A great day with Friends~~>#Miami~~>#Lunch~~>#History #Scenic #Bayside #Sunshine #Outdoors

Hello All, Hola!

Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful and sunny day! We have not had any rain for today as yet.
So how long has it been that you have been for a nice outing in beautiful Miami? Miami has so many history and it is growing so rapidly. It is amazing how much it has expanded in five or ten years.

Miami's Hooters and well known Mojitobar!

Espero que todos disfrutando del hermoso y soleado día. No hemos tenido ninguna lluvia para el día de hoy.  ¿Cuánto tiempo hace que has salido en un agradable paseo en la hermosa Miami ? Miami tiene tanta historia y está creciendo tan rápidamente. Es increíble cómo se ha ampliado en cinco o diez años.

A couple weeks ago, I had the joy of seeing some beautiful sceneries with some friends. They were on a short stay over and they wanted to see a bit of Miami as they never had the joy to stay long enough. We had a limited amount of time so we had to make choices.

Hace un par de semanas, he tenido la alegría de ver algunos hermosos paisajes con unos amigos. Se encontraban en una estancia corta y que querían ver un poco de Miami ya que nunca han tenido la alegría de pasar suficiente tiempo aqui. No teníamos mucho tiempo por lo tanto tuvimos que decidir.

The Tasty Chill's restaurant!

The Great Artist Collection BRITTO!

The parrots are always great entertainment!

There are numerous stores to buy gifts for everyone.

While we decided where to go we prepared ourselves for a beautiful day in sunny Miami. That is one of the main attraction to Miami, the sunshine state. It did not surprised me when the Bayside MarketPlace was chosen. It is where there are numerous shops to buy last minute gifts and there is always something for everyone. There are lots of great restaurants with tasty, delicious and unique meals and something for everyone's taste as well. Last but not least, there are many entertainment places and always live entertainment too where children can have a great time.

Mientras decidimos donde ir nos preparamos para un hermoso día soleado en Miami. Este es uno de los principales atractivos de Miami, el estado del sol. No me sorprendió cuando el mercado de Bayside fue elegido. Este es el lugar donde se encuentran numerosas tiendas para comprar regalos de última hora y siempre hay algo para todo el mundo. Hay un montón de restaurantes con comidas deliciosas y únicas y algo para todos los gustos también. Por último pero no menos importante, hay entretenimiento de muchos lugares y siempre entretenimiento en vivo también donde los niños pueden tener un gran momento.

There is always a place where you can get fresh and healthy drinks!

Overlooking the bay you can find the Famous Hard Rock Cafe!

At night you can see stellar of stars!

 

Here is a view where the water-taxi fills up hourly for a tour. We also see the condos afar.

  The Bayside MarketPlace was built in 1987 by the Rouse Company. In 2004, the General Growth Properties bought the company and the Bayside became added to the GPP list of family centers. What is interesting is that Miami welcomes 12 million visitors to the Bayside every year!!! Impressive. I enjoy going to the Bayside for special events and to take the family and friends as well.

Here I am at the entrance of the condos, impressive!

Here are the huge moments everyone takes home from Miami!

Miami is one of a kind and has many historic and interesting places to go and enjoy!

Let's have a closer look at the Hard rock Cafe and the water-taxi.

My friends had a wonderful time and hundreds of beautiful pictures! It is always a pleasure to show our sunshine state to our visitors!

Miami es unica y tiene muchos sitios históricos e interesantes para ir y disfrutar!
Siempre es un placer para mostrar nuestro estado del sol a nuestros visitantes!
Mis amigos tuvieron un tiempo maravilloso y cientos de fotos hermosas!

©Maricela, All Rights Reserved. Written for: Emy Cooks

Who is an early bird at the local farmers market? ~~> A visit to Belize market! #CentralAmerica #FreshFruits #NOGMO #Travels

Good day to you all, hope you are having a great Saturday evening!

Buen día a todos, esperanza está teniendo una gran tarde este sábado!

Today we are early birds at the market with people bustling around to get their fresh fruits and vegetables.
 
