orbtiz It was recommended to me that the hike be done in rubber boots. I have never hiked in rubber boots,

bout 450 islands are bordered by 150 miles of reef that runs between 10 and 40 miles from the shoreline. The islands are of four types. There are the wet cayes that are mainly mangrove and are often partially under water. There are coral islands that are solid clumps of dead coral. The sand cayes are the most habitable. They are a combination of sand, coral and mangrove. Finally, there are three atolls Glover s Reef, Lighthouse Reef and the Turneffe islands.

It was recommended to me that the hike be done in rubber boots. orbtiz I have never hiked in rubber boots, but it sounds as if blisters would develop before the end of day one. However, wearing wet leather boots for three days sounds almost as bad. Start hiking early, when it is cool, and be sure to carry lots of water. A tent will keep the bugs off while you sleep. You can rent a tent in Maya Center Village to take with you up the mountain. The cost is US $10 per tent. Bring water tablets to purify stream water for drinking.

The Great House, 13 Cork Street, orbtiz 223-3400, www. greathousebelize.com, $$$$$, is a colonial masterpiece that was built in 1927 as a family home. It still holds its original charm. orbtiz There are 12 rooms with glistening hardwood floors, balconies, private baths, air conditioning, cable TV, mini-bars and fridges, coffee makers and hair dryers. The colonial- style d cor is pleasing. Shops on the main floor offer souvenirs and newspapers, and you can also book a tour here. The hotel s Smoky Mermaid res-

Las Gardinias, $$, on the main road just at the split, has rooms with private bath and hot water. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the restaurant is always full of foreigners so you know the food is good. The Internet, however, is slow and expensive.