The area of Belize known as the Mountain Pine Ridge offers lots of activities, but be prepared -- most of the forest of pine trees has been devasted by the beetles. The Southern Pine Beetle has destroyed about 90% of the Pine Ridge forest. The forest appears as if it's been burned, so it's not very scenic. If you're staying in this area and have a car, there is a lot of self-guided activities and hikes. You can swim at Rio On Pools -- a series of natural pools fed by waterfalls. Close by is the Rio Frio Cave, where the Maya buried their dead.

The biggest attraction in this area, and an alternative to travelling to Guatmala's Tikal site, is the Mayan ruins of Caracol, which was, at one a time, a bustling city in the middle of a forest. Stop at the front desk to pick up a map and a description of each site. For more information on Caracol and the continuing excavation, visit this site: http://www.caracol.org/

You can also pack a picnic and hike to Big Rock Falls on the Privassion Creek. If you begin the hike at Blancaneaux Lodge, the hike can be challenging and slippery at times and you'll have to cross the river to continue the hike, so prepare to get wet. If hiking isn't your thing, you can also park near these falls and walk down a very narrow, steep walkway to the falls.

Right in this area is also the Thousand Foot Falls, but unlike Big Rock Falls, you are viewing the falls from a distance.