Hoy somos madrugadores en el mercado con la gente que anda ajetreado alrededor para conseguir sus frutas frescas y verduras.

picture credit goes to Karen Vernon

 
Let's start by saying a big THANK YOU to all the farmers in the world. I know that the office people works hard, technically speaking. I must say that most farmers are very hard working, early to bed and early to rise. What they do, they do with a passion and most enjoy dealing with the public. These farmers are up very early to get their crop ready, some are not daily visitors at the market and therefore has to get there early to get an available spot to get their products sold early and get out of the hectic rush on the road.

This experience I learned while visiting and it was fun going to the market and all because it was just for a short while but believe me, it was tiring for me. I was up at 5 a.m. and by 7:30 p.m. I was ready for my bed.

Vamos a comenzar diciendo GRACIAS a todos los agricultores en el mundo. Sé que la gente de la oficina trabaja mucho, técnicamente hablando. Debo decir que la mayor parte de agricultores trabajan mucho y duro, temprano para acostarse y temprano a levantarse. Lo que hacen,  lo hacen con una pasión y mayoría de ellos disfruta el tratamiento con el público. Estos agricultores se levantan muy temprano para conseguir su cosecha lista, unos no son vendedores diarios en el mercado y por lo tanto se tienen que estar allí  más temprano para conseguir puesto bueno y disponible donde se ponga sus productos a vender temprano para salir de la frenética carrera por la carretera.

Esta experiencia lo aprendí visitando a mis padres y era una diversión llendo al mercado  porque era sólo durante una visita pero creame era muy cansado. Me levanté a las 5 de la mañana y a eso de la 7:30 de la tarde estaba listo para mi cama.

pic credit goes to Karen Vernon

 I love going to the market to smell the fresh fruits and vegetables and catch up with some friends that we don't  normally meet throughout the workday. I like to hear the people bartering for their purchase. I never knew how hard or what the procedure a farmer does to be a farmer. My dad does it occasionally based on the type of fruits in season. Presently, there a many fruits in season in Belize.
This experience I learned while visiting and it was fun going to the market and all because it was just for a short while but believe me, it was tiring for me. I was up at 5 a.m. and by 8 a.m. I was ready for my bed.

Me encanta ir al mercado a oler el perfume de las frutas y verduras frescas y ponerse al día con algunos amigos que normalmente no cumplir a lo largo del día. Me gusta escuchar a la gente haciendo trueque para su compra. Yo nunca sabía lo difícil o lo que el proceso de ser un agricultor. Mi papá lo hace algunas veces depende del tipo de frutas de temporada. Actualmente, hay una gran variedad de frutas de temporada en Belice.

pics credit goes to Karen Vernon

Here are a few shots of a hectic morning in Belize on market day! Do you like going to the market? I do enjoying going to the market any where in the world and been to several, England, Scotland, Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, to name a few. If you have been to Japan or Turkey, please share your experience and adventures.

Aquí están unas cuantas fotos de una agitada mañana en Belice en día de mercado. ¿Te gusta ir al mercado? Creo que disfruto en el mercado en todo el mundo y he ido a varios:- Inglaterra, Escocia, España, México, Guatemala, para nombrar unos pocos. Si usted ha estado en Japón o Turquía, por favor, comparta sus experiencias y aventuras.

pics credit to Karen Vernon

After an early morning at the local farmer's market, here is my friends shopping for all those healthy smoothies which makes her ready for the long day at work. What does your shopping look like, similar?



Después de una mañana en el mercado local del granjero, aquí está la compras de mi amiga para todos los batidos que ella hace en prepararla para el largo día del trabajo. ¿Cómo es su compra, similar?

Hope you enjoyed your shopping day at the Belize local farmer's market. It is always an adventure when I go to the market with my dad, I would meet everyone there which makes it much more interesting!!!!


Espero que hayan disfrutado de su compra en el mercado del agricultor de Belice local. ¡Siempre es una aventura cuando voy al mercado con mi papá, encontraría a cada uno allí que lo hace mucho más interesante!!!! 

Other topics on Belize
Placencia 
Carib Settlement Day 
Empanadas Beliceños 
Johnny Cakes


©Maricela, All Rights Reserved. Written for: Emy Cooks

Placencia~ Belize #Central America #Caribbean #Travels #Destination

Here we go to another exotic place in Belize. Beautiful white sand, the beachside under the Palm trees. This is one of the places where many Belizean folks flock around for the Easter weekend or any long weekend.

