Belize is a small country in Central America that's famous for its second-largest barrier reef, known for the Blue Hole. However, this little corner of the world has much more to offer, like friendly people, ancient Mayan ruins, and a rainforest full of unique animals.

Tourism in Belize started relatively late due to its history as a British colony until 1981 and border disputes with Guatemala. It only truly stabilized politically in 1998. Because of this, many parts of the country remain untouched. There are wild jaguars and pristine rainforests in the interior, and you can find untouched reefs along the coastline. Fortunately, the government is committed to preserving these natural treasures by working with private conservation organizations.

The Mayan culture has deeply influenced Belize, and you can still see its impact today. Ancient Mayan ruins like Xunantunich, with its plazas and temples, and Caracol's 138-foot-tall Sky Palace Pyramid are reminders of this heritage.

Apart from the Mayan ruins, Belize offers a rainforest teeming with plants and animals, with 40% of the country dedicated to conservation. The country is also a paradise for divers, thanks to its 174-mile coastline with many atolls, known as Cayes, and the world's second-largest barrier reef. One lucky diver once spotted eight whale sharks in a single dive. In addition to these larger creatures, divers can also observe a variety of marine life, from groupers, barracudas, and jacks to yellow tube sponges and Atlantic spadefish in the rich waters of Belize.