| It is easy sometimes to take the natural world for | | | | For those who want to travel the path less taken, |
| granted, but it impossible not to stop and marvel at | | | | visit Toledo, in the south of Belize. There are 1,669 |
| the wonders you will find in the rainforests of Belize. | | | | square miles of relatively untouched forest. This |
| Half of this small South American nation is covered in | | | | “Forgotten Land” reveals mountains, rivers, |
| dense rainforests, a sight which is beyond words. | | | | limestone outcrops, and Mayan village ruins. This is |
| Eighty percent of this forested area is protected by | | | | wild and untamed, giving adventurous travelers a |
| the Belize government, and it is here that those who | | | | glimpse back in time when nature was king. |
| love adventure can roam in one of the most primal, | | | | Standing under the dense canopy of the rainforest, |
| exhilarating, and beautiful spots on Earth. | | | | listening to the cacophony of the jungle is one of the |
| Belize’s rainforests are thriving ecosystems, | | | | most unbelievable experiences in the world. You can |
| home to exotic species. Pumas, jaguars, tapirs, | | | | also visit any of the more than 600 Mayan ruins, now |
| ocelots, armadillos, and crocodiles call this home, and | | | | covered with vines as the jungle slowly reclaims the |
| there is an abundance of flowers and other plant life. | | | | temples. There is a feeling of awe when you realize |
| There are 4,000 different species of tropical flowers, | | | | that ancient Mayans carved incredible villages in the |
| an astounding 250 species of orchids, over 500 bird | | | | midst of the wild rainforest. |
| species, and other treasures for intrepid travelers to | | | | To escape the heat, get into the water. Belize is also |
| discover. | | | | known for its beautiful coral reefs, boasting the |
| The Western Rainforest is the site of many tours | | | | second largest barrier reef in the world. You can |
| and tourist attractions. You can explore the beautiful | | | | snorkel or scuba dive and see some of the most |
| Mayan ruins of Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Peach, El | | | | gorgeous sights below the water’s surface or |
| Pilar, and Tikal, caves, rivers, and wildlife sanctuaries. | | | | venture to the coastline of Belize which is dotted |
| This is the rainforest we all imagine: dramatic | | | | with caves waiting to be explored. |
| waterfalls of Hidden Valley and hushed caves of Rio | | | | For those who want more than a vacation, the |
| Frio and Rio on Pools. Hike along the Panti Medicine | | | | rainforests of Belize offers a glimpse into a whole |
| Trail and Ix Chez Research Center. | | | | different world of eco-travel and adventure. |