Long before the 17th-century powers began to argue over Belizian sovereignty, a Mayan civilization flourished here at the mouth of the Belize river. But it is the natural history that is Belize's most precious resource. This geographically endowed region features lush lowlands and tremendous wetlands, timbered mountains, prime rainforests and karstic landscapes pocketed by caves and caverns. Oh, and a pristine coastline protected by the second longest barrier reef in the world.