Belize

More like a small town than a country Belize is full of subtleties. Nestled between Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea it wasn’t until 1992 that this tiny strip of coastal land, formally known as British Honduras, gained independence from Britain. First inhabited by the Mayans, Belize is the sight of one of the most important city-states of the Mayan Empire—Caracol.

One can’t help but marvel in the presence of these pre-Columbian ruins as they climb to the top of the Canaa or Sky Palace pyramid. At 140 feet, Canaa is the tallest man-made structure in all of Belize! As you look down over jungle laid out below you, your mind will race to understand the Mayans’ true brilliance. Belize, justifiably so, is most well known for the resources that lie beneath the sea - the number of excellent dive & snorkel locations, visibility, variety of marine life, ease of access, and water temperature, there are few places in the world that can beat it.

A trip to Belize is not complete without a dive into the famous Blue Hole. Once a cave at the center of an underground tunnel complex, whose ceiling collapsed, the Blue Hole attracts divers and geologist from around the world wishing to explore its depths and limestone walls. With all this attention on Belize’s marine life, it has been largely overlooked for its inland gems and cultural diversity that rivals the streets of London or New York.

With the most heterogeneous population imaginable, you can find Mennonites working alongside Mayans and a Mestizo playing cards with a Garifuna. Belize is deserving of a look both on land and sea.