Happy 2013!

Wishing you a year that is filled with all the fragrance of flowers, illuminated with all the lights of the world and be blessed with all the smiles on the planet!

A special Belize experience

Billy and Judy are from California. They are here in Belize for the first time, spending 8 days in our beautiful country. They really enjoyed Cave Tubing and journey to Mayan site Tikal in Guatemala and admitted that Belize Zoo is very nice – all the animals are in their natural environment.

Judy was fortunate to have had an experience that most people only see on the television and read about in books.  While visiting the Howler Monkey sanctuary she met a new friend, who wasted no time in making him acquainted with her by sitting on her shoulder, and Judy was really excited about it. The sanctuary is a mere ten minute drive from our resort.

Their Belize vacation continues by enjoying a wonderful peaceful morning by the resort’s poolside. Soon they are heading for Ambergris Caye: on their list of the things to do in Belize is also to try some snorkeling and to experience the magic of the Caribbean seaside. Then they’ll be back here – at Black Orchid Resort – one of the best resorts in Belize – in a few days, before returning to USA.

Choose which Belize tours YOU will take while your stay Black Orchid Resort: http://www.blackorchidresort.com/belize-tours

Iguanas

Who is that by our pool side? A dinosaur? Looks like one! If you will enlarge an iguana 20 times, you’ll get a prehistoric reptile (Bactrosaurus, possibly). Please don’t run away! Although those guys look scary, they will not attack you. They are vegetarians, grass and leaves is their main food (not humans!); and they are very calm and peaceful. Can you imagine that these out-of-horror-movie looking monsters are called ‘Bamboo Chicken’? Ok, why not? The Ancient Maya incorporated the iguana to the level of a god and it was known as “Itzamna”, that was related to water and the underworld.

Iguanas have keen sense of smelling and seeing, since they are able to find their favorite fruits, berries, flowers and leaves with ease, Iguanas always choose some of the tallest canopy trees along the rivers to sun themselves, which may lead to some physical or territorial rustling, especially with the larger or alpha males. This dispute is sometimes settled by vigorous head bobbing, and extending the large loose skin folds along their chin line which is called dewlap. During the early morning, Iguanas are very slow-moving, almost lethargic. They are cold-blooded and need warm temperature (over 80 degrees F / 27 °C). If the air does not get warm the Iguana will stay hidden in a dry place where it can conserve energy. They will also only consume food when the temperature is warm, since the food will then be better digested. Iguanas can also withstand several days without feeding if they are stressed or if temperature is not suitable.

Iguanas frequent the territory of Black Orchid Resort and all our guests enjoy watching them walking around

In the world where the rule is either… eat… or be eaten, the iguana has some special defenses that will surprise the unwary attacker or intruder, and it is not a matter of using fangs with venom or powerful jaws. They are super agile, excellent swimmers, and their green color makes them the master of disguise of their territory. High in the utmost parts of the canopies and trees that overhang the rivers, they are hard to reach by some but an easy catch for others, as most of the locals in the villages consume the iguana as a part of their culture and recreation. Being the fact that they are solely vegetarians, the iguana risks threats from all directions. One of the first defenses is to remain motionless and lie low as possible, relying on their dark coloration to camouflage themselves. If this defense does not work, iguana may use its highly flexible, long, strong tail to swirl after its attacker. A hit may surely discourage it from being eaten. Sometimes these tactics may not work and so the iguana’s final option may be to leap from its perch and dive straight down, belly first into the cool, green waters of the rivers that flow below. The iguana’s silhouette may be visible only for a few seconds, but then completely disappears into the watery world where it may remain for almost an hour, only to appear head first along the river bank and slowly crawl back up into the trees.

You can see iguanas very often at the Black Orchid Resort - on the trees, in the grass or by poolside.

A day at the Races in Burrell Boom

Belize has a long standing history of horse-racing. It started back in the 1920's, when locals would gather to race their little bush ponies, drink, gamble, and to answer that all-important question: who owned the fastest horse! In those days, there were only two big racing events held each year; the Dewars cup, sponsored by Dewars White Label Company, was held December 26th, and the second major racing event was held January 1st. Both of these exciting races soon demonstrated that Belizeans have an insatiable appetite for the sport of horse racing. Belizeans gather to passionately urge on horses that are not just animals, but represent pride, will, and family.



Yesterday just a few miles from Black Orchid Resort there was the Horse race event that takes place here every year on December 26 - The Boxing Day. Horse racing activities generate income for the community; provide entertainment for families and opportunities for businesses to advertise.


It was very crowded, with horse stalls everywhere. There were plenty of attractions offered to the public – games, drinks, souvenirs. All of this activity was played out against the background symphony of the rumble of iron clad hooves pounding into packed dirt like the promise of a distant thunderstorm. The stands vibrated with the power of the magnificent animals tearing past below us, until not only we were watching the race, we were immersed in it, experiencing it from the inside, with all of the rise and fall of powerful emotions that have made this one of the most popular sports in the world!


