Lebawit Lily Girma - Moon Belize

Garifuna women on Hopkins Beach.

My first 10-day trip to Belize ended up lasting three weeks, courtesy of an extension and a stiff airline change fee. But I felt no remorse: This small country had surprised me with its mind-boggling diversity in both nature and culture.

The Jewel, as Belizeans affectionately call their home, has a spectacular living reefthe second-largest in the worldwith premier diving and snorkeling. A handful of its 200 offshore islands offer the kind of seclusion and dreamlike surroundings that continue to provide both luxury and romance.

For those willing to explore deeper, the rewards are even richer. Virgin rainforests with more than 30 percent protected land. The largest cave system and the tallest waterfall in Central America. Riverbanks home to singing birds, giant iguanas, and roaming jaguars. Miles of turquoise Caribbean water and golden sand, and a dazzling array of marinelifefrom whale sharks to the rare seahorse.

Beyond its natural wonders, Belize is an unexpected cultural and sensory feast. This is a Caribbean country at heart, with splashes of ancient Mayan, African, and European influences. That mlange underpins every aspect of life, from a cuisine of coconut rice and beans, tacos, and mashed plantains to annual celebrations of both Caribbean and Latin Carnivals.

cabin at Pelican Beach Resort on South Water Caye

view of San Ignacio

Xunantunich Archaeological Site

In Belize, no two days are the same. Canoe down to the farmers market to sample fresh pupusas. Scour ancient Mayan ceremonial caves and cool off under waterfalls. Drink cashew wine from a Kriol vendor. Hike through rainforests filled with medicinal trees to the roar of howler monkeys. Laze around a beachfront village all day and dance barefoot to Garifuna drums at night.

A small country with a big heart, Belize will continue to surprise and teach you. Thats the jewel youll take home with you.

butterfly in the Cayo District

waterfall in Cayo.

Dangrigas rustic beachfront

Diving and Snorkeling: The Belize Barrier Reef, the second longest in the world, is filled with over 300 species of fish and myriad opportunities for novice and expert divers and snorkelers. Explore the countrys nine marine reservesincluding Half Moon Caye National Monumentand three coral atolls (

Caye Hopping: Belizes offshore plots range from vibrant, populated islands such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye to isolated escapes such as South Water Caye and diving-friendly favorites like the Silk Cayes.

Belizean Cuisine: Local dishes and drinks are a treat, whether Kriol ().

Garifuna Culture: Experience Garifuna Settlement Day () in Hopkins.

Cave Exploration: Venture inside Actun Tunichil Muknal (), fascinating chambers that once served as the Mayas underworld.

Mayan Archaeological Sites: Belize is filled with magnificent reminders of its past at archaeological sites like Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamanai ().

Jungle Hiking: Explore Belizes verdant terrain in areas such as the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve ().

Wildlife-Watching: Choose your own animal adventure, seeking howler monkeys and iguanas at the Community Baboon Sanctuary, bird-spotting by boat at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary,