Western Belize & Guatemala: Belmopan, San Ignacio, Caracol, Tikal & Beyond

We travel to grow -- our Adventure Guides show you how. Experience the places you visit more directly, freshly, intensely than you would otherwise -- sometimes best done on foot, in a canoe, or through cultural adventures like art courses, cooking classes, learning the language, meeting the people, joining in the festivals and celebrations. This can make your trip life-changing, unforgettable. All of the detailed information you need is here about the hotels, restaurants, shopping, sightseeing. But we also lead you to new discoveries, turning corners you haven't turned before, helping you to interact with the world in new ways. That's what makes our Adventure Guides unique. The only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is home to 500 species of birds, innumerable Maya ruins, as well as the world's second largest barrier reef. Over 80% of the land remains covered with primeval forest and 30% has been set aside as national parks/preserves. Encouraging eco-travel, Vivien Lougheed profiles many of the unique archeological sites, wildlife preserves, marine sanctuaries and conservation areas. Explore firsthand Belize's myriad attractions. This guide provides detailed information on travel to Belize as a whole, but it then goes on to cover the fascinating attractions of Western Belize in depth and, just across the border, in Guatemala, Tikal National Park, which occupies 226 square miles of ruins and jungle. Tikal is the most mystical place on the planet -- according to many, more special than the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, the temples of Thailand, the monasteries of Tibet, or Machu Picchu in Peru. Tikal not only has impressive restored pyramid temples in the main plaza, but also some wild jungle that clutches onto parts of the city. Birds and animals hide in these jungles. And the site is huge - it takes hours to walk around the main plazas. If you want to really explore, it takes days. In Belize, we guide explore Belmopan, the caves at Roaring Creek, the amazing and enormous Belize Zoo, the Cahal Pech, Xunantunich & Pacbitun ruins, Caracol, and much more. Belize holds three of the four coral atolls in the Caribbean, hosts the world's only jaguar reserve, and has the highest waterfall in Central America. The author's updated book is a tour guide helping the adventure-oriented traveler take advantage of these rare visions as she tells how to make the most of Belize, from locating a local tour to visiting backroads and less traveled areas of the country. A must for any traveler who wants to experience the outdoors of the country. -- Library Bookwatch. As portable as they are helpful, and heavily illustrated as well, the volumes in this series remain very reliable in making certain that adventure is a major ingredient of your trip. -- Booklist. A perennial top seller, this book overflows with tips and recommendations for the first-time or veteran Belize traveler. An eco-traveler, Lougheed pays special attention to unique archeological sites, pristine wildlife preserves and marine sanctuaries. --Advance Magazine