Cave Tubing is one of Belize’s popular adventure tours

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Often described as entries into the watery Maya underworld, caves were used by the Maya for religious purposes and they strongly believed that life and death occur at the liminal zones ( see anthropological definition of liminal below) between this world and the other world.

5 Amazing Blue Hole Photos

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The Great Blue Hole shown is one of the top attractions in Belize and is a Mecca for those wanting to dive among its giant stalactites and stalagmites, which were formed during the last Ice Age.

Fox News Says Chaa Creek is Best Value for Spring

A new Fox News article highlighting Belize as one of the world’s best values for a spring break vacation featured Chaa Creek even before the Belizean eco resort announced significant spring discounts, marketing manager Larry Waight said today. “We think travellers will be very happy to hear that Chaa Creek was identified by Fox News as one of the world’s very best spring break value destinations, and they’ll be even happier to know that we’re offering 15% discounts off of all accommodation from April 7 to May 31 this year,” Mr Waight said. “What Fox news considered to be a great deal just got even better,” he added.

Chaa Creek Resort: Belize’s Playground

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After two days of hiking, climbing and swimming, I was ready for a bit of a change of pace, so we headed to the eco jungle resort, Chaa Creek. At this 365 acre resort, you’ll have everything at your fingertips to customize your own jungle adventure. I had met someone from Chaa Creek a few years ago at a travel trade show and had been staring at their promotional disc for years, waiting for the day I’d get to Belize so I could stay there. After checking in to our private thatched cottage, we met with the concierge to organize the activities for the following day. Many are included in your stay, but a few such as horseback riding and canoeing carry a small surcharge.

Luxurious Caribbean Springtime Special Announced

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Two of Belize’s most popular eco resorts have just announced a new springtime savings deal that sees, for the first time, an inland rainforest lodge and a Caribbean beach resort offer a joint discount on one combined Belize vacation package deal. Lucy Fleming, owner of the Lodge at Chaa Creek, made the announcement today February 20, 2013 that Chaa Creek and Chabil Mar Villas on Belize’s Placencia peninsula will be offering a 10% discount off a combined inland and Caribbean coast all-inclusive Belize vacation package for the entire month of May.

See a Beautiful Day in Placencia Belize

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Placencia, Belize, is one of the most laid back, pretty and interesting places in the Caribbean. This friendly little village situated on the tip of a long sandy peninsula in south eastern Belize is an affordable, uncrowded little gem of a tropical paradise.

Birding in Belize is Becoming a Fast Growing Trend

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Naturalist guide Miguel Choco said that with such a wealth of avian wildlife in Belize, finding birds is easy. But finding the birds you want is where experience and expertise comes in.

Happy Valentines Day from Belize!

Happy Valentines Day from Belize!

Here at Chaa Creek, the home of adventure romance, where Cupid cavorts with Ix Chel, the Maya goddess of love, we want to wish lovers all over the world a very happy and seductive Valentine’s Day.

Birding in Belize is an “Experience of a Lifetime”

Red lored parrot, Belize

The tiny Caribbean nation of Belize is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, which stretches from Mexico through Central America and is home to a diverse range of birds and wildlife. Mr Choco said that this, combined with Chaa Creek’s own 365 acre private rainforest reserve, has created an unparalleled opportunity for birding. “We’re basically a protected region within a protected region, so it’s a great sanctuary for local and migratory birds, and that’s why we have such an abundance of wildlife here,” he said.

Tiny insect discovered in wilds of Belize

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U.S. entomologists say they’ve discovered a tiny grasshopper-like insect in Belize and named it in commemoration of a Mayan people who once lived there.

Why is the Groove-Billed Ani an Elusive Belize Bird

Birds of Belize

This is a Groove-billed Ani, Crotophaga Sulcirostris, a bird of savannas and other open spaces. It has a fairly general diet, feeding on fruits, seeds and insects. The Groove-billed Anis is an unusual bird because they live in small groups consisting of one to five breeding pairs. As a group, these birds defend their territory, and they also lay their eggs in one communal nest, where all of the group members incubate the eggs and care for the young.

Is a Tomato a Fruit or a Vegetable?

