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.

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 sign on the right said The Lodge at Chaa Creek and Joe made the left turn and instantly we were on dirt road. Back to nature…love it! Travelers come from all over the world to escape from the hustle and bustle, unwind and explore living creatures like birds, wildlife and butterflies and smell the hundreds of species of plants in their natural environment.

For more than 3,000 years, from 2000 B.C. until the Spanish started sending colonists across the Atlantic in the early to mid-1500′s A.D., the Mayan civilization reached and maintained a high level of cultural development. In addition to mastering writing, math and astronomy, the Mayans made full use of the natural resources available in what is now Mexico, Central America and parts of South America. This innovative culture learned to not only mine successfully, but managed to turn their somewhat inhospitable tropical swampland into crop-bearing tracts of land.

Gardening has always been a hobby of mine, and I have heard so much about Chaa Creek garden. I would love to have the adventure and experience of going to your summer camp. If I am accepted, it will be the first time that I will go to a summer camp.

I would most love to come and stay at your camp! I hope I will be accepted. My name is Maya, which is sort of funny because I am not mayan, but all my best friends are mayan. I want to come to your camp to see how it is different from here. Here is Lubaantun in Toledo! I want to explore the jungle with you because you know lots about it. Also I would love to ride your horses one day.