Belize
800-624-0686
www.travelbelize.org

For such a tiny country, Belize harbors an astonishing wealth of natural and cultural attributes, with a long list of visitor attractions that fall into three main categories:

—The Caribbean coastline and three offshore atolls are home to a good selection of laid-back beach resorts that are ideal for a peaceful seaside sojourn. Belize also boasts the world’s second-longest barrier reef, making it a particularly attractive destination for diving and snorkeling.

—With 66 percent of the country still densely forested, diverse mountain and lowland ecosystems, and an impressive collection of well-managed wildlife sanctuaries, Belize has become a popular destination for birders and other nature enthusiasts. Inland adventures include jungles hikes, caving and river trips.

—Like Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to the north, Belize has its own collection of important Maya archaeological sites dating back more than 1,000 years before Christ. Archeological tours offer visitors a chance to view exquisite pre-Columbian architecture with none of the crowds found at the more famous and accessible Maya ruins in Mexico.

Winter is high season in Belize, so you’re not likely to find deep discounts on accommodations and services at this time of year, but with flexible scheduling and a little homework, you can find some appealing package deals. A good place to begin is www.belizespecials.com, which acts as a clearinghouse for last-minute and seasonal discounts.