Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Huffington Post published another great article about Belize, and while they seriously underplay Cayo, Xunantunich and Caracol are mentioned as their favorites.  Blancaneaux gets a good mention too.

"Sure it has the beach, mountains AND tropical rainforest sprinkled through the country, but Belize also has its fair share of incredible archaeological wonders.  Get an up close and personal look at Mayan ruins by traveling to any number of ancient sites-- our favorites are Xunantunich and Caracol."

These aren't the myths you're thinking.  This humorous article from the Huffington Post dispels some travel based myths.  Belize isn't an island, has great Mayan ruins, like Caracol pictured above, and surely isn't boring.  Where'd they come up with those myths, anyways?  Xunantunich and Chaa Creek are both given as myth busting examples, and they even have a funny video of Xunantunich, and of course they don't quite get the pronunciation correct.

"There is a unique pocket in the world that buzzes with warmth, inner peace and joy.  The people are peaceful, with a quiet confidence emanating from their eyes.  They smile broadly, and are filled with energetic laughter, friendly gazes and cozy hugs.  Welcome to Belize...

So scrap your preconceived ideas of this petite little country, smushed between Guatemala, Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.  Although part of Central America, both geographically and politically, it refuses to be part of its neighbors to the left.  Rather, Belize celebrates a diverse culture; in fact, they're known as the Central American melting pot.'

Joe Awe, who teaches at Sacred Heart Junior College, was interviewed for the Huffington Post recently.  He offers some great insights into Belize, its culture, ecotourism, and much more.  Brilliant guy, and he has a unique business card too.

"Ecotourism is by its nature an inclusive philosophy.  It truly wants to find a balance in caring for what there is in the environment and making certain that the people who are at the center of the tourism industry gain from caring for their environment.  So we can argue that its importance is necessary for both the environment and the survival of the population it affects directly.

Done well, the inclusivity of the human resource in the understanding why their stewardship is important pertaining to the environment and also gaining economic opportunities from the training that would be involved from such stewardship, makes ecotourism of vital importance in a country with limited opportunities in as far as its size and in as far as the amount of people who are trained in more diverse areas which could feed a larger, more robust economy, such as computer chips, and application design, and an wider-reaching off shore banking opportunity, to mention two."

Cayo got another boost with Chaa Creek being on the Huffington Post's 'Top 10 Most Relaxing Eco-Resorts.'  Congratulations, Chaa Creek!

"Belize has become a mecca for geotourism, and The Lodge at Chaa Creek leads the pack as one of the country's best ecolodges.  Visitors enjoy a true rainforest experience at the foot of the Maya Mountains.  The resort has been named the Best Eco Resort & Hotel in the Caribbean for four years in a row by Caribbean Travel & Life.  Enjoy a variety of adventure activities, explore the surrounding natural beauty, and unwind at the full-service spa.  Double-occupancy rooms start at $165 per person/night."

'25 things we all know about Belize' might have been a better title.  There's some cool Cayo information in this article from the Huffington Post.  The picture of the sleeping policeman in Cristo Rey leads the story.

"They still have hand-cranked ferries: One in the Cayo District, used to reach Xunantunich, and another Corozal to reach the Cerros site, these ferries are a flash back into the old Belize...  The tallest building is a Maya pyramid: The Caana temple at the Maya site of Caracol, rises 136 feet high."

Not just another top 10 list on Belize.  This one was written by Cayo's Larry Waight, and while Cayo is conspicuously absent from the list - hopefully his next article is 100 things to do in Cayo - some of our Mayan archaeological sites are mentioned under the heading, Belize is the epicenter of the ancient Maya world.  Give the Huffington Post article a read when you get a chance.

"Archaeologists estimate that more than one million Maya lived in present day Belize and flourished during the Classic Period from 300 to 900 AD.  Maya temple sites like Caracol, Xunantunich, Altun Ha, Cahal Pech and Lamanai are just a few of the spectacular sites that can be discovered in Belize."

Belize made it on another top 10 list, although this list proves that the makers of top 10 lists have run out of ideas.  Really, '10 Relaxing Solo Vacations For New Divorcees?'  And Belize isn't in South America!  Maybe the Huffington Post needs a new copy editor.  At least San Ignacio got some recognition.

"Like Costa Rica, Belize -- a South American travel destination that's recently become a trendy hub of sustainable tourism -- has a lot to offer the single traveler.  Belize boasts the beauty and tranquility of a tropical getaway without the crowds, couples and high cost.  Experience the local flavor by touring through Caye Caulker, San Pedro and San Ignacio, and make sure to schedule some R&R time at the country's stunning beaches and nature preserves.  If you're feeling daring, don't miss adventure activities like climbing ancient Mayan ruins and ziplining through the rainforest."