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BELIZE

Belize is a colorful mix of Caribbean, European and Mayan influences - a cultural melting pot with a spectacular natural and historical heritage.

The Great Maya Reef stretches the length of this tiny country: 185 miles (296 Kms) of continuous coral, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Here, divers can explore the Hol(e) Chan Marine Reserve, the strange Blue Hole, a deep blue well far out to sea, and the Lighthouse Reef atoll.

Over 200 cays or tropical islands lie in the shadow of the reef, making Belize an island hopper's dream. Travel experiences range from the tropical luxury of the lively Caribbean resort of San Pedro on Ambergris Cay, to a hammock on a desert island.

Back on the mainland, this tiny nation boasts some of the most spectacular jungle scenery and varied wildlife in the Maya World. The northern coastal lagoons are a haven for rare birds while Cockscomb Basin is the only jaguar sanctuary in the world. In central Belize, Mountain Pine Ridge is a 288-square-mile reserve featuring mountains, waterfalls, caves and areas of dense tropical forest. Jungle lodges abound and travelers can take their pick from canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife watching.

Evidence shows that Belize was settled around 2000 B.C. and the ruins of countless cities still dot the landscape. The oldest site in the Maya World is located here: Cuello, dated at before 1000 B.C. and the largest jade mask recovered to date in the area was found at Altun-Ha. Other sites worth visiting include Caracol, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech.

Belize city is the nation's largest city (Belmopan is the capital). Further south, the Garifuna people live in Dangriga and Placencia. The descendants of escaped slaves, they still retain many African traditions, evident in their art, music, dance and cuisine.

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