, though except from the cayes directly on the reef such as Tobacco, Goff's, and English, it requires a short boat ride to the reef. A caution, though: The Caribbean here can see rough seas, making snorkelling iffy on windy or stormy days. Long dive boat rides can be a very queasy experience. 'Carlos Tours' on Caye Caulker has the best snorkelling tour in Belize. Don't let his relaxed attitude fool you into thinking there are better tours because there aren't. 

2. Mayan ruins: Between 250 AD and 900 AD, Belize became the centre of the ancient Mayan civilization. Beginning as far back as 1500 BC, the Mayan civilization spread throughout Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Today, the legacy of this ancient culture can still be found in Belize. Awe-inspiring palaces and temples are still being uncovered and their magnificence, standing stoically against the Belizean skyline, has to be seen to be truly appreciated. Xunantunich, about 130 kilometres west of Belize City in the Cayo District, is situated on a plot of land about three square kilometres and has more than 26 temples and palaces. But El Castillo is what really draws visitors. This pyramid is the second tallest structure in Belize, following a temple at Caracol, another Mayan ruin in Belize. Climb to the top for an impressive panoramic view of both Belize and Guatemala. NOTE: Wear proper shoes and take your time. The steps are worn and can be tricky to climb.

3. Ecotravel: Most of Belize remains lightly populated by humans and untouched by developers, so it's a paradise for wild critters and birds. More than 500 species of birds have been spotted in Belize. Animals rare or extinct elsewhere still thrive in Belize's bush. Nature is still natural here. A surprising number of Belizeans have a real commitment to protecting the environment.

4. Adventure: Belize is a great place for adventure, soft or otherwise. Come for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and caving. Indeed, Belize offers some of the best spelunking anywhere, with huge cave systems, some yet unexplored, in the Maya Mountains and elsewhere.

5. Tropical Weather: The climate is hot and humid for most of the year; temperatures tend to cool slightly in the coastal areas, thanks to Caribbean breezes, and remain 5 to 10 degrees warmer in the interior. Temperatures typically peak around June, averaging about 29 degrees Celsius, but throughout the rest of the year, temperatures tend to hold steady at about 27 degrees Celsius. February to May  is known as the dry season (the least amount of rainfall compared to other months) and hurricane season is from June until the end of November.

6. Mosaic of Cultures: Belize is home to over 11 different ethnic groups that primarily include Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna, Creoles, Mennonites, and British (and a number of US expats). Belize offers the visitors a laboratory of human culture, all in a small and accessible space. Belize is a truly multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-lingual society. Far from perfect, with dangers as well as pleasures, a trip to Belize can be an education. Come with your eyes, and mind, open.

7. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Belize's Barrier Reef – the largest reef in western hemisphere – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the coral reef, warm waters, and beautiful atolls offer some of the world's best snorkelling and diving. Where else can you swim with and touch nurse sharks in open water? The "blue-hole" which can be best seen by air, is also an amazing site.

8. Communication: Being able to communicate easily since English is the official language makes your experience that much more rich and meaningful. It's the only Central or South American country whose official language is English.

9. Location and size: It's a quick 2-hour flight from Miami, USA or a 5-hour flight from Toronto, Canada. It's relatively a small country, about 110 km wide and 290 km long, making bordering countries such as Mexico and Guatemala within easy reach. You can easily travel to Guatemala's Tikal ruins, without having to spend countless hours on the road.

Things to consider before deciding to take a holiday in Belize:

1. Lack of good shopping:  While there are several modern supermarkets and stores in Belize City, and a few shops of visitor interest in San Pedro and Cayo, prices for almost everything but rum are high and selection is limited. Belize does not have the rich craft tradition of nearby Guatemala.

2. Lack of great beaches: Those coming to Belize expecting the wide white sandy beaches of Anguilla or parts of Mexico's Yucatán are likely to be disappointed. The barrier reef all along the coast of Belize provides for rich underwater life but also blocks the sand deposits of less-protected shores. Sea grass is common off most beaches. Ambergris Caye has some small, human-helped beaches, the small ribbons of sand at Hopkins/Sittee Point and Placencia/Seine Bight/Maya Beach can be pleasant, and a few of the remote cayes have postcard-style strips of sandy beach, but no beach in Belize would make the world's top 100 list.

3. Lack of good nightlife: If you like to party hard, consider going elsewhere. Even Belize City shuts down early, and only the animals walk at night. San Pedro has the most action, with the chicken drop at the Spindrift Hotel, and about 20 bars, some of which blast 'til the wee hours. At the jungle lodges and remote resorts, guests are usually in bed by nine or ten, tired from the day's activities. 

4. Tropical storms, including hurricanes: If you are planning a trip to Belize your first consideration is probably "the weather". Therefore, keep this one fact in mind: "The Atlantic Hurricane Season Starts On June 1st And Ends On November 30th." Now, that said, don't necessarily let this keep you from going to Belize during these months. For example, you get discount lodging rates during what is referred to as their "low" season (note: low season is typically between May 1 thru Dec. 15 while their high season is Dec. 15 thru May 1... check with individual resorts and lodging packages). Plus, for the most part, weather conditions in Belize are good throughout the year. Just keep yourself aware of any changing weather conditions, especially during the hurricane season.

Other information and our ratings:

Suggested Travel Resources: Lonely Planet Country Guide

Cheap Vacation Packages to Belize: Try CheapCaribbean.com