See more photos on our FaceBook profile.
Horse racing is known as the Sport of Kings. That's because racing manifests the ego like no other sport; there's something about winning a horse race that's like no other. It satisfies some inner creature. No matter what part you're playing, owner or jockey or trainer, everyone gathers trying to seek that win.

You can be a winner too choosing horseback riding as one of your Belize Tours.

The Boxing Day

Despite the lively images suggested by the name, it has nothing to do with pugilistic expositions between tanked-up family members who have dearly been looking forward to taking a round out of each other for the past year. Likewise, it does not gain its name from the overpowering need to rid the house of an excess of wrappings and mountains of now useless cardboard boxes the day after St. Nick arrived to turn a perfectly charming and orderly home into a maelstrom of discarded tissue paper.

The holiday's roots can be traced to Britain, where Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen's Day. Reduced to the simplest essence, its origins are found in a long-ago practice of giving cash or durable goods to those of the lower classes. Gifts among equals were exchanged on or before Christmas Day, but beneficences to those less fortunate were bestowed the day after. Members of the merchant class gave boxes of food and fruit to tradespeople and servants the day after Christmas in an ancient form of Yuletide tip. These gifts were an expression of gratitude to those who worked for them, in much the same way that one now tips the paperboy an extra $20.

Today, Boxing Day is spent with family and friends with lots of food and sharing of friendship and love. Government buildings and small businesses are closed but the malls are open and filled with people exchanging gifts or buying reduced priced Christmas gifts, cards, and decorations. Belizeans tend to get out of the house on Boxing Day, with parties, horse races and concerts to keep them occupied. Takes place annually on December 26.

Nowadays Boxing Day is celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Belize. And, as most of people don’t have a slightest idea where the name is coming from, they made the day traditional for sporting events. Every year on the December 26 here is Horse Race in Burrell Boom just few miles from Black Orchid Resort.

Photoblog about the Boxing Day traditions.

Christmas Tree

The practice of tree worship has been found in many ancient cultures. Often, trees were brought indoors and decorated to ensure a good crop for the coming year. Trees have also been linked to divinity. Egyptians associated a palm tree with the god Baal-Tamar, while the Greeks and Romans believed that the mother of Adonis was changed into a fir tree. Adonis was one of her branches brought to life.

The modern Christmas tree was likely born in the 8th century, when St. Boniface was converting the Germanic tribes. The tribes worshiped oak trees, decorating them for the winter solstice. St. Boniface cut down an enormous oak tree, that was central to the worship of a particular tribe, but a fir tree grew in its place. The evergreen was offered as a symbol of Christianity, which the newly converted Germans began decorating for Christmas.

Prince Albert, who was German, introduced the Christmas tree to England after his marriage to Queen Victoria in 1840. German immigrants to Pennsylvania brought Christmas trees to America.

We wish Merry and Bright Christmas to all the Christians!  This our Christmas Tree at Black Orchid Resort:

Season's Greeting

Winter solstice

The Winter Solstice is the first day of the Season of Winter in the northern hemisphere and the first day of the Season of Summer in the southern hemisphere. On December 21 or 22 the Sun is farthest south and the length of time between sunrise and sunset in the northern hemisphere is the shortest of the year. In the United States, there are only about 9½ hours of daylight on this day. The solstice marks the time at which the sun shines directly overhead at 23.5 degrees south latitude. With the North Pole tilted away from the sun, locations north of the equator see the sun take its lowest and shortest path across the southern sky.

 “Solstice” is derived from the Latin phrase for “sun stands still”. That's because—after months of growing shorter and lower since the summer solstice – the sun's arc through the sky appears to stabilize, with the sun seeming to rise and set in the same two places for several days. Then the arc begins growing longer and higher in the sky, reaching its peak at the summer solstice.

Ancient people considered this day a very important one. If the Sun kept sinking lower and lower, and the amount of sunlight each day got less and less, soon everything would be black and life would end. On this date, the Sun stopped and thereafter, it started to climb in the sky. This was a time of great celebration – the increasing hours of sunlight meant that life would continue. Many religious and cultural traditions celebrated the rebirth of sunlight after this dark period. The summer solstice, on the other hand, was a time to celebrate renewal, life, fertility, and the potential for a good harvest. It was celebrated through outdoor feasts with singing, dancing, and bonfires.

In ancient Roman times, a large celebration coincided with the winter solstice — it was called Saturnalia. This three- to seven-day winter festival involved drinking, eating and exchanging of gifts. An interesting facet of the celebration is that the roles of master and servant were reversed; for a few days each year, Roman masters would cater to their slaves or, at very least, consider them briefly to be as equals.

There is a tradition in several cultures, from the English to the Norse to the Greeks that involved presentation of a boar's head at the winter solstice. Because a boar is ferocious, it is often associated with death; therefore, it became known as a symbol of the "death" of the sun that occurs with the deepest part of winter. A boar was often served at the winter solstice with an apple in its mouth. There is even an English carol from 1521 that describes this culinary tradition of winter solstice.