Photo Credits Placencia Breeze

Aquí vamos a otro lugar exótico en Belice. Hermosa arena blanca, la playa bajo las palmeras. Se trata de uno de los lugares donde mucha gente beliceña acuden alrededor para el fin de semana de semana Santa o cualquier fin de semana largo.

We can get to Placencia by plane, car or bus. There are several flights throughout the day. You can also take a bus or rent a car which takes you through some beautiful green scenery, if you like nature, you get to see the jungle view of the Hummingbird highway. Some scenery are breathtaking and memorable. The trip by bus is one of a kind and is advised to allow an extra day.

photo credit lonely planet

Podemos llegar a Placencia en avión, coche o autobús. Hay varios vuelos durante todo el día. También puede tomar un autobús o un coche de alquiler que le lleva a través de algunos hermoso paisaje verde, si te gusta la naturaleza, usted podrá ver la selva vista de la carretera de Hummingbird. Algunos paisajes son espectaculares y memorable.El viaje en autobús es una de una clase y se aconseja permitir un día suplementario.

The resorts are quality and unique with our distinctive cultures of either Creole, Maya or Garifuna or a mixture of all.

Los resorts son de calidad y únicos, con nuestras distintas culturas de criollo, Maya o Garífuna o una mezcla de todos. 

photo credits Miramar Apartments
This is where we stayed on our vacation.

Placencia is in the southern part of Belize which laid back and very relaxing with a casual nightlife.

Placencia se encuentra en la parte sur de Belice y es muy relajante con una vida nocturna casual. 

The Peninsula has a number of aquatic and inland activities for the water lovers.

La península tiene una serie de actividades acuáticas y terrestres de los amantes del agua. 

Nature lovers, fishing and diving:

Los amantes de la naturaleza, la pesca y el buceo: 

Diving is a wonderful sight as there are many cayes between the  Barrier Reef and the peninsula and are perfect to snorkle and see the various marine species in the shallow water.

El buceo es una maravillosa vista como hay muchos cayos entre los arrecifes de coral y la península y son perfectos para bucear y ver las diferentes especies marinas en las aguas poco profundas.

A great way to see and venture around is using a Kayak. Sailing allows you to explore the reef and the caves and for those who like fishing, it is a great way to spend the day and have dinner or supper for the day.

Una gran manera de ver y aventurarse alrededor es utilizando un Kayak. Vela le permite explorar los arrecifes y las cuevas y para los amantes de la pesca, es una gran manera de pasar el día y obtener su comida o cena para el día.

photo credit Placencia Adventures Land and Sea

Adventures at the Maya Temples, caves and Jaguars

Aventuras en los templos mayas, cuevas y jaguares

In this area, we have the Beautiful Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary which is the only preserve in the world. You can go hiking or tubing through the rainforest and get a glimpse of the graceful jaguars. You can also enjoy nature's sound with the howler monkeys communicating with each other. Last but not least you get to visit the Maya world at the Temples of the underworld at Xibalba. The Maya believed that the Rain God, Chaak, lived in caves, and that many caves were entrances to the underworld, or Xibalba, the "Place of Fear."  

En esta zona, tenemos la hermosa Cockscomb Basin que es la única preservar en el mundo. Usted puede practicar senderismo o tubos a través de la selva y obtener una visión de la elegante jaguares. También puede disfrutar de la naturaleza del sonido con los monos aulladores comunicarse con los demás. Por último, pero no por ello menos importante, podrá visitar el mundo Maya en los templos del mundo terrenal  en Xibalbá. 

photo credits Wildland Adventures

There are many places to visit in this area:

Hay muchos lugares para visitar en esta zona, algunos son:

Villages that are nearby  in particular the Monkey River Village where you can find wood carving and paddling dories and fruits and rice wines. Seine Bight Village you can have the pleasure of seeing the locals making basket, drums and other artists.There is also the Swasey Bladen Forest Reserve to have other adventures with nature.

Las aldeas que están en las inmediaciones en particular el Monkey River aldea donde se pueden encontrar tallar en madera y remando crã©dito y frutas y los vinos de arroz. Siene Bight aldea se puede tener el placer de ver a los lugareños que  hacen cesta, los tambores y otros artistas. También hay del Swasey Bladen Reserva Forestal que tiene otras aventuras con la naturaleza.

phot credits to Destination Belize

There are many many adventures awaiting you  in this area but you can also just enjoy your stay at your hotel or resort and walk along the sidewalk and visit the gifts shops, beachside bars or restaurant and enjoy the local or Caribbean cuisine and much more.

