Venture off the beaten path and explore the remnants of a civilization that once was.
Enjoy 3 nights at Ka’ana – your exclusive out-post for adventure, culture and history – as you dine on Belizean gourmet cuisine while reliving colorful periods in Maya tradition as seen by an animated Maya Chiclero Storyteller. Horseback ride across open pastures and rivers to Actun Can: a Maya Ruin which has since been reclaimed by nature. As the adventure continues, tour Guatemala’s excavated “City Of Echoes” – Tikal – one of the most impressive Maya Cities in Central America!
Join us on January 6, 2012 at 3PM EST (2PM Belize Time) as we (@Kaana_Belize) participate in and support the Belize Tourism Board’s (@belizevacation) second Visit Belize Live Twitter Chat.
Leading and moderating the conversation with a pre-written set of questions will be co-hosts Joshua Berman (@TranquiloTravel) – renowned Freelance Travel Writer and Moon Guidebook Author as well as Norbert Figueroa (@GloboTreks) – Belize’s Third Road Warrior for the Belize Tourism Board and the Matador Travel Network (@MatadorNetwork).
Learn about all things Maya – the essence of their culture and life as well as facts to the mysteries and secrets that surround this civilization that once was. Visit Julie Schwietert Collazo’s (@collazoprojects), Matador Travel Network’s Managing Editor, Blog for more information – Belize Live Chat: Maya 2012.
Remember that “to participate, log on to Twitter and be sure to search for and use the #VisitBelize hash tag.” We’re excited and looking forward to interacting with you by answering your questions concerning the #Maya of #Belize and Central America!
“If the world had any ends, British Honduras [Belize] would certainly be one of them” (Jacques Cousteau) – and what better place to witness its end than atop a centuries-old Maya City in what was once the center of the Maya Empire?
The piece, written by Jamie Moore – author and freelance writer, describes the experience as an amazing “bucket-list trip to see the last page of the Maya calendar” and highlights features of the experience including the Caana Temple climb, Ka’ana room replica, Maya gourmet dinner, and private-guided, torch-lit tour.
Join us on December 2, 2011 at 3PM EST (2PM Belize Time) as we (@Kaana_Belize) participate in and support the Belize Tourism Board’s (@belizevacation) most recent initiative: #VisitBelize Live Twitter Chat.
Leading and moderating the conversation with a pre-written set of questions will be Norbert Figueroa (@GloboTreks) – Belize’s newest and third Road Warrior for the Belize Tourism Board and the Matador Travel Network (@MatadorNetwork).
Learn more about this Central American country and become “One With Belize”. Prizes include our Authentic Maya Gift which contains: All Purpose Maya Healing Oil, Belize Wooden Bookmark, Birth-Month Maya Slate Necklace, Homemade Maya Candles, Rub-A-Dub Soap Bar, and Skin Cooling Cream-Oil – all wrapped in a Maya Woven Pouch. Visit Julie Schwietert Collazo’s (@collazoprojects), Matador Travel Network’s Managing Editor, Blog for more information and list of sponsors: Belize Live Chat On Twitter.
Remember that “to participate, log on to Twitter and be sure to search for and use the #VisitBelize hash tag.” We’re excited and looking forward to interacting with you by answering your questions concerning #Belize as a destination!
The Mopan River, once used to transport chicle and logwood, originates in Guatemala, flowing into Belize to meet with the Macal River and form the Belize River – Belize’s major fresh water source.
Float along cool waters on inflatable inner tubes, pushed by light currents or rapids from the Benque Viejo Del Carmen Town – only a 10-minute drive west of Ka’ana. As you continue floating along the jungle-lined river, your guide will point out various native flora and fauna, including Green Iguanas lounging on Succotz tree branches. Villagers of San Jose Succotz still fish, swim and wash their clothing using flat granite rocks as scrubbing boards in the shallow pools of the river, giving you a glimpse of the local culture in Belize’s westernmost region.
Perhaps the only thing better than visiting a waterfall on a hot summer day, is visiting and having the entire place to yourselves. We think Big Rock Falls is one of the treasures of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve because if you don’t know where you’re going you could literally drive past it. Set at the bottom of a semi-steep hill, you’ll know you’re close when the rush of water becomes a roar. Today, we’re sharing images from past guests Whitney and William whose recent private tour to the Big Rock Falls has us falling in love with this site all over again.
Renowned for its plethora of bellowing waterfalls and natural pools, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is home to one of the region’s most sought after cascades – Big Rock Falls.
After a scenic drive along the Cristo Rey Road en route to the Five Sisters Falls, a feeder road to the left leads you to a small clearing. Followed by a path downhill, the journey becomes steeper as the trail descends into the ridge, hinting at the view that awaits you. Fifteen minutes of carefree hiking later, the Privassion River comes into sight and the roaring sound of the fall resonates across the valley. An easy climb over the granite boulders along the banks of the river brings you to the base of the waterfall. The pristine water rushing over the forty-five-meter rocks and plummeting into the emerald green pool below is a breathtaking scene which provides a rush of excitement and caters to a refreshing swim.
Experience a departure from the traditional horseback riding tour when you visit the private ranch of the Santiago Juan family. Ride across an open pasture towards the bank of the Mopan River and be led by Luis, your personal guide and ranch hand. An exciting river crossing takes you off the beaten path and on an eye-opening ride that reveals a different, slower way of life.
Included in the tour is a stop at a yet-unexcavated Mayan site on the ranch. Luis will provide the history of the area while you dismount your horses and hike to the top of a Maya mound. From that vantage point, you will have a 360 degree view of the valleys and mountains as well as peek at the excavated Maya city of Xunantunich. This tour can be done in a half day or extended for a full day to include a private picnic and a first-hand view of the ranch-hands at work.
Book three nights in a luxury Balam or Casita and get your fourth night for only US$18.00, which will be donated to our Adopt-A-School Program. This $18.00 can pay for a local Belizean child to attend school for a full year.
Ka’ana has committed to supporting the following programs at Succotz Primary School: Bathroom Rehabilitation Project, Nutritional Meals Program, Scholarship Fund and Sports Program.
We also welcome and facilitate donations for playground equipment, purchasing of computers and the refurbishment of classrooms or volunteer work at the school.
Offer Valid For Travel Between May 1st & November 15th.
Considered to be the heartland of a civilization that once was, Belize boasts a rich heritage of archaeological sites. Its Cayo District, one of the last unspoiled places on earth and once the epicenter of the Maya, is dotted with ancient cities and ruins.
Travel across one of the last hand-cranked chain ferries which leads to Xunantunich, “Maiden of the Rock” – one of the region’s most legendary and popular archaeological sites frequented by a multitude of adventure travelers. Perch atop “El Castillo” which rises above the jungle canopy and witness panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys as well as villages. Stop on the way back at a traditional market in the village of San Jose Succotz on the Mopan River, offering local crafts made from cloth, fabrics, slate, wood and other natural products.
With a myriad of spectacular natural attractions, there are plenty of adventures – archaeological sites being only one of them – to discover and explore Belize as a diverse destination!
