Combining jungle adventures with beach relaxation: where to go to enjoy the wilderness in full

You've probably seen the movie scene where the hero emerges from the lush, cool jungle and immediately finds themselves on a luxurious beach. Tourists from all over the world dream of being in such a place in real life.

And one small Central American country offers such an experience. According to the Express, it is Belize, hidden in the shadow of its popular neighbors - Mexico or Costa Rica. However, experienced travelers advise not to ignore it.

English-speaking Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the beautiful Caribbean Sea to the east. Here you can get acquainted with the incredible Mayan culture, enjoy the rich flavors of the local cuisine, see the real wonders of nature and relax on the beach.

Belize is covered with dense rainforest, home to more than 125 species of mammals and 500 species of birds. Some of the local animals and insects can be poisonous, so don't rush to pick up every beautiful creature you see near you.

One of the most remarkable jungle inhabitants in Belize is the jaguar. You can admire these big cats in their natural environment by visiting the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. About 150 of them live here.

In some parts of Belize, the transition from the shady, full of life jungle to the white sandy beach takes only 20 minutes. Hopkins Bay can be called such a place. If your goal is to admire the beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the northern hemisphere, then you should choose the picturesque city of Placencia. Instead, Laughing Bird Caye National Park offers a trip to the island - one of more than 400 that dot the local coast. It is here that young corals begin their life, which are then used to restore the local marine ecosystem.

Visit Hopkins Village if you want to enjoy local cuisine. A local punta dance class will help you work up an appetite. Afterwards, you will be offered a traditional fish stew with coconut. The dish is made from fish freshly caught in local waters and homemade coconut milk. Other traditional local products include corn, potatoes, okra, and beans. The main local drink is flavored cocoa.

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