Hay muchas muchas aventuras que te esperan en esta área, pero también simplemente disfrutar de su estancia en su hotel o resort y caminar por la acera y visitar las tiendas de regalos, bares junto a la playa o restaurante y disfrutar de la cocina local o Caribe y mucho más.

©Maricela, All Rights Reserved. Written for: Emy Cooks

What do you know about the Capitol Building of Florida ~ #History #Project

Hello, Hello, Hello!

Just sharing with you some facts about Florida that I recently found out after doing some research. Amazing how doing research with your children, you learn some amazing facts.

Solo compartir con usted algunos hechos acerca de Florida que recientemente encontré después de hacer algunas investigaciones. Increíble cómo hacer investigación con sus niños, aprender algunos hechos sorprendentes. 

Did you know how Tallahasse came into existence?

¿Sabía cómo Tallahasse entró en existencia? 

Well, Tallahasse is the midpoint between the state of St. Augustine and Pensacola. The journey took 20 days; it was too long  and dangerous to travel.

Bien, Tallahasse es el punto medio entre el estado de San Agustín y Pensacola. El viaje duró 20 días y era demasiado largo y peligroso viaje.

The first Capitol building were three logs cabins. The needs of Florida Legislature grew and the government temporarily moved into a rented quarters.

El primer edificio del Capitolio era tres cabinas de troncos. Las necesidades de la Legislatura de Florida crecieron y el gobierno movio temporalmente  en unos cuartos alquilados.

In 1826, a two story masonry building, 40 x 20 was built. In 1845, the brick capitol building was completed in time for the installation of the new state government. The structure  is the core of the old capitol building to this day.

En 1826, edificio de mampostería de un dos pisos, fue construido 40 x 20. En 1845, el edificio del Capitolio de ladrillo fue terminado a tiempo para la instalación del nuevo gobierno del estado. La estructura es la base del antiguo edificio del Capitolio hasta hoy día.

The first major changes to the capitol came in 1902 when the addition of the two wings were made for the growing state  and the familiar dome was made.


Los primeros cambios principales al Congreso (Capitolio) vinieron en 1902 cuando la adición de las dos alas se hizo para el estado creciente y la cúpula familiar se hizo.

Due to growth in the population and government services, the Legislature authorized money for a new Capitol complex to include the House, the Senate Chambers and office building which was completed in 1977.

Debido al crecimiento de la población y servicios del gobierno, la Legislatura autorizó el dinero para un nuevo complejo del Congreso(Capitolio) a incluir la Casa, las Cámaras del Senado y edificio de la oficina que se completó en 1977.

Did you know the history of the Capitol Building? I did not but good to know about our state!

¿Sabía que la historia del edificio del Capitolio? Yo no pero bueno es bueno saber sobre nuestro estado!

Photo Credits to Wikepedia.

©Maricela, All Rights Reserved. Written for: Emy Cooks

Caye Caulker ~Belize #Central America #Caribbean #Travels

Hi there Everyone.

Hola a todo el mundo.

It is that time of the year where lots of the Birds are still in the warmer zone. A lot of visitors visit Belize at this time of the year.

Es esa época del año donde las porciones de las aves están todavía en la zona más caliente. Una gran cantidad de visitantes visitar Belice en esta época del año.

Lenten season has begun and that means many Belizeans are preparing for the spring break or Easter Break. One of the regions visited at this time of the year is an island ~ Caye Caulker. I used to visit the island many times for our Easter Break. It was always a lot of fun.

Ha comenzado la Cuaresma y eso significa que muchos beliceños se preparan para las vacaciones de primavera o Semana Santa. Una de las regiones visitadas en esta época del año es una isla ~ Caye Caulker.Yo solía visitar la isla muchas veces para nuestro fin de semana de celebración de la Pascua. Siempre fue muy divertido.

