We recommend Chaa Creek to any soft-adventure traveler – and really want to support the conservation incentives of the Flemings. Jean & I visited Chaa Creek in the fall of 2009. Boy, had it changed since I was there in the early 90′s – back then it was a few thatched huts and outdoor deck / restaurant set on the banks of the Macal River. Of course the location hasn’t changed! But there’s tons more cabanas, an infinity pool that looks like it could be at a luxurious resort (which actually Chaa Creek is now), a proper restaurant aside from the bar….

Chocolate, long referred to in Belize as “the food of the gods”, is also known as the food of love, and features prominently during Chaa Creek’s Valentine’s Month of Love celebrations, according to the eco resort’s food and beverage manager Bryony Fleming.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Maya Harp. The Maya Harp is beautifully hand crafted and was an integral part of the Maya society since it was used for religious and healing ceremonies and for cultural and entertainment purposes.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Mottled Owl and its scientific name is Ciccaba Virgata. The Mottled Owl can be found in Northern Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America and lives in extensive, diverse, and wild habitats.

If there’s any downside at all to a Belize vacation it’s trying to cram so much into the always too short amount of time you have there. Plan as much as you like; new things always present themselves when you arrive in the Jewel, as Belizeans refer to their country.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is now accepting bookings for the Belize Rainforest and Barrier Reef Vacation, a new for 2012 all-inclusive vacation package that allows visitors to explore Belize’s Heartland of the Maya rainforests as well as the Belize Great Barrier Reef in one affordable holiday, according to Chaa Creek’s marketing administrator.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Bay Leaf Palm which is scientifically known as Sabal mauritiiformis.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Piper Auritum which is commonly known as False kava or Hoja Santa. The Piper Auritum is native to Central and South America and the West Indies and can be found on forest edges. The above picture was shot at Chaa Creek’s private 365 acre nature reserve.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Pill Millipede and its scientific name is Glomeris marginata. The Pill Millipede is a very fascinating arthropod as it has twelve body segments which are dome-shaped. They are very secretive herbivores, making their home in soil and leaf litters.

It was late Sunday evening when I noticed missed calls and text messages on my cell phone. I was amazed at the news I received and walked downtown to see it for my own eyes. What was happening? Archaeology in action on what I believe to be the busiest street in San Ignacio! AWESOME was the word that came out of my mouth. As an archaeologist, I never pictured excavations to be carried out in front of one of our regular hanging out spots!!! For years we had been travelling outside of town, not knowing that underneath our feet lay a SURPRISE waiting for us!

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Teeth of the American Mostodon whose scientific name is Mammut americanum. The American Mostodon first appeared during the early Miocene period and persisted in the fossil record until the end of the Pleistocene era and were widespread throughout North and Central America.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Brazilian Red Cloak and it is scientifically known as Megaskepasma erythorochlamys. The ‘Brazilian Cloak’ is a herbaceous shrub that is very showy and fast growing. Being an exhibition of beautiful red/scarlet terminal flowers, this plant never fails to thrill its viewers.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Veined Tree Frog or Pepper-Eyed Tree Frog and is scientifically known as Phrynohyas venulosa. The Veined Tree Frog can be found in areas ranging from Mexico, Central America, South America, and some Caribbean Islands. It is a very uncommon species at The Lodge at Chaa Creek and can be found at lower elevations throughout Belize.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Male Green Iguana which is scientifically known as Iguana iguana. The Male Green Iguana, despite its name, is bright orange in color and become larger in size in its breeding season. This arboreal herbivorous species of lizard is native to Central and South America.

Today’s Belize Photo of the day is the Collared Aracari Toucan and its scientific name is Pteroglossus torquatus. This social toucanet breeds from Southern Mexico and throughout Central America making its year-round home in the tropical rainforests.

Today’s Belize Photo of the day is the Century Plant and its scientifically known as the Agave Americana. The Century Plant is originally from Mexico but is cultivated as an ornamental plant globally. It has been naturalized in many regions and grows wild in Europe, South America, India, and Australia.

As predicted, so-called experts, pundits and armchair archaeologists are now coming out of the woodwork to make the most of the 2012 phenomenon. Some of it is well intentioned, some of it is blather, and frankly some of it falls under the category of, “I blog, therefore I exist”.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek in the Cayo District of Belize has some pretty awesome horse stables. We went riding with them on a guided trail ride tour with an awesome guide who showed us everything from local wildlife to trees and fruit. We rode to an unexcavated Maya site on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful rainforest sourrounding Chaa Creek.

Travel has the effect of getting you outside of yourself and there is something especially grand and unexplainable about nature, and how it refreshes your body and soul the closer you get to it. One easy way to get close to nature is through outdoor camping. Fortunately, now even individuals who don’t want to sacrifice certain comforts can do it. The question is, can you be convinced to take on glamping for your next vacation?

The approach of 2012 is bringing increased attention on the ancient Maya civilisation of Belize and her neighbours, and, as usual with this fascinating, enigmatic civilisation, there are more questions than answers. One of the big questions is: how did Maya urban centres sustain such large populations in areas modern people would consider to be inhospitable?