Belize is an eco-first country offering seven distinct regions sporting diverse outdoor offerings to be explored. Options include scuba diving in the largest reef system in the Northern Hemisphere — Belize Barrier Reef — chasing epic waterfalls, kayaking and hiking open trails. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Reserve is one of the world’s only jaguar preserves. On the north coast, Shark Ray Alley offers the rare opportunity to snorkel alongside stingrays, nurse sharks and turtles. Trek into the jungle during a Cacao Trail tour. Belize’s cultural flair is felt in the customs and traditions representing more than eight diverse cultures within the country. Belize’s unique history began in 1500 B.C., when the Maya developed it. Today, traces of that history remain to be discovered and remembered, with impressive ruins, including Lamanai, Lubaantun, Xunantunich and Caracol. The Belizean mosaic consists of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese, and several expatriates from Canada, Europe and the United States. Cultures converge in Belize City, where visitors can discover colonial structures, along with the best Creole cuisine found at unassuming food carts. For a history lesson, visit the Las Banquitas House of Culture. In September, Belizeans will unite throughout the country to celebrate Independence Day with month-long festivities, such as “Orange Walk’s Carnival Road March,” “Jouvert” and the “Battle of St. George’s Caye.”