Belcampo Lodge, Toledo DistrictCave near the Lodge at Big Falls, Toledo DistrictMaya lady, Toledo DistrictMaya women making tortillas, Toledo Districtwww.audleytravel.com/belize l 01993 838 690 l Belize 45Toledo DistrictThe Toledo District in the south, often described as Belize's last frontier, is a fabulous part of the country and less visited than the Cayo and Orange Walk districts. It experiences more rain than other parts of Belize making its untouched rainforests and abundant citrus and cacao plantations incredibly lush and leafy. It is home to remote Maya sites, such as Lubaantun - where the infamous 'Crystal Skull' was purportedly found, and Nim Li Punit, which has 25 of its original carved monuments intact. The region is also home to over 300 bird species and 15 national parks and reserves, making it a wonderful destination for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.Toledo is the least developed area of Belize and consequently traditional culture is stronger here. Maya families will proudly show off their homes and organic gardens to interested visitors and in doing so offer a fascinating glimpse of traditions that have been lost in many places. Tending small cacao plantations is the main economic activity in the area, and you can visit and watch a demonstration of the chocolate making process. This is far harder than it looks, as you will realise if you get the chance to give it a go. Accommodation in the Toledo DistrictDespite its remoteness, the Toledo District offers a surprisingly good number of accommodation options. The lovely jungle guesthouse Hickatee Cottages is arguably one of the best value options in the whole of Belize, while the Lodge at Big Falls has just six cabañas set in verdant forest that is fantastic for birding. For something more comfortable the luxurious Belcampo Lodge offers 12 stunning suites with glorious forest views.Violet-crowned woodnymph, Toledo DistrictCacao fruit, Toledo District

The Blue HoleMata Rocks, Ambergris Caye46The CayesThe Cayes, a series of small islands surrounded by extensive coral reefs, are simply stunning. Tranquil and secluded with white, sandy beaches lapped by turquoise waters, and a laid-back Caribbean vibe, this is Belize at its most relaxing. You can spend your days lazing by the pool or snorkel, dive or fish in the clear seas.Most of the cayes are uninhabited or home only to local fishermen, but the largest, Ambergris Caye, is the most developed with some lovely beachfront properties. From Belize City you fly to the town of San Pedro where you travel by motor boat or buggy to your accommodation. Although the town itself is great for nightlife and delicious seafood restaurants, most people prefer to stay in the more secluded parts of the island.Apart from relaxation, the main attraction is swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving on the pristine reefs. The soft and hard corals here teem with extraordinary sealife and at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve you can swim with rays and small nurse sharks. Alternatively take a boat trip to search for massive but languid manatees as they rummage through the mangroves. If you are interested in learning how to dive we can pre-arrange dive courses for you. Experienced divers can take advantage of world-famous dive sites such as the spectacular Blue Hole or take day trips to the staggeringly beautiful Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Caye and the Turneffe Islands. Victoria House, Ambergris CayeVictoria House offers a mix of laid-back ambiance and great service making it a fabulous place to stay. There are 42 air-conditioned guest bedrooms, ranging from thatched casitas to luxurious suites and private villas, all set in lush tropical gardens with tall, swaying palm trees, sweeping views of the reef and access to a white-sand beach. The restaurant serves a wide range of delicious meals in the evening and lunch can be taken in the bar or by one of the pools. The hotel is a few minutes walk from the town of San Pedro and runs its own dive and activity centre offering trips to the magnificent nearby coral reefs.Victoria House, Ambergris Caye