“The 2012 Winter Solstice on December 21 is so important to Maya everywhere that we want to make sure it’s celebrated with the respect and energy it deserves. And his means that participants learn about the Maya culture generally, as well as the significance of the 2012 Winter Solstice. We want our guests, especially those taking advantage of the all-inclusive Belize Maya Winter Solstice Vacation packages, to get as much out of the experience as possible,” Mr Awe said.

As reported here earlier, members of Belizean Maya villages have raising concerns in the international community over what they see as yet another serious threat to their culture and livelihood through the illegal logging of rosewood from rainforests in Belize’s Toledo District.

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.

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?

Situated some 12 kilometres north of San Ignacio town and straddling the Belize – Guatemala border, El Pilar’s 100 acres contains over 25 plazas, temples, palaces, residential structures, and causeways. Inhabited continuously between 800BC and 1,000AD, it supported a population of over 20,000 at its peak, and was one of the most important centres of the Lowland Maya. For us, one of the more interesting aspects of El Pilar is not just what has been found, but the way in which the research is carried out.