Let me see if I can let you imagine being there and enjoying almost all there is to take advantage of:

Déjeme ver si puedo le permiten imaginar estar allí y disfrutar casi todo lo que hay que aprovechar

Pic credit to Exotic Caye resort

Diving

Can you imagine the beautiful creatures you can see while exploring the tropical aquarium that  surrounds that beautiful island. The vast warm turquoise color water alongside the coral reef will reveal the most amazing marine life you  can only dream of, you will encounter there. There are  many other diving spots such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. These places offers close encounters with nature of the sea life such as friendly nurse shark, the majestic rays and barracudas. You can also accomplish your dream at the famous Blue Hole, what an accomplishment that would be! Diving in paradise!!



Buceando

Puede imaginar a las criaturas hermosas que puede ver explorando el acuario tropical que rodea esa isla hermosa. El agua en color turquesa caliente enorme junto al arrecife de coral revelará la vida marítima más asombrosa con la cual sólo puede soñar, encontrará allí.Hay muchos otros puntos de buceo como Reserva Marina Hol Chan y tiburón Ray Alley. Estos lugares ofrece encuentros cercanos con la naturaleza de la vida del mar, tales como amable tiburón nodriza, el majestuoso rayos y barracudas. También puede realizar su sueño en el famoso Blue Hole, qué logro sería! Buceando en el paraíso!

Fishing Paradise

The beautiful clear waters is also a fisherman's eating ground. You can eat your heart's delight or your day's catch by fly fishing for bonefish, spin casting for snapper, trolling for barracuda or going beyond the reef. There is always a qualified captain at your service. Can you imagine...

Pic Credit to Portofino Resort

Paraiso de Pesca

Los aguas puras hermosos también son la tierra de comida de un pescador. Puede comer el placer de su corazón o la cogida de su día por la mosca que pesca bonefish, lanzamiento de la vuelta para el pargo, arrastrar para la barracuda o va más allá del filón. Siempre hay un capitán calificado en su servicio. Puede imaginar...

Sailing in the wind

At this time of the year, it is becoming quite windy which is the trade winds puffing. Belizeans call it the "Easter breeze." This is good wind to do some windsurfing which is year round in Belize. You can enjoy windsurfing around the island or within the cove. Many return to enjoy the sea breeze and develop their skills or jump the waves in this beautiful paradise.

Pic credit to Exotic Caye resort

La navegación en el viento 

En este tiempo del año, se hace completamente ventoso que es el resoplido de vientos alisios. Belizeans lo llaman la 'Brisa de pascua. ' Esto es el viento bueno para hacer un poco de windsurfing que está durante todo el año en Belice. Puede disfrutar del windsurfing alrededor de la isla o dentro de la cala. Muchos vuelven para disfrutar de la brisa de mar y desarrollar sus habilidades o salto las ondas(olas) en este paraíso hermoso.

You can always enjoy the quiet trip to other islands such as Turneffe Islands, Glover's Reef or Lighthouse Reef and enjoy a delicious drink while enjoying the sunset or get a glimpse of the dolpins or manatee floating by. What a beautiful setting....

Siempre puede disfrutar del viaje tranquilo  a otras islas como Islas Turneffe, Glover's Reef o Lighthouse Reef y disfrutar de una deliciosa bebida y disfrutar de la puestas de sol o tener una idea de los manatíes  o dolpins flotante. Un entorno de belleza....


Nature Reserves

The island has beautiful acres of trails to enjoy the natural beauty found that is unique to this region. Research is continue to discover more in this haven of nature to provide you all with more information as it is discovered. Enjoy nature at it's best....

pic credit to Caye Caulker Mini Reserve

Reservas naturales

La isla tiene hermoso hectáreas de senderos para disfrutar de la belleza natural se encuentran que es único en esta región. Investigación es seguir descubriendo más en este paraíso de la naturaleza para proveer de usted con más información como se descubra. Disfrutar de la naturaleza lo mejor...

There is always something to do or you can just relax and be happy - the Belizean way on holiday!

 Siempre hay algo que hacer o usted puede relajarse y ser feliz - en la forma de los beliceños de vacaciones!

For more information you please see Travel Belize  or Belize Tourism Industry Association website

The Wonders of Scavenger Hunt in South Miami - Girls' Scout! #Travels

Well, we sure did a lot of travelling in one day! First in the Northwest, now we are going South west. Let's see what there is to see that is of interest to the Girls' scouts.
We took a break to have lunch. The girls were happy to stretch their legs and wander around.


