Since many years the Mayan World has been a popular destination for adventure seekers. Early day explorers like John Lloyd Stephens discovered the region to be full of exciting surprises when first stumbling upon great ancient pyramids in the early 19th century. Still only 40 years ago a visit to the now well known ruins of Tikal, Guatemala involved a 2 day jungle hike over rarely trotted paths after a dubious flight into Guatemala's jungle capital Flores.
Nowadays the region offers escapades for any adventure level. From day excursions to Chichen Itza Maya Ruins to one week jungle tours by foot visiting the tallest Mayan ruin El Mirador. But the Mayan World offers the adventurer much more then just archeology. In an area of roughly 300,000 square kilometers (116,000 square miles) the Mayan World comprises mountains, lakes, both white water and calm rivers, rainforest, Caribbean beaches, cenotes, caves and waterfalls. This wide range of geological attractions and ancient as well as modern Mayan culture provides the traveler with an ideal destination to quench his thirst for adventure.
The state Quintana Roo of Mexico owns the worlds largest system of underwater caves. Called cenotes, these cave systems were once dry and formed marvelous limestone forms in stalactites and stalagmites. Today these caves are a paradise to snorkelers and scuba divers as they are accessible from both land and ocean.
In the Peten region of Guatemala, one can find many lakes. Each with a different composition these lakes vary in color and clearness. Spread throughout the vast rainforest of this region, these lakes provide a refreshing break and beautiful views. The rivers of this region are excellent for bird watching and canoe trips.
In Cayo District of Belize day excursions are numerous. The region is rich with lush jungle, caves and rivers. Let your guide take you on a river into the jungle for a visit to a well known medicine man or pass through water caves on an inner tube.
Southern Guatemala's mountain range offers white water rafting, kayaking and amazing waterfalls. A visit to this region is not easily planned, but the effort is awarded with natural beauties still undiscovered by most tourists.
Chiapas state of Mexico has waterfalls amongst Mayan ruins and lush jungle. A visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Bonampac provides the opportunity for a bicycle ride through the rainforest.
These are just a few highlights in the amazing World of the Maya; a destination that forms a must to any self respecting adventurer.
By C. Willigers - Duende Tours
Vacationers in the know choose to stay on the island of Ambergris Caye, the largest island off the Belize Barrier Reef. Several ruins have been found on the island, which served as a trading post in Mayan times. Take a casual stroll off the beaten path and you may end up finding an artifact or two.
? Marco Gonzalez is surrounded by dense jungle near the southern tip of the island of Ambergris Caye. There are at least 49 structures and walls within the site.
? Chac-Balam is located in the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, which also features bird and nature watching. Snorkeling is also available.
? Basil Jones, in the interior at Ambergris Caye, features a network of stone walls, similar to those found on Cozumel Island and several other locations in Mexico.
For those vacationers who want to see more Belize ruins, there are several options for day trips from Ambergris Caye. A popular destination is the small, well preserved ruin of Altun Ha. The extent to which the site has been cleared and restored makes it easy to imagine its past glory and wealth as a major ceremonial center. The site contains at least 500 visible structures.
Another destination sits on the edge of the New River Lagoon. Lamanai, the Submerged Crocodile, is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize. It features three large pyramids and residential areas. The ruins of two Spanish churches from the 16th century are nearby.
Although it is very possible to visit some ruins on your own, many Belize resorts can coordinate excursions for vacationers. Guests at La Perla Del Caribe, a private nine-villa enclave, can make reservations with Seaduced by Belize, a locally owned, family run business. Guests can join a group or select a private charter, and leave directly from La Perla's dock.
Even the most dedicated archaeologist will be ready to relax after a day visiting ancient ruins. La Perla Del Caribe is the ideal spot because it offers exotic barefoot luxury in a secluded setting for your Belize vacation, only minutes away from bustling San Pedro Town.
About La Perla del Caribe
Located on Ambergris Caye, the largest island off the coast of Belize, La Perla Del Caribe captures the Caribbean ambiance in elegance and luxury. Each designer residence in this private beachfront enclave offers a distinctive architectural style with native exotic hardwoods and tiles, and is decorated with local artwork, antiques and artisan-crafted furniture. The villas are situated on a four acre site which slopes gently to the water's edge on a magnificent stretch of white sandy beach. Close offshore is the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest living barrier reef in the Americas, rated one of the world's top ten dive sites.
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Duende Tours Webmaster has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure. Over the past few years we have shared magical Mayan Jungle places with people from all over the world raising forest protection awareness offering people the chance to see the Mayan World in a different way. Duende Tours shows the natural side of the May. Duende Tours Webmaster's top article generates over 720 views. to your Favourites.
Lynne Coll has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure. Author, Lynne Coll, is a freelance writer who has recently completed her first novel. She has experience writing about the travel industry, particularly travel destinations, trends, and consumer products. La Perla del Caribe is a private beachfront enclav. Lynne Coll's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.