Belize was my fourth Central American destination—and its blend of Caribbean coast, ancient Maya sites, and rainforest wilderness keeps me coming back. Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, this English-speaking country packs barrier-reef snorkeling, jungle trekking, and cultural diversity into just 22,966 km².

Belize highlights:

• Mayan archaeology: Explore Altun Ha’s temple ruins, climb the pyramid at Xunantunich, or trek to Caracol deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve.
• Barrier Reef & cayes: Snorkel and dive along the Belize Barrier Reef—second only to Australia’s—and relax on Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye.
• Rainforest & caves: Cave-tube the ATM (Actun Tunichil Muknal) system, zip-line over the Maya Mountains, and spot jaguars in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Wildlife & marine parks: Swim with manatees in the Southern Lagoon, kayak through mangroves at Laughing Bird Caye, and bird-watch in Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Cultural communities: Visit Garifuna villages in Hopkins for drumming and dance, sample Belizean Creole and Mestizo cuisine in San Ignacio, and meet descendants of Maya in Toledo.

In my Belize guides you’ll find up-to-date advice on the best months to travel (dry season late November–April), how to book water taxis and domestic flights, road-trip routes to inland sites, eco-lodge and beachfront cabana recommendations, plus key local customs—from tipping etiquette to market bargaining—so you can explore Belize with confidence, respect, and genuine understanding.

Ecuador is one of South America’s most ecologically diverse countries—and its compact size, with four distinct regions packed into one, keeps drawing me back time and again.

Country highlights:

• Quito & Andean highlands: Wander the UNESCO-listed old town at 2,850 m, and venture onto the Avenue of the Volcanoes to hike Cotopaxi or view Chimborazo’s snow-capped peak.

• Galápagos Islands: Encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies on guided cruises or small-group island hoppings.

• Amazon basin: Boat trips and jungle lodges in Yasuni or Cuyabeno National Park, where you can spot monkeys, pink river dolphins, and hundreds of bird species.

• Cloud forests: Mindo’s misty reserves for hummingbird-filled feeders, canopy bridges, and cacao-processing tours with local cooperatives.

• Pacific coast: Surf breaks at Montañita, sea-turtle nesting in the Machalilla reserve, and mangrove kayak routes in the Manabí wetlands.

• Andean markets & culture: Otavalo’s vibrant handicraft market, indigenous weaving workshops around Cuicocha Lake, and traditional panela production in small villages.