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Central & South America

Spring Forecast: March is dry and festive in the land of the Maya, with interior mountains offering cooler environs after a rumble in the jungle. By April, the rainy season hits Coastal Costa Rica and Panama, and outdoor pursuits are better spent in the autumn of their South American neighbors.

31. BELIZE
Formerly a British colony, this Central American country flaunts a Caribbean/Latin American vibe. Visitors come for wildlife-filled rainforests, Mayan ruins, and top-notch diving and fishing in the world’s second longest barrier reef.

The Spring Value: May is a great time to experience Belize: the tropical foliage is lush, weather in the upper 70s/lower 80s is warm, and many uncrowded resorts still offer attractive rates.

Spring 2010 Events: Toledo Cacao Festival (May 21–23; www.toledochocolate.com); San Pedro Lobsterfest (June 14–19; www.sanpedrolobsterfest.com)

32. EASTER ISLAND
It's hard to believe that tiny Easter Island, 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile, is even part of the same country (at 63 square miles it's only one fourth the size of New York City). The lonely volcanic Polynesian island, called Rapa Nui by natives and Isla de Pascua by Chileans, has been captivating imaginations with its haunting moai stone sculptures – and theories about the mysterious civilization that created them – since it was first discovered by the Dutch in 1722. Well worth the 5-hour plane ride from Santiago, the island’s fascinating history and archaeological sites are its main appeal.

The Spring Value: March and April are the best time to visit – solidly in between the high-season rush and the eerie, off-season emptiness, the archaeological sites are still relatively crowd-free and the rates are reasonable. Best of all, the weather, typically in the 70s, is ideal for both hiking and beach-going.

Spring 2010 Events: Battle of Iquique Day (May 21)

33. PERU
One of South America’s top destinations, Peru is best known for its countless Inca ruins, including the magnificent “lost city” of Machu Picchu in the rugged Andean highlands. Yet, many epic adventures abound: cruise the bio-diverse Amazon, fly over the pre-Inca Nazca lines (giant drawings in the desert), or jump into Lima’s buzzing cultural scene.

The Spring Value: In Lima, the humidity dwindles and travelers may even enjoy a sweater at night. It’s also a good time to take advantage of crowd-free Peruvian beaches, which are still warm enough for sunbathing. Visitors to Machu Picchu will find April and May to be magical months, before the weather gets too rainy, the crowds get too thick, or the rates get too expensive.

Spring 2010 Events: Festival of the Crosses (May 1–31; www.peru.info); Chachapoyas’ Tourist Week (June 1–7; www.peru.info)

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