Fruits of Belize

Tomato is a MUST have ingredient in tomato pasta sauce, tomatoes helps lend a sour tang to various cuisines around the world and is a fruit that can be eaten raw. Tomato refers to the plant (Solanum Lycopersicum) and the fruit that it bears. Tomato is a fruit but is commonly mistaken for a vegetable as it is used among other vegetables in the culinary sense.

Five don’t-miss spots in Belize

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Protected rainforests, Maya ruins, Caribbean beaches and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Add English as the official language and the widely accepted U.S. dollar, and you can get a great vacation on easy mode in Belize.

A Cool Red-Footed Amphibian!

Frogs in Belize

The Lodge at Chaa Creek located in the western dense forests of Belize is home to the fascinating Red-Footed Tree Frog scientifically known as Tlalocohyla Loquax. Our guests can observe this red-footed frog in our “Creatures of the Night” tour in which our experienced and knowledgeable naturalist guides will take you through trails populated by Ocelots, Howler Monkeys, Tarantulas, Patoos, Jaguarundis and many more intriguing rainforest residents.

Madre de Cacao – A Simple & Elegant Tree

Madre De Cacao Belize Chaa Creek

Madre de Cacao is nitrogen-fixing tree that can grow from 10 to 12 meters high. The tree is referred by many people as a quick-stick due to the characteristic of growing almost right away just by cutting it and directly planting it in the ground.

Ten Things You Need To Know About the Coconut Orchid

Maxillaria Tenuifolia - The Coconut Orchid!

Maxillaria tenuifolia is a long time favorite because of its strong coconut scent; it smells just like a Pina Colada. This was species was discovered near Veracruz, Mexico by Karl Theodore Hartweg and ranges from Belize through Nicaragua. Native to tropical America, this genus derives its name fromn the Latin word maxilla which means jawbone.

Romantic Valentine’s Getaway: Cupid and Chocolate at Chaa Creek in Belize

Romance at the lodge at Chaa Creek

“February and especially St Valentine’s Day has always been a big month for us here at Chaa Creek, and this year we’re offering even more special activities and tours aimed at giving couples a truly exceptional exotic getaway. Love will definitely be in the air all month long,” she said.

Four Surprising Healing Secrets of the Hibiscus You Should Know

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Hibiscus tea benefits have been known to Eastern countries for centuries but they have only recently been studied here in the West. Made from the fragrant Hibiscus flowers, the tea has many health benefits for those who drink it regularly.

Seven Surprising Facts of the Rhyncholaelia Digbyana

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The Rhyncholaelia digbyana is an uncommon and stunning species of orchid that is native to Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras. Below are seven surprising facts of this beautiful orchid:

Katie Couric Agrees Belize’s Sacred Cave is “Incredible”

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“ATM is a relative newcomer to Belize’s Maya attractions, but word of mouth has steadily increased interest in it in recent years,” Mr Waight said, “It’s certainly one of the most captivating things I’ve experienced anywhere, and without exception our guests return from excursions to the cave completely amazed. It’s an experience that’s difficult to put into words,” he said.

Ixcanan aka Polly Red Head : An Important Medicinal Rainforest Plant in Belize

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The Maya named this plant after the Goddess of the Forest and Healing, Ix-canan likely due to the abundant anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties used in treating a large variety of skin ailments. Everything from sores, ulcers, fungus, rashes, burns, insect bites, burns, and bee stings can be treated effectively with this natural plant remedy.

A Letter to our Valued Travel Partners

As most of you know, here at Chaa Creek we were eagerly looking forward to December 21 2012 and sure enough, our anticipation was well founded as we hosted one of the best celebrations Belize has ever seen. As a combination of education, cultural exposition, feasting and partying, we’re happy to report that a great time was had by all as staff, guests and neighbours joined together for a truly special week. And of course, the dust barely had time to settle before we were enjoying a truly memorable Christmas and New Years with our family and friends. We hope and trust your year ended on as high a note.

Ancient Maya Wisdom Key to Modern Health

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Rather than misinterpreting Maya beliefs to falsely predict the end of the world, researching and practicing ancient Maya medicine and natural healing techniques can open a new world of health today, noted author and Maya medicinal plant expert Dr. Rosita Arvigo advised participants at Chaa Creek’s 2012 Maya Winter Solstice celebrations.

Wishing Everyone a Happy Holiday Season

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We wish everyone Love, Joy, Peace, Abundance and Happiness not only during this special time but also far into the future. Happy Holidays!