Hidden Valley Falls, Cayo DistrictRed-eyed tree frog, Orange Walk DistrictMystic River, Cayo DistrictCanoeing at Lamanai Outpost LodgeHepatic tanager, Cayo Districtwww.audleytravel.com/belize l 01993 838 690 l Belize 43Orange Walk DistrictNotable for its agricultural production and areas of dense jungle, the Orange Walk District encompasses the northern part of Belize. Highlights include the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, home to hundreds of waterbirds such as jabiru storks and snail kites, and the site of Lamanai, once a considerably sized city of the Maya civilization. Here, archaeological work has concentrated on the restoration of some of the larger structures, most notably the Mask Temple, the Temple of the Jaguar Masks and the High Temple. The summit of this latter structure affords great views across the surrounding jungle and nearby New River Lagoon. The rest of the site remains half-buried in the forest, making it an intriguing place to explore. Lamanai Outpost Lodge, Orange Walk DistrictReached only by road and boat or plane from Belize City, the trip to Lamanai Outpost Lodge itself tingles with a sense of adventure. The lodge is set on the banks of a massive spring-fed lagoon close to the remnants of a major Maya city. It has 20 simply decorated wooden cabañas surrounded by an incredible variety of habitats. Guests can get straight into the jungle to enjoy the sounds of tropical wildlife. For more in-depth exploration the lodge organises a variety of nature-based trips for small groups, where a local guide can introduce you to the flora and fauna of the area. Chan Chich Lodge, Orange Walk DistrictChan Chich Lodge is located on a private nature reserve in the middle of lush forest. The 12 individual thatched cabañas and a two-bedroom villa are stylishly furnished and provide a comfortable haven for relaxation at the end of the day. There is also a swimming pool in the grounds of the lodge. Excursions include walking, birdwatching, day and night wildlife-spotting tours, horse riding and canoeing. The lodge is accessed by charter plane, which can be arranged from Belize City or the Cayo District.Lamanai, Orange Walk DistrictHoney bear, Orange Walk District

Turtle Inn Resort, PlacenciaLaughing Bird Caye, near PlacenciaWhite-nosed coati, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary44Coastal MainlandHeading east from the Cayo District you pass the tiny Belizean capital of Belmopan before joining the Hummingbird Highway that winds its way south to the coast. The road is the most beautiful in the country, meandering through subtropical forests and huge plantations of citrus and banana. It is possible to break your journey at the surprisingly impressive Belize Zoo or St Herman's Blue Hole National Park, where you can cool off in a natural swimming hole. Along the coast you will find the fishing villages of Hopkins and, a further 48 kilometres south, Placencia.Although the beaches along the coast here are not the finest the country has to offer, there are some lovely places to stay where you can simply relax by the pool. The spectacular outer coral reef system and the Laughing Bird Caye National Park, with their superb snorkelling and scuba diving, are just a boat trip away. The region is also the jumping-off point for visiting Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers fantastic walks amongst pristine jungle, beautiful waterfalls, rivers and streams. Visit early in the day to have the prospect of seeing numerous bird species, tapirs, coatis (a member of the raccoon family), and if you are lucky, pumas and ocelots. Accommodation in Hopkins and PlacenciaHopkins is a small, tranquil village on the coast with just a couple of accommodation options. We like the Hamanasi Resort, a 21 room hotel nestled between the lush Maya Mountains and turquoise Caribbean Sea. The resort is ideally located for snorkelling and diving the Belizean reefs.Placencia is more developed and has a string of hotels stretching along the coast. A great value option is the Robert's Grove Beach Resort with 52 rooms, three swimming pools and a large bar and dining area overlooking a well-kept beach. For something a little special, the Turtle Inn Resort is a property in Francis Ford Coppola's portfolio. Comprising 25 rooms in total, made up of individual cabañas and two-bedroom villas, the resort has two restaurants, two lovely pools and a stretch of sandy beach directly in front of the property.Sunset, Placencia