ALL NATURAL BELIZEText and Photography by Sandy Katz
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Black Howler monkeys, dolphins, manatees, rainforests and Mayan ruins are just a few of Belize's attractions. This small, English-speaking country of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is just waiting to be explored.
One of the most interesting parts of my trip to Belize was visiting Lamanai Outpost Lodge and getting close to a few tame Howler Monkeys. This is where I learned of projects that study the free-ranging Howler Monkeys of the Lamanai Mayan ruins in Belize's interior. The specific research questions whether differing depths of forested areas significantly alter the behavior and abundance of Black Howler monkeys, which are found only in Belize, southern Mexico and Guatemala. |
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Lamanai Outpost Lodge is the only accommodation available at Lamanai Reserve and it is beautifully situated on the banks of New River Lagoon. The Lodge offers cabanas with screened rooms and private baths along with an extraordinary jungle experience. The combination of learning, fun and relaxation provides a special holiday that inspires a sense of discovery. The Cayo District was the venue of the Cayo Adventure tour, which featured the Chi Chem Hah Cave.
This farm is run by some very special Mayans, the Morales, who rose from obscurity with the discovery of the caves by their two dogs, Pinto and Osso. The dogs were chasing a huge guinea pig and ran into the opening of the cave full of Mayan pots that were there for a thousand years. Dozens of reddish rounded pots (used for ceremonial food offerings to the gods) lay on the earthen floor and high in alcoves. MAYAN MYSTIQUE Belize is blessed with an outstanding archaeological heritage of Mayan temples and palaces. It is known that the Mayan occupation began as early as 1500 B.C. and Belize is believed to be the heart of the Mayan civilization. Although large Mayan cultural centers no longer exist, there is still a significant Maya population residing within many small villages. Not only did I visit the Lamanai ruins and museum, but Altun Ha, too. It is the most extensively excavated ruin in Belize. It was the major ceremonial center during the Classic period as well as vital trade center that linked the Caribbean shores with other Mayan centers in the interior. The ruin consists of two main plazas with 13 temple and residential structures. I had hoped to see a jaguar lurking in one of the ruins, however, they only are out at night and camouflage so well that they are hardly ever seen. AMBERGRIS CAYE
The island of Ambergris Caye is just off the coast of Belize quite close to the tip of Mexico's Yucatan. It is considered part of Belize with a population of 5,000. There is only one town, San
On the island, I discovered the barefoot luxury of Caribbean Villas run by Susan and Wil Lala. Wil greets his guests at the airport in his golf cart and gives them a guided tour of the town which enchanting with its winding streets, shops, restaurants and friendly faces.
When you get hungry, Wil knows 82 food places. One of the special treats of this island is to have freshly squeezed orange juice and hot cinnamon buns delivered daily ordered from the Bun Man. The top two places to eat on the island are Elvie's Kitchen and jade Garden, according to the Lala's ranking. I had the opportunity to prove them correct. Susan has some terrific tips for island vacationers: - Watch out when the breeze dies down - mosquitoes emerge in force. Use only repellent with a high percentage of DEET. - Use plenty of sunblock for protection from the very hot sun I took her advice and had a most enjoyable stay on the island interacting with the friendly locals.
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Chi Chem Hah is in the Maya mountains above Vaca Falls and sits on the site of a small village.
Caribbean Villas has two villas with a total of seven suites. There is a grocery store close to the villas and you can rent a golf cart for transportation around the island. From this lovely facility you can snorkel off the pier or take a fishing, diving or snorkeling excursion, and there are tours to the Mayan ruins right from the pier.