Although small, Belize is a heavyweight destination in almost every way. Nature reserves, national parks, protected jungles and a spectacular barrier reef compete with Mayan ruins and archaeological sites for your attention. Belize travel and holidays to Belize are about adjusting to the country's Caribbean rhythms and then discovering the bountiful range of natural attractions on offer.

The capital Belmopan, cut out of the tropical jungle sits amidst the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Belize City is grittier but still colourful; Corozal is the centre of Belize's booming sugar industry; just outside it are the Mayan ruins of Santa Rita.

Other Mayan sites in Belize include Lamanai, which is only accessible by boat, Altun Ha, which is home to 13 temples and a giant jade head, and the Canaa Pyramid in Caracol, which is the tallest man-made structure in Belize.

The islands and mangroves of the Belize Cayes are found between the mainland and the reef perimeters of the offshore atolls. The mangroves are ideal for bird and marine life whilst the open waters attract water sports enthusiasts, snorkellers and divers; Caye Caulker is the most laid-back of the various beaches whilst Half Moon Caye is entirely given over to birds.

Belize diving holidays are centred around the Blue Hole, the most famous dive site in Central America. At 400m across and 145m deep, this great sinkhole in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll is visible from space.

There's also a spectacular blue hole in the Five Blues Lake National Park; a lake comprising a collapsed cave system, the hole appears in an array of aqua hues and is home to a wide range of wildlife. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is also good for wildlife holidays in Belize and for spotting animals, including jaguar and the rest of Belize's big cats.