Belize Map

The Belize map shows a tiny Central American country that is almost equally focused on its vast, offshore network of islands and atolls, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and a rich, tropical jungle interior.

 The barrier reef offers superb scuba diving and snorkeling, not to mention fishing. Hundreds of tiny, coral sand and palm-lined islands, some inhabited (but most not) dot the reef. Some of the best Caribbean resorts for scuba diving, kayaking and snorkeling are located here, such as Isla Marisol, Blackbird Caye and Turneffe Island Resort.

In the interior, the coastal plain is home to many citrus groves, farms and cattle ranches. The elevation  gradually builds as you head further west, and the limestone Maya Mountains, covered with rainforest and jungle, offer a cool respite from the tropical climate. It is in these interior hills and mountains that the ancient Mayans built enormous cities and a vast empire, stretching into Guatemala and north to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Vast ruins are still visible today and are a big attraction for travelers to belize. Many have been turned into Belize national parks and partially restored. Two top Belize resorts for exploring the ruins and the jungles are duPlooys Jungle Lodge and Lamanai Outpost Lodge.