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.

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 Red Ginger and its scientific name is Alpinia purpurata. The Red Ginger plant, originally from the South Pacific, is a tall, ever-green plant which has bright red floral bracts and inconspicuous white flowers. Read more…

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Gray Cracker Butterfly which is scientifically known as Hamadryas februa. The Gray Cracker Butterfly is a butterfly of the Neotropic Eco Zone, South America, with its circulation area extending from Mexico, Colombia, the Caribbean Islands, to Brazil. It is one of the most conspicuous species of butterfly found at The Lodge at Chaa Creek.

Belize’s rich Maya heritage is something that all Belizeans share and take pride in, and it’s been wonderful to see representatives from so many different sectors – government, private industry, art and cultural groups along with a range of individuals, work together to present and promote our real Maya heritage as world attention focuses on 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.

Lucy Fleming, who with her husband Mick owns and operates Chaa Creek, has been living in the Maya heartland for over three decades and said she is looking forward to the opportunity to join other locals as well as Mayanists, scholars and archaeologists in setting the Maya record straight.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Aloe Vera which is commonly known as The Medicinal Plant. Aloe Vera is a very short-stemmed plant that can grow up to 60-100 cm tall spreading by offsets. The Aloe Vera’s leaf is thick and fleshy to touch and has tiny prickles or spines around the perimeter. The Aloe Vera plant can be frequently seen tropical areas of the world, including Belize where it can be seen very commonly at Chaa Creek’s 365-acre private nature preserve. The plant can be easily spotted while on the Rainforest Medicine Trail Tour with our naturalist guides.

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 Ruddy Ground Dove and is scientifically known as Columbina talpacoti. The Ruddy Ground Dove is a resident breeder from Mexico, Central and South America, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina, and Trinidad and Tobago. In Belize, it is a fairly common resident on the Northern Cayes, along the coast and in the Southern, Western and Central Belize.

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.

Yesterday December 21st 2011 was winter solstice – the shortest day of the year and at Chaa Creek it was celebrated with a full day of Maya cultural presentations, workshops, and traditional Maya feastings to commemorate the long awaited and much debated Maya Winter Solstice of 2012.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is pleased to announce the two lucky winners our latest competition: Win a Free Chaa Creek aluminum water bottle.

The water bottles are made of aluminum, very durable, light-weight with a sleek appearance which serves to remind individuals that many small efforts can add up to a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

“Walking in a winter wonderland…” That old song always conjures up memories, and for those of us born in northern climes, those memories invoke white pastoral scenes, snow laden fir trees, roaring fireplaces, red cheeks, mittens, even the odd sled or two with tinkling bells. Whether it was Peggy Lee or Dean Martin singing, the song never failed to stir something inside.

The Maya have over centuries faced encroachment on many fronts – their land, culture, spirituality, you name it. And, with world attention on all things Maya increasing in the leadup to the long awaited Winter Solsitce of December 21 2012, the preservation and respect for this august culture will become even more important. So it is with great happiness that we can report a victory while updating that sorry saga of Kellogg v the Maya.

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.

The thought of just a seven hour window to wander around Belize was nerve wrecking and at the same time unsettling. Many questions came to mind: What if the ship leaves without us? What are we going to do if we are stuck in traffic or the van breaks down?

Many people will be visiting Belize to take part in the historic Maya celebrations and cultural activities running throughout the Belize Maya 2012 observations , and we can only hope that this will result in greater awareness and respect for our natural heritage. The ancient Maya produced beautiful works of art and craftsmanship that are best appreciated in their natural home where they can continue to be shared with the world.

Belize lies at the crossroads between the Caribbean and Latin America. You can physically see the changes in people, architecture and landscape as you drive from the port of Belize City into the mountains beyond San Ignacio and the Guatemala border. Belize has long been known as the dive capital of the Americas, far fewer visitors have recognised the quality and uniqueness of its spa and wellness facilities.

Green Globe Certification today announced the recertification of The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize. Green Globe Certification CEO Guido Bauer said: “The Lodge at Chaa Creek is one of the more exemplary Green Globe-certified properties. From its inception, the owners, managers, and staff of this eco-resort have dedicated their business to sustainable development, as well as presenting a quality eco-tourism experience.