I traveled with my husband, Adam, and our first stop after arriving into Belize was the Belize Zoo. We have visited this zoo a few times before and find it to be a must see on every trip. The zoo habitats are the most natural I’ve encountered with wonderful views of the diverse wildlife that inhabits the country. Adam loves to visit the tapirs and my favorites are the spider monkeys and the jabiru storks. We were impressed with the new walking paths at the zoo and updates since our last visit.

Staghorn or Elkhorn Fern is a beautiful and epiphytic plant native to the new and old world tropics such as South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Guinea. Here are five things you might not know about this fern:

The Great Kiskadee is found from Texas, USA to Argentina and is common in Bermuda, where it was introduced in the 1950s. The Great Kiskadee lives in open woodlands, streamside thickets, groves, orchards and parks. In the tropics it occurs widely in many semi-open habitats, usually avoiding dense unbroken forest. It is a permanent resident throughout its range and does not migrate.

Here, in the Toledo District, you get a respite from strip malls and over-development, from pollution and stress. There’s no Wal-Mart in sight (I have heard the closest one is in Mexico). And there’s not one fast-food restaurant in the entire country.

The December 2012 online edition of National Geographic has listed the Belize Barrier Reef as one of the world’s “Best Winter Trips” for 2013, Chaa Creek’s marketing administrator Larry Waight announced today.

Travellers to Belize will find it easier to combine a Caribbean beach vacation with a rainforest and Maya temple experience, thanks to today’s launch of a new air service linking Belize’s San Ignacio Town to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s marketing administrator, Larry Waight said today. According to Tropic Air, their new service will run between the Maya Flats airstrip located midway between San Ignacio Town and Benque Viejo del Carmen on the Guatemalan border, and the domestic airports at San Pedro and Belize City.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, three deluxe packages for The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s 2012 Maya Winter Solstice celebration have become available, marketing administrator Larry Waight announced today.

San Pedro is “La Isla Bonita” that Madonna made famous and is a tourist mecca that boasts great beaches and plenty of dive shops where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Placencia Peninsula is a lovely little Belizean seacoast village in Southern Belize with sixteen miles of white sandy beaches and is a favorite destination for diving and snorkeling. Caye Caulker is a small island with a rare combination of rustic, laid back charm and comfortable amenities that has very little resemblance to the more hustle and bustle Caribbean hot spots.Travelers report that it’s “not for the party animal,” and appeals especially to backpackers, painters, divers and snorkelers.

This is a time of great cultural significance, as one cycle spanning millennia ends and another begins with the completion of the Maya Long Count’s 13th Ba’ k tun. Forget sensationalism and misinformation surrounding 2012, Chaa Creek will be hosting celebrations that focus on the true nature of this epoch with factual information, cultural integrity and respect for the people of this vibrant civilisation who still make up a significant portion of Belize’s population.

In recognition of the ancient Maya’s belief that 2013 would usher in the dawn of a new era, the Lodge at Chaa Creek will be launching a series of new tours, packages and activities throughout 2013, according to activities coordinator Bryony Bradley.

While Belize is known for many things, such as a top dive spot, for its rainforests dotted with many Maya temples and archaeological sites and a laid back lifestyle, it can also be the perfect place for a Christmas holiday, according to Denise Duran, Chaa Creek’s Guest Services Coordinator.

Belize’s first ever Black Friday vacation deal begins today Thursday 22 November with the Lodge at Chaa Creek offering 30 per cent discounts off all accommodation and 10 per cent off selected all-inclusive Belize vacation packages, according to the eco resort’s marketing administrator, Larry Waight.

In its introduction, Forbes’ photo feature states that, “Living overseas is different from just visiting. Before you retire to a foreign country, consider not just the weather and cost of living, but also healthcare; safety; tax and visa requirements; and how friendly the country is to foreigners. Here are some possibilities,” and then goes on to list fifteen of what it considers the world’s best retirement choices.

Belize, a tiny English speaking country with the world’s second largest barrier reef and a rich Maya heritage, has over the years blended a traditional North American style Thanksgiving with elements from its various cultures to create a unique holiday that continues to grow in popularity both locally and with overseas visitors, Mr Waight said.

“If you can’t make it down here for the celebrations, you owe it to yourself to learn more about one of the most interesting, intriguing and colourful cultures on the planet. It’s a fascinating journey in every sense of the word, and here at Chaa Creek we’ll be taking the time out to join our Garifuna brothers and sisters in saying, ‘Gibe Memegili Wayumaha; Lidanba Uarani Wawansera’, which fittingly translates to ‘We continue to have many aspirations; in Unity we advance’ ,” he said.

We may not realize it, but many of our favorite foods—from guacamole to tamales to chocolate—were discovered, developed, and refined centuries ago in the Maya world. Here are a few of our favorites.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize’s oldest eco resort and one of the country’s largest employers is reflecting a nationwide sentiment in congratulating President Obama on winning the US Presidential election, marketing administrator Larry Waight said today.

Belize is at the top of every adventure addicts Bucket List as there are different experiences in each region. We will be featuring several articles in a series that tap into the array of types of experiences one can have in this stunning destination.

Anticipation for the December 21 event has been building in popular imagination for the last few years, with the Hollywood blockbuster film “2012” and many articles, documentaries and internet posts giving conflicting and sometimes sensational versions of what to expect. Some people are anticipating a new awakening of human consciousness and outpouring of positive energy, while others predict that the completion of a major cycle of the Maya Long Count calendar, which occurs on December 21, will bring about the end of the world.

Mr Tonti was speaking in response to the Belizean airline Tropic Air’s announcement that an inaugural service linking Western Belize to the popularCaribbean island destination will begin on December 10, 2012. He said the new, fast connection will be a boon for those Chaa Creek guests who wish to add a Caribbean island experience to their rainforest and Maya culture adventures.