Exotic Guatemala lies at the heart of the Mayan world. There are vivacious markets and volcanic landscapes, mystical lakes, and tropical jungle embracing ruined Mayan cities and temples. It's a country which takes pride in its age-old customs: many villagers still wear richly-woven costumes and the gentle tones of marimba music are all-pervasive in the flowery courtyards. The frequent indigenous festivals are characterised by Catholic and evangelical motifs intertwined with the mysticism of the old beliefs.Belize, a tiny country with an English-speaking Caribbean tradition, is a nation of silky white-sand beaches and coral islands, a plethora of Mayan sites, and a forested highland hinterland which is gradually being opened up to eco?and adventure?tourism. Almost every road journey in both countries is a scenic delight, and Belize has a network of local flights so you can hop to and from the cayes and the more isolated lodges.22

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