Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

ATV tours in the rainforest?  Sign us up!  Chaa Creek, innovators that they are, have a new tour, and yes, it involves an all terrain vehicle and the jungle. Well done.  Pictures coming soon.

"Just the very word Safari evokes adventure and romance, and while things have changed since the early days of big game hunters, with images of Ernest Hemingway traipsing around the African bush, there’s still something about the notion of setting off to explore the wilderness in a rugged four wheel drive vehicle with a local guide that captivates the imagination."

Not a month goes by where Chaa Creek isn't on a top 10 list.  This month they made gayot.com's list for 'Top Value Spas' and Fox News' list of 7 'stunning jungle and rainforest retreats.'  

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/04/11/7-stunning-jungle-and-rainforest-retreats/

"The Lodge at Chaa Creek prides itself on being a true eco lodge, 100 per cent devoted to green, sustainable tourism.  Set on 365 acres on a private nature reserve in Belize, the riverfront resort offers a vast menu of adventure travel packages at great rates.  After a day of spotting exotic animals, hiking along a medicinal plant trail, canoeing at sunset on the Macal River, horseback riding or rainforest ziplining, guests like to chill at the jungle bar or relax with luxurious spa treatments.  While the cost of a therapeutic massage is not cheap at $85 (or $70 for a custom facial), the environment is priceless: al fresco pampering with views of the rainforest, a musical backdrop of tropical birds and a spa that is decorated with fresh flowers every day."

The Discovery Channel has a North American video series, and they have a clip about Belize.  It's appropriately named, 'Belize,  a North American Paradise.'  It's not long, yet a lot is on there.

"Belize, with the highest concentration of pristine rainforest in Central America and the second largest coral reef in the world, is a North American paradise."

The Falls at Chechem Ha got a makeover with all the rains.  Still extremely beautiful, of course, and the foliage will grow back in no time. 

"During the heavy rainfall of late October, the original waterfall at Chechem Ha collapsed creating a new one and with it massive destruction of the rainforest below."

Here's a nice Eco Kid essay from Lillian Aguirre, who really captures the essence of what it means to be and Eco Kid.  She's going to love her time learning about nature at Chaa Creek.

"I want to be an eco-kid because I love nature and would like to help to protect the rainforest.  When I visit the rainforest, the shade from the canopy of tree refreshes me.  The smell of green trees relaxes me and the singing of the birds inspires me.  I hope and pray that I might find and fallow a jaguar’s paw prints on a trail or I may look up high above and see an owl staring at me.  If I am lucky I hope to see soldier ants carrying leave to build their homes wild pigs grunting by howler monkeys hanging on trees branches like thunder."

Belize made it on another top 10 list, although this list proves that the makers of top 10 lists have run out of ideas.  Really, '10 Relaxing Solo Vacations For New Divorcees?'  And Belize isn't in South America!  Maybe the Huffington Post needs a new copy editor.  At least San Ignacio got some recognition.

"Like Costa Rica, Belize -- a South American travel destination that's recently become a trendy hub of sustainable tourism -- has a lot to offer the single traveler.  Belize boasts the beauty and tranquility of a tropical getaway without the crowds, couples and high cost.  Experience the local flavor by touring through Caye Caulker, San Pedro and San Ignacio, and make sure to schedule some R&R time at the country's stunning beaches and nature preserves.  If you're feeling daring, don't miss adventure activities like climbing ancient Mayan ruins and ziplining through the rainforest."