BELIZE TOURIST BOARDBelize is justly famed for its coral beaches and cayes, but the unspoilt interior harbours some of Central America's loveliest landscapes and a host of little-visited Mayan sites. In the north, wildlife sanctuaries rub shoulders with sugar cane fields, and the Mayan city of Lamanai pokes its head above dense jungle. West towards Guatemala, in the Cayo District, the Macal River offers a water-borne way to explore the forest scenery; and you can enjoy the jagged peaks and gorges of ancient Mountain Pine Ridge. The Lodge at Chaa Creek (right) is a disarming property 2 hours by road from Belize City, situated in peaceful gardens overlooking the Macal River. As well as the many optional activities, which include mountain-biking and kayaking, the lodge has a spa within its tropical grounds. From the Mennonite village of Shipyard you travel by motor launch upstream along the beautiful New River Lagoon to Lamanai Outpost. Tangled bromeliads hang from tropical trees providing the thatched cottages with welcome shade. Nearby are the Mayan ruins of Lamanai (left), with almost 700 structures. Activities include canoeing and specialised guided walks either in the forest or in the ruins, with excellent opportunities for spotting birds and caimans.The mountains and jungle of Belize 28 Guatemala & BelizeCHAA CREEK

CHAN CHICHGUATEMALAMEXICO....Belize CityAmbergris CayeGallon JugChaa CreekBELIZEHol Chan Marine ReserveJungle and Cayes of Belize 13 days, 11 nightsMiami (US) 1night, Chan Chich Lodge 3n, The Lodge at Chaa Creek 3n, Ambergris Caye 4n.Day 1 Fly to Belize City with a night in Miami en route. Transfer to city hotel for 1 night. Day 2 Fly by light aircraft over the jungle to Gallon Jug airstrip (45mins). Transfer to Chan Chich Lodge. Days 3&4 Relax or take guided walks in the forest. Driving tours, horse riding, canoeing and archaeological excursions can be arranged. Day 5 Fly to airstrip at the Mennonite settlement Central Farm and continue by road to the delightful Lodge at Chaa Creek, set within lowland forest. Days 6&7 Unwind in the tropical gardens or participate in a variety of optional excursions including river trips, horse riding, and biking. Days 8-11 Drive to Belize City (2hrs), fly on to the town of San Pedro on the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye. A short water taxi ride takes guests to Mata Chica, stylish thatched bungalows on a secluded, glistening white beach. Simply kick back and relax, indulge in the resort spa, or dive or snorkel in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Day 12 Fly to Belize City and connect to the UK, arriving day 13. Prices from £2,052pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Daily departures from the UK chan chich lodge This jungle hideaway is only 30 minutes' flight from Belize City but feels utterly remote. This is no ordinary lodge-it is set in the lower plaza of a 1200 year-old Mayan temple. The wildlife on display here will leave you punch-drunk with pleasure. In addition to the abundance of birds, monkeys, ocelot and peccaries, you have a genuine chance of spotting a jaguar. Wrap-around verandas attached to the thatched cabins and large windows generate a real feeling of proximity to the natural surroundings. The pool provides the perfect spot for a refreshing dip after a day on one of the many walking trails. We really enjoyed every aspect of Chan Chich? very friendly welcoming atmosphere, very good food?management at its best. SF, Derbyshire020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 29how about?» Heading south to Toledo to savour the Green and Blacks' Cacao plantation. This remote but friendly area is blessed with waterfalls, rainforest and cayes.Below Birding on horseback.CHAN CHICH