Despite that there is cold and dark in the North at this time, here, in Belize, is hot and sunny weather.

Mayan calendar and the anniversary of the creation of the world

The Maya, who practiced a cosmological and ritualistic religion, had strong religious beliefs in the cycles of life, death, creation and destruction. Part of the Mayan religion revolved around blood sacrifices offered to the gods and goddesses that they worshiped. Another facet of their belief system was their well thought-out concepts of space and time. These concepts were made famous in their elaborate calendar system.

The Maya saw time as both linear and cyclical and had two main calendar-like systems to map these different timeframes. Like the months and the year of the Gregorian calendar, the Mayan calendar was based upon the repetition of seasons and events in the cosmos. The Maya calculated time in two cycles, a short, cyclical cycle called the Calendar Round, and a long, linear cycle called the Long Count.

The shorter measure of time was calculated by a calendar cycle of fifty-two years, or 18,980 days, and was called the Calendar Round. It was a combination of two smaller calendar measurements called the Sacred Round (Tzolkin) and Haab’ cycles. The first was based on a ‘month’ of 20 days that were connected like a wheel with the numbers from 1 to 13, giving a complete cycle of 260 days. This system was used for scheduling religious ceremonies and giving birth dates. The Haab’ cycles were based on the movement of the sun. This calendar had 18 month of 20 days, making a cycle of 360 days to which were added extra 5 days to coincide with the solar cycle. These 5 extra days were the time of great uncertainty for the Mayans. To make sure this time passes without much trouble, there were many human sacrifices to the Sun god during this period. So, each day had 2 dates – according to the each calendar. Tzolkin and Haab’ coincided every 52 years. End of each cycle was a time of even greater uncertainty for Maya…

The longer phases of time were measured by the Long Count calendar. It is said to record the world’s creation, even though the Mayans did not consider this to be the beginning of time. Each day of the Long Count has a unique number, commonly represented as five digits separated by periods, such as 1.2.4.9.11. Each number represents specific units of chronological measurement, largest to smallest, from left to right. The units are: baktun (144,000 days), katun (7,200 days), tun (360 days), winal (20 days), and kin (1 day). The number of days indicated by the five digits is equal to the number of days since the Mayans believed the world was created.

Through mathematical calculations, scholars have been able to convert the dates of the Long Count calendar to those of the Gregorian calendar. They generally agree that the beginning date is August 11, 3114 BCE; according to Mayan belief, this date marks the creation of the world. It is represented as 13.0.0.0.0, where the thirteen serves as a zero. The calendar covers 13 baktun, or 187,200 days (5,125 years). At the end of the time span, the calendar dating system will once again read 13.0.0.0.0. This date will be the anniversary of the creation of the world. The parallel Gregorian calendar date is December 21, 2012. However, unlike the popular beliefs of the end of the world surrounding the 2012 phenomenon, the Mayans never had an explicit prophecy regarding what would happen when the calendar ended.

Anyway, even if the world is going to end, may be somewhere, but not here at Black Orchid Resort. You are kindly welcome to our eco-friendly jungle resort in Belize any time in 2013 and in any of the next years!

Logwood

Logwood is important for Belizeans. The modern nation of Belize grew from 17th century English logwood logging camps. For a long time it was a natural source of dye, widely used on textiles and also for paper. The dye's colour depends on the mordant used as well as the pH. It is reddish in acidic environments but bluish in alkaline ones. The tree's scientific name means "bloodwood" (‘haima’ being Greek for blood and ‘xulon’ for wood).

Logwood was the first product exported from Belize. But by 1770 there was more logwood in the market than was needed, and the price fell. Later, the development of cheaper man-made dyes in Europe lessened the need for logwood even more. Then here was found an alternative that was more profitable and longer lasting – the export of mahogany. Nowadays Logwood still remains an important source of haematoxylin, which is used in histology for staining, the bark and leaves – in various medical applications.




Logwood has never been popular as timber material – you can hardly find a straight branch. We have really unique masterpieces made of logwood – bed and table in our River View Mini Suite A-2 and chairs in our Jungle Lodge. We have logwood tree growing right in front of Reception entrance.

See more photos of our rooms and territory: http://www.blackorchidresort.com/belize-photos-resort-images

Belize Mayan Tour: Lamanai River Tour and Maya Site

Our Belize Mayan Civilization Tour to Lamanai is a great way to see Belize birds and wildlife along the river, then embark at the Lamanai Maya Site cradled on the shores of the New River Lagoon. On the way, you will get to enjoy a scenic boat ride up the New River, providing a great opportunity for wildlife spotting. At the site you will get to marvel at panoramic views of the rainforest and lagoon from atop the High Temple.

This amazing tour is offered for $110 USD per person and can be scheduled with 24 hours advance notice to Black Orchid Resort front desