CENTRAL AMERICA
Belize
Reef and rainforest in one small, warm-hearted country.
Belize gave us two trips in one — mornings on the reef and afternoons under the rainforest canopy, all in a country small enough to cross in a day. English is widely spoken, which made it a relaxed introduction to Central America for us.
We balanced the water and the jungle, and let our son set much of the pace. It is hard to over-plan a place this naturally generous.
The cayes & the reef
We based ourselves on one of the cayes and spent our mornings in the water. The barrier reef is among the finest in the world, and even gentle snorkeling close to shore felt like swimming through an aquarium. Slow boats, no schedule, sunscreen reapplied constantly.
Maya sites & rainforest
Inland, the ancient Maya sites rise out of the forest with very few crowds. Climbing a temple and looking out over an unbroken green canopy is a memory my son still talks about. Go with a guide who can read the history into the stones.
Tips & practical notes
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and reapply often.
- Domestic flights are small and scenic but weather-dependent — keep your schedule flexible.
- Pair a few days of reef with a few days of rainforest; they are very different trips.
