Destination: Belize

Belize is one of the more surprising destinations you’ll visit, sometimes more reminiscent of a Caribbean island than a Latin American country. The British colonial influence is quite evident in places like Belize City, a colorful and vibrant city where you can get an authentic taste of Belize’s unique culture. With English as the official language of Belize, you’ll never be at a loss for words.

Unofficially, the national pastime of Belize is enjoying its incredible, and often secluded, natural environment. This island of Ambergris Caye is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, an incredible world under the sea, and endless watersports. Visitors can towel off in San Pedro, a casual town of brightly painted houses with only 10 streets and no pavement, where people get around on golf carts and bicycles. Low-key sun worshippers also love Placencia in southern Belize, a sandy peninsula where hiking and the local Garifuna culture give beach life a special flavor.

The Mayan culture is still alive and well throughout Belize. Mayan descendants tend to their rolling sugarcane fields in the Orange Walk District of northern Belize, a wonderful area for watching exotic birds. The country’s Cayo region is home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins anywhere, including the 35-square-mile ancient city of Carocol. Cayo is also home to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, where natural pools and waterfalls flow beneath the feet of jungle cats and lush vegetation.