with leah morgan, ruthann zentner & debra obryan
from the zen zone
february 12-19, 2011
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Caracol Mayan Ruins--Caracol is Belize's most magnificent Mayan ruin (and one of the largest in the Maya world). In its prime it covered over 65 square miles and was was inhabited by over 120,000 people. Lost to the rainforest for over 1,000 years, Caracol was rediscovered in 1937. Its largest temple, Caana, is over 140 feet tall, and remains one of the tallest manmade structures in Belize to this day.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM)--To experience this amazing cave is to visit a place like no other. After a 45-minute hike in the Tapir Mountain Nature Preserve, you arrive at the entrance of ATM and swim or wade inside. ATM was a sacred Mayan ritual site, and still contains hundreds of astonishingly well-preserved Mayan artifacts and human skeletons, many of which have been 'cemented' to the cave interior with sparkling calcite.
Canoeing--Wind down 6 miles of the Macal River through moderate rapids while admiring the surrounding rainforest. Enjoy a few hours of being totally immersed in untouched natural beauty.
Horseback riding--Spend an afternoon quietly exploring the jungle on horseback, enjoying the scenery and wildlife along remote trails.
Guided morning birdwatching--Belize has over 500 types of birds, including many native birds not found elsewhere in North America. Over 200 species have been spotted within the lodge grounds, including the three species of toucan. Hummingbirds, parrots, orange breasted falcons and trogons are just a few of the exotic birds you might see.
Guided nighttime critter walk--A nighttime nature walk gives you the opportunity to see many of Belize's nocturnal animals, including tarantulas, kinkajous, owls, and quatimundis.
Snorkeling the Western Hemisphere's largest barrier reef--Belize's barrier reef is like a living art gallery. Living among the many beautiful corals are a myriad of tropical fish--Blue Tang, Angelfish, Butterfly Fish, Parrot Fish...there are simply too many to name. Snorkelers often see elusive beauties such as spotted eagle rays, sea turtles and the magnificent Queen Triggerfish.
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