The skeletal remains of an adult Maya, along with several artifacts and ceramics – reported to be over 2000 years old – was discovered during the replacement of drainage pipes on Burns Avenue: one of the busiest streets in San Ignacio, Cayo.

In addition, bone tools, ceramic vessels, conch shell fragments, deer antlers, obsidian blade fragments, peccary teeth and pottery shards were buried with the individual who, according to renowned archaeologist Dr. Jaime Awe, was a male. Of the ceramic vessels obtained, three were complete while the pottery shards included an etched Juventud-Red vessel which possibly dates the site as early as the Middle Pre-Classic Period. What’s more is that the situ, which may have been abandoned after being destroyed by flood waters, is believed to be a part of Cahal Pech, thus proving that the “Place Of Ticks” was as extensive a settlement as was originally thought.

The artifacts, ceramics and remains will be displayed in the Welcome Center which is currently under construction as part of the development and rehabilitation of San Ignacio Town. For the time being, though, locals and tourists alike flock to the site to offer assistance, speculation and support to the archaeologists who’ve halted public works until their excavation is completed.

For more information read “Burns Avenue Becomes New Tenochtitlan” and “The Maya Arise On Preclassic Burns Avenue.”

Soar through subtropical jungle on Belize’s longest aerial runway at over 2,700 feet and gain a bird’s eye view of the rainforest below!

Following a scenic 60-minute drive through rugged terrain, Calico Jack’s Village – sitting atop an incline in the Mountain Pine Ridge Region and surrounded by a private 400-acre reserve – comes into sight. Once there, you’re outfitted with climbing cable gear, helmets and leather gloves after which you’re instructed on how to traverse from one platform to the next – all while hooked to the railing from your harness; safety is the priority. Your guide then quickly explains the intricately designed course you’ll be zipping through: fifteen connecting platforms, including a suspended bridge, and culminating with a ride on a hydraulic jungle elevator which lifts you fifty-five feet above the jungle canopy!

In an effort to foster early childhood learning, Ka’ana adopted the Succotz Primary School, located in the nearby village of San Jose Succotz, in April of this year. Since then, we’ve raised US$1,275 which has helped us in executing initiatives such as the recently completed Bathroom Rehabilitation Project. In addition to arts & crafts supplies and the one-cubicle bathroom facility for the kindergartners, we’ve paid the US$18 yearly tuition for over sixty of the three hundred and sixty students currently attending by customizing our Summer Offer. Through generous donations, the staff was able to provide the school’s baseball team with sporting equipment and uniforms, which afforded them the opportunity to, not only compete in the National Softball Competition, but also secure the league’s first place.

We here at Ka’ana are committed to supporting the school with the following programs: Feeding Program, Scholarship Fund and Sports Program. We also plan to assist with the establishment of new bathroom and cafeteria facilities for the juniors and seniors as well as to fence the school grounds.

Tucked into a limestone ridge in the Upper Macal River Valley of the Maya Mountains in Belize’s Cayo District is Che Chem Ha (Poisonwood Water). This quarter-mile dry cave was first discovered by William Playtez, ranch owner and tour guide, while harvesting Xate leaves in the 1980s.

Accessing the cave involves a 40-minute drive on an unpaved road and a 35-minute hike along jungle-lined trails. Once in the cave, journey into the underworld – Xibalba – through nine levels using ladders and ropes. View ancient altars and undisturbed artifacts, including the largest ceramic vessels recorded in caverns, some of which are set high above the floor level and are accessible only by ladders. The descent into the ceremonial chamber is worthwhile as it displays the silhouette of a woman carrying a pot carved into its stone wall.

Upon exiting the cave, continue hiking for approximately ten minutes through farmland to a 214 feet waterfall. Climb down a steep incline and take a refreshing dip after a half day of hiking, climbing and even crawling in one of Belize’s leading caves.