Baptist Hospital of Miami is a non-profit hospital located in Miami, Florida, United States operated by Baptist Health South Florida.
It was founded in 1960 with only 650-bed and is now one of the largest hospitals in the Miami area. It has facilities throughout Miami-Dade County, into the Florida Keys, and in southern Broward County. Baptist Hospital is a non-profit organization hospital in the Miami area, handling a volume of over 100,000 patients a year.The hospital attracts international patients from the Caribbean, Central America and South America. Baptist Hospital is the eleventh hospital in the United States to receive the ”Magnet” of excellence in nursing. The hospital is currently celebrating its 50th year in operation.

Next, we head for Camp Choee. Camp Choee is a 20 acre site owned by the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, Inc. In an effort to support the membership, a program center and other multi-use facilities are available for troop and leader meetings, training workshops and program activities.


It is always an adventure when we go to Camp Choee, Girl's Scout life!

Til next time!

Ruta Maya Continues...#AltunHa #Xunantunich #SantaRita #Cerros #Lubaantun #Viajes

These sites are the most known excavated sites that are accessible by private vehicle. The following sites are open to the public each day from 8am to 5pm with small admission fees:

• Altun Ha
• Xunantunich
• Santa Rita
• Lamanai
• Cerros
• Lubaantun
• Nim Li Punit

Children twelve (12) years and under are admitted free of charge.Nationals are admitted free of charge on Sundays., PLEASE NOTE that this does NOT" apply for public and bank holidays.

Altun Ha- Belize District

Altun-Ha

 Altun Ha, a major Classic Period center, is located 30 miles north of Belize City, near Rockstone Pond Village, 6 miles from the sea, in the Belize District. The entrance to the ruins is approximately one mile from Mile 32 of the Old Northern Highway. 

 Altun Ha, the most extensively excavated ruin in Belize, was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period, as well as a vital trade center that linked the Caribbean shores with other Maya centers in the interior. 

 The ruin consists of two main plazas with some thirteen temple and residential structures. The "Jade Head", representing the Sun God, Kinich Ahau, was the most significant find during excavations. At approxmately six inches high and weighing nine is and three-quarter pounds, it is still to this day the largest carved jade object in, the whole Maya area. 

 To the Maya, it was a powerful southeastern trading post linking the Caribbean shore with the cities of the interior. Dr. David M. Pendergast, who headed the major excavations, named the site Altun Ha or "rockstone water" after Rockstone Pond which was mistakenly thought to be the main reservoir of the area.

Lubaantun - Punta Gorda District

Lubaantun

 Lubaantun means "place of the fallen rocks."Lubaantun lies on a ridge above a valley cut by a tributary of the Columbia River, which is a quarter of a mile from the site. Streams flow around the base of the ridge and below the site is an expanse of tropical forest. This site is not accessible by public transportation. There is a 20 minute walk from the road to the ruins. Accomodations are available in Punta Gorda Town 20 miles away and in the village of San Antonio, 5 miles away.

One of Lubaantun's most astonishing features is that its structures were constructed entirely without the aid of mortar: each stone used at the site was carefully measured and cut to fit exactly with the stones it adjoins. The strength of the structures was thus entirely dependent on this fit rather than on any form of cement.

NumLi Punit Stelae- Punta Gorda District

up close Stelea - Punta Gorda District

Nim Li Punit 

Nim Li Punit means the 'place of the stelae.' Excavations at this ceremonial center, discovered in 1976, indicated that it was important during the Late Classic Period.

 Of the more than 25 stelae found at the site, at least 8 are carved, one of which remains the tallest carved stela in Belize and in most of the Maya area, measuring 9 meters (31 feet). The name is Maya for "bighat" and was taken from the person wearing a very large headdress on the tallest stela.

waterfall near Lim Ni Punit

 Nim Li Punit is located off the Southern Highway about 25 miles north of Punta Gorda Town (c.a. mile.75), and is not accessible by public transportation. Buses from Belize City to Punta Gorda run 3 times per week and pass by the site. The ruins are a fifteen minute walk from the road. The nearest accomodations are in Punta Gorda Town.

