Best things to do in Guatemala

Located on Central America’s northeastern coast, Belize has a distinctly Caribbean feel which sets it apart from its neighbours, Guatemala and Mexico. A visit here reveals an astonishing diversity of attractions and experiences, including hiking through jungles to enigmatic Maya sites and visiting national parks teeming with wildlife. Here are five incredible places not to miss.

Already valued at an estimated $185 billion, the worldwide ecotourism segment is expected to exceed $374 billion in global impact within the decade.

Delta Air Lines is adding 30 percent more capacity to Latin America and the Caribbean next winter with more flights to popular destinations from Costa Rica to San Juan.

Getting from the West Coast to the Caribbean and Central America hasn’t historically been easy—there simply aren’t many nonstop flights, which makes for long travel days. But new offerings from Alaska Airlines could change that.

Mexico is one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries. Whether you have your sights set on the grey whale migration of Baja, swinging spider monkeys of the rainforests, or adorable coatis on Cozumel island, there's a whole host of interesting animals in Mexico. Though you might not want to get too close to Mexico's national animal – the jaguar!

If you like your Mayan ruins a little less grandiose than Tikal but all to yourself, then try those in and around Lago de Petexbatún, a spectacular expanse of water ringed by dense forest to the south of Sayaxché. The region is home to several ruins, including Dos Pilas, Ceibal and Yaxchilán, though the most impressive is the partially restored Aguateca – a fortified city perched on a high escarpment overlooking the lake.

El Salvador’s Mayan ruins can’t be compared with the great Mayan centres in Guatemala , Honduras and Mexico , but they have their own powerful charm – and on most days you’ll have the sites completely to yourself. Stephen Keeling went to explore El Salvador’s rich but oft ignored Mayan heritage.

Renowned photojournalist Jeremy Hunter has spent 35 years travelling the world, photographing the most fascinating and obscure ancient rituals. His archive, Let's Celebrate 365, holds more than 10,000 photographs, each one a glimpse into the richest cultures and communities on the planet. From unusual Easter celebrations in Guatemala to the world's largest Muslim gathering, here are 10 of his most interesting insights:

Sleep beneath the twinkling Saharan stars, accompanied by a few irascible dromedaries. You can explore the desert as part of a tour (usually setting off from Marrakesh, and heading up and over the beautiful Atlas Mountains), and choose your level of comfort, from simple canvas tents to luxurious Berber pavilions, complete with soft beds, rugged floors and handcrafted furniture.

Each year, Survival International – a charity that lobbies for the rights of indigenous peoples – collate the best of their supporters' pictures into an annual calendar. Celebrating the diversity and beauty of tribal peoples around the world, it supports their mission to help them defend their lives, protect their lands and determine their futures.

With the slightest hint of spring in the air we can all be coaxed from that winter hibernation and out into the world as it blooms.

If you're looking to combine your next trip with a world-class festival or a mind-blowing carnival, then look no further. Here, from the pages of Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth , we present ten of the best parades, parties and processions across the world.