Drive from Belize City on the Northern Highway towards the Mennonite village of Shipyard. Continue by flat-bottomed motor launch upstream along the beautiful New River Lagoon to Lamanai Outpost. Tangled bromeliads hang from tropical trees providing the 18 thatched cottages (which are cooled by ceiling fans) with permanent shade.

Next to the cottages are the Mayan ruins of Lamanai, with almost 700 structures covering some 950 acres its worth spending the day here exploring.

Activities include canoeing and specialised guided walks either in the forest or in the ruins. A full birding list is available on request. The young, enthusiastic guides will also arrange caiman-spotting trips at night.