It is hardly surprising there were no cars on the roads. Belize has a population of just 210,000, and their capital city, Belmopan, is home to just 7,500 inhabitants. I covered over 400 miles in 4 days and I can count on two hands the number of cars I passed.

Well what did I see? Jungle, so much glorious jungle, spreading from the border with Guatemala in the east to the coast of the Caribbean Sea in the west.




Belize has millions of acres of protected rainforest that is teeming with wildlife of the most exciting kind.













While spotting the ever-elusive jaguar is a fool's game - I of course came home disappointed although a number of my clients have had incredible sightings - the mere thought that this was as good a chance as anywhere in the world was exhilarating enough.










And then I arrived at the coast. With the world's second largest barrier reef the diving, fishing and snorkelling is phenomenal. Belize is truly a jungle and reef destination.












Undoubtedly, Belize is a country of outstanding natural beauty but it was also one that surprised me at every turn. From the English speaking Maya communities in the south, to the Mennonite communities in the North to the wonderfully laid back islanders of the Caribbean.







Guatemala

Having lived in Guatemala for 5 months, and travelled extensively within the country, I was delighted to find in the precious 3 days I had before continuing to Belize, a wonderful new location, rarely visited.


Aguatecas' temples do not tower above the canopy the same way Tikal's do, nor are the Maya Plazas and the balls courts beautifully excavated with new grass lawns. Perhaps this is why no one comes here and why I thought them so special. I wandered in a dream world through the trees, marvelling at what was once a small Mayan city that dates back to 900 AD, with views of the lowlands below, wondering how they ever built their city and survived in such a seemingly inhospitable environment, let alone how they were ever overthrown. How did anyone ever know they were there?


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