It’s a country of freedom-seekers. The pirates came to ply their pirate trading out of view. The Mennonites came from Germany and the Netherlands so they could be Mennonites without anyone bothering them. The British came to do their banking in private. And the folks from the surrounding countries have made their way across Belize’s borders over the decades in search of safety.

Bryony Fleming Bradley, The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s assistant general manager, said the March 8 feature article, “Spotlight on Belize”, was correct in pointing out that the Cayo District is now the second most visited area in Belize.

Belize features predominantly in global, pop culture this year, like no other. In case you have been able to avoid the 2012 meme over recent years, what makes this year so special for Central American countries, like Belize and neighboring Mexico, is a cosmic prophecy foretold by the ancient Mayans.

It’s called Eco Challenge 2011. And it is in full swing at one of the most scenic places in the Cayo District: the Chaa Creek Resort. Love TV’s Producer Dalila Ical and cameraman Brian Castillo spend an overnight with the participants of the project and bring you this first of a two-part story.

For such a small, sparsely populated country, Belize has more things to do packed within its 8,867 square miles (22,960 km²) than anyplace I can think of, and I’m always the proverbial kid in a candy shop when I’m there – so many things to do, so little time. However, I do most emphatically recommend that you take time on any Belizean holiday to visit the Cayo District and San Ignacio Town – it all adds up to a tropical holiday experience you’ll never forget.