Thrill-seekers have the rare opportunity to spend the night on an ancient Mayan ruin in a luxury tent resembling a suite at Ka’ana, without having to sacrifice the comfort and amenities of the Belizean luxury resort. Ka’ana takes ‘glamping’ to the next level, beginning with a ride through the Belizean jungle next door into Guatemala’s Yaxha National Park. Enter the 1,100-year-old city just after dusk where an expert guide will lead guests to their meal prepared by a local Mayan cook at the base of the ruins.
After dinner, the guide will lead the ascent to highest temple where guests can enjoy views of the Guatemalan countryside while an archaeologist waxes historical about the intricate excavation of the Yaxah Temple. At the end of the evening, guests retire to their luxury digs — a replica of the rooms at Ka’ana, complete with a king-sized bed. The Morning After: Cross Lake Yaxha via boat to visit another, not-yet-excavated Topoxte Maya ruins. kaanabelize.com; packages starting at $2,000
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You like us, you really like us! We topped great places in Costa Rica and Guatemala – even our own Placencia and San Pedro! The farmlands, jungle hikes, nearby rivers and ruins – all contribute to make us the #1 Belize spot on Trip Advisor’s Central America: Top 25 Destinations 2012.
Actress Kathryn Felicia Day highlights her visit to the epicenter of inland touring – Belize’s Cayo District – having utilized Ka’ana as her exclusive outpost. From grazing pastures to diverse eco-tours, she depicts her journey to Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave and Xunantunich Maya City – two of the region’s most impressive and popular attractions.
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!
