The August issue guides readers through Central and South America. The article on Belize speaks about Prince Harry’s visit in March, 2012, and also lists activities he should experience upon his return. It mentions the street fair that was held in his honor, in Belmopan, and his climb of Xunantunich.

The Maya of Belize and the entire Mundo Maya region welcome new facts coming from recently unearthed murals at Guatemala’s Xultún archaeological site because they serve to further debunk myths while opening the real Maya culture to the world, Chaa Creek’s resident Mayanist said today.

Findings from new research into the dramatic collapse of the ancient Maya Empire that covered Belize and much of the neighbouring region pose warnings we should heed now, Chaa Creek owner and environmental studies coordinator Mick Fleming said today.

For more than 500 years, the Maya kings ruled the New World’s richest and most advanced civilization. But then, around 800 C.E., the Maya empire began to collapse and its kings soon disappeared; by 1000 C.E., most of its great cities and temples lay in ruins. What happened?

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is hosting Tales of a Maya Shaman, a presentation by Dr Rosita Arvigo DN on 20 February 2012 as part of the Chaa Creek 2012 Maya lecture series.

Having half its member resorts recently listed among the top 25 hotels in all of Central America by a major travel website shows how cooperation results in customer satisfaction, Rainforest & Reef Resorts of Belize member Lucy Fleming said.

Over the years Chaa Creek has received numerous awards and accolades, and this new Trip Advisor recognition is particularly satisfying because it comes straight from international travellers themselves.

Belize is the heartland of the Maya civilisation, and this legacy takes on even greater significance with the approach of the Winter Solstice of 2012 – an event of almost indescribable importance to the Maya and a time for major celebrations, activities and events throughout Belize.

CNN’s recent acknowledgment of the “World of the Maya” as one of the top nine travel destinations for 2012 is one more indication that Belize’s year of the Maya 2012 celebrations are set to be a big hit with international visitors, Belize’s premier eco resort Chaa Creek reports.

With the long awaited arrival of 2012, there is growing interest in the ancient Maya civilisation, and this is a double edged sword. On one hand, it is good to see this rich, highly advanced ancient culture finally getting the attention it deserves. Hopefully, this attention will turn into greater research opportunities leading to a better understanding of this enigmatic civilisation.

The Maya Empire, centered in the tropical lowlands of what is now Guatemala, reached the peak of its power and influence around the sixth century A.D. The Maya excelled at agriculture, pottery, hieroglyph writing, calendar-making and mathematics, and left behind an astonishing amount of impressive architecture and symbolic artwork. Most of the great stone cities of the Maya were abandoned by A.D. 900, however, and since the 19th century scholars have debated what might have caused this dramatic decline.

What sustained the great, expanding populations of the ancient Maya in their seemingly inhospitable tropical environment? Recent pioneering work in Belize and Guatemala is introducing a remarkable new paradigm and setting a standard of sustainability for future generations.

The Tikal Tour would take us to the past capital of the Mayan empire in Guatemala. Central America is rich in the history my daughter has heard about, but not seen since she was an infant. The choices offered by Chaa Creek for day tours are fascinating and wide ranging – experience the ancient world of the Mayans and then return to the luxury accommodations at Chaa Creek.

Belize Eco Tours and activities available through Chaa Creek continue to expand in range and scope. An educational adventure day on the reserve combines activities such as canoeing, mountain biking and horseback riding with the expertise of our licensed naturalist guides to give visitors a well rounded, comprehensive introduction to the unique natural and cultural riches of Belize. With our Natural History Centre, Butterfly Farm, Rainforest Medicine Trail, guided tours and nature walks along miles of trails and river trips, Chaa Creek …