El Castillo of Xunantunich in Cayo District

Xunantunich

Xunantunich means "lords of war and fertility." One mile north of Benque Viejo, across the green crystalline waters of the Mopan River, is the largest ceremonial center in the Belize River Valley. The ruins of Xunantunich are located approximately eight miles west of San Ignacio- Town at San Jose Succotz Village in the Cayo District. 

The ruins are accessible by public transportation, but after being ferried across the Mopan River, you must walk about one mile to the entrance of the site. By using a travel and tour operator, you will be ferried across with their vehicle, thus eliminating the walk. The hilltop location provides a panoramic view of the surrounding Cayo District.

view from top of Xunantunich

Spanning time from the early Protoclassic to the Terminal Classic Periods, Xunantunich consists of three ceremonial plazas enclosed by house mounds, pyramids, and palaces, the largest decorated with friezes and masks of Classic style. Xunantunich is the longest established archaeological site in Belize; a government reserve with a full time guide.

Santa Rita in Corozal District

Santa Rita

Santa Rita means "ancient chetumal." The modern town of Corozal is built over the ancient Maya center of Santa Rita. This site was important during the Late Post Classic Period (c.a. A.D. 1350-1530), and was occupied up to the time of Spanish contact in the 1500's. The largest building in the central core has been excavated and consolidated. Archaeological investigations there have shown Santa. Rita to be the ancient province of Chetumal where a large part of the Post Classic civilization once thrived. Corozal is easily accessible by public transportation, and hotel accomodations are available in town.  Santa Rita, on Corozal Bay, was in all probability the ancient and important Maya city of Chetumal. The site's importance derived from its control over the trade routes that ran along the coast and down the Rio Hondo and New Rivers, arteries to Lamanai and the Peten along which passed cacao and probably achiote, honey and vanilla - exports to Northern Yucatan.

Cerros in Corozal District

Cerros

Cerros mean "center of Maritime." Cerros is a Late Preclassic centre with virtually no later additions to its structures, indicating an early demise. David Freidel's 1973-1979 excavations revealed that the site underwent a transition "from local resource dependency during its initial occupation to regional interaction of goods and services during its final occupation." It was, then, a trading centre probably based on the sea-borne import of jade and obsidian. Its early decline was possible due to the "general shift of trade routes connecting the highlands and lowlands in the Early Classic. "
Cerros is a short boat ride from Corozal Town, where boats can be hired and accommodation is available. During the dry season, January to April, Cerros can be reached in a rented vehicle by the road which passes through Chunox, Progresso and Copper Bank villages with their beautiful lagoons. No facilities are available at the site itself and insect repellent is needed.




Thanks to all the sites where information was obtain in some form:
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Source 5

Maya Route in Belize/Routa Maya #CentralAmerica #Caribbean #Travels

One of Belize's main attractions are the Maya Ruins that tells so much about their cultural heritage.

The mayans are considered mysterious as they dissappeared abruptly and they span five countries:- Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and southern Mexico. Most of the ruins are found near a river which is also a means of transportation. There are approximately 16 ruins in Belize and probably more to be discovered.

Lamanai- Orange Walk

Lamanai, meaning submerged crocodile in Maya. This ruin can be found in the Orange Walk district.
This site was occupied long after others were abandoned. Although, many ruins have not been excavated, there is still a lot to see where and can enjoy a panoramic view. For many tourist the jungle that surrounds it is as impressive as the ruins.

Xunantunich and Cahal Pech are both in San Ignacio(one of the twin towns in the Cayo District.)

Cahal Pech in San Ignacio

Cahal Pech means"Place of Ticks" in modern day Maya. This is considered a royal palace and the surrounding are was used as pasture land. This site is 2 acres and consists of seven plazas. The Mayan  eleive in after life and many objects were found in the burial place such as pottery vessels and jade objects.

Caracol in San Ignacio District

Caracol means snail in Spanish based on the fact that the archeologist found many snails in the area. Caracol in maya means "Three Hill Water" Caracol is in San Ignacio on the highlands known as Vaca Plateau.Caracol is considered the most magnificent in Belize and the largest in the Maya world. At Caracol a 100 tombs have been found. This is one of many ruins that is not close to a river, no water source and somehow they maintained the civilization. For more information about Caracol here.

There are many more ruins in the country of Belize. We will continue this journey in another post.

To be continued.......

Thanks to all the sites where information was obtain in some form:
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3
Source 4
Source 5