BELIZE , in Central America, is bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, with the Caribbean Sea to the East, which contains numerous small islands (the Belize Cayes) These islands can be visited by sea or air, and are a paradise for bird lovers; and the Ambergris Caye island is popular with divers.

Mainland Belize is mountainous and heavily forested, with Mayan ruins in the North, a wildlife sanctuary to the South, and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest (which houses the Hidden Valley Falls) situated 115km (70 miles) from Belize City.

The climate is sub-tropical, with winds from the sea. The rainy season is from June to September.