Punta GordaBigFallsPlacenciaDangrigaBelize CityOrange Walk TownSan IgnacioCrooked TreeWildlife SanctuarySan PedroHopkinsCorozalBELMOPANCAYO DISTRICTTOLEDODISTRICTSTANN CREEKDISTRICTORANGE WALKDISTRICTCOROZALDISTRICTGUATEMALAMEXICOMEXICOBELIZEMaya Mountains Hummingbird Highway Caribbean SeaGulf ofHondurasCaracolActunTunichil MuknalNim Li PunitLubaantunBlueHoleXunantunichChan ChichLamanaiAltun HaAmbergris CayeTurneffe IslandsBarrier Reef Glover'sReefLighthouseReefHicksCaysMountainPine RidgeCockscomb BasinWildlife SanctuaryCaye Caulker020 miles032 kilometres Belize 41Find out more For suggested itineraries and practical information about travel in Belize, please see pages 48-49.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries, accommodation, climate information and articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Belize specialists 01993 838 690%Audley in BelizeThe laid-back nature of Belize means that things move at a slower pace here, even by Central American standards. For visitors it's a great place to relax, taking your time to appreciate the incredible scenery, spot wildlife or maybe experience something new. Our specialists have tried everything from canoeing, making chocolate, caving and river tubing, to scuba diving and swimming with sharks, and can advise you on what activities you could include in your itinerary. They have travelled to the far corners of Belize inspecting properties and looking for different experiences in lesser-visited parts of the country. Regarding logistics, Belize cannot be reached from the UK in one day, with a night required in the USA on the outbound journey. This is not required on the return journey to the UK. Alternatively, neighbouring Guatemala is an excellent accompaniment to Belize and can be reached in one day from the UK.AccommodationBelize offers the visitor a wonderful range of hotels and many new properties are springing up across the country. Our specialists have inspected and hand-picked their particular favourites in a variety of locations and budget categories, from simple, great value lodges to Francis Ford Coppola's renowned luxury resorts. Belize's beautiful jungle lodges are impressive, offering relative comfort in rustic surroundings with only the odd call of a howler monkey to disturb the profound peace of the forest. Along the coast and on the Cayes, idyllic beachfront properties in a range of price bands offer everything from complete relaxation to thrilling marine adventure and spectacular diving.1 The CayesTranquil islands with a laid-back Caribbean feel.2 Cayo DistrictBeautiful forests in western Belize sheltering the country's largest Maya archaeological site, Caracol.3 Orange Walk DistrictA region of tropical forest renowned for its excellent wildlife and home to the Maya site of Lamanai.4 The coastal mainlandPristine jungle littered with waterfalls, rivers and streams and a gateway to the coral reefs offshore.5 Toledo DistrictBelize's last frontier, home to numerous Maya sites, magnificent birdlife, citrus plantations, ancient caves and a unique cultural diversity.6 Atolls and Outer CayesOnly accessible by boat, the Atolls and Outer Cayes offer world-class diving and fishing in turquoise waters. Caves Western Belize is noted for its spectacular cave systems dripping with impressive stalactites and home to Maya artefacts and sacrificial remains.123456Ambergris CayeXunantunich ruins, Cayo District

42Caracol, Cayo DistrictBlack Rock Lodge, Cayo DistrictCanoeing, Chaa CreekCayo DistrictThe Cayo District covers an area of beautiful subtropical and pine forests in western Belize close to the border with Guatemala. Teeming with tropical birds and strewn with tumbling waterfalls and winding rivers, it is an excellent place to canoe, horse ride, birdwatch, hike or swim in the wild. However, most people come to visit the exquisite cave systems at Barton Creek and Rio Frio, or to explore the impressive Maya ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol. For a unique and atmospheric stay, base yourself at one of the area's accessible jungle lodges. Each offers a wide selection of activities with excellent guides on hand to help you explore the region's many places of interest. Black Rock Lodge, Cayo DistrictThis charming ecolodge set in the heart of the rainforest has just 14 great value cabins, where you can swing in a hammock on your porch and soak up the magnificent views over the Macal River and Don Elijio Panti National Park. It is well known for its superb birdwatching and over 280 species of bird have been spotted on site. The lodge only uses renewable energy harnessed from the river below and much of the fresh produce served in its restaurant is grown within the grounds. A choice of activities can be organised from the lodge from horse riding through the forest to river tubing. The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Cayo DistrictThe Lodge at Chaa Creek started as a farm in 1977, grew into a guesthouse and then became Belize's first jungle lodge. Located in a nine square kilometre rainforest reserve in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, guests have the opportunity to seek jungle dwellers including peccaries and monkeys as well as over 300 species of tropical and migratory bird. It is a beautiful place to stay and, whilst it has grown in size and added a spa, it has retained the friendly charm of its early days. The 23 palm-thatched cottages and variety of suites are all in keeping with the rainforest, each with a balcony, hammock and en suite bathrooms. Mystic River, Cayo DistrictSituated on a bank above the Macal River, Mystic River is a haven of peace with just 11 spacious suites, each with its own balcony overlooking the jungle and the river below. All the rooms are beautifully decorated with modern furnishings, ceiling fans and a fireplace. There is a small pool within the resort or the option of swimming in the river. Hidden Valley Inn, Cayo DistrictTucked away in its own private reserve in Cayo's Mountain Pine Ridge region, the Hidden Valley Inn is an intimate escape with just 12 cosy cottages. The flora, wildlife and birding here are excellent and guests have exclusive access to many kilometres of walking and mountain biking trails as well as several secluded pools and waterfalls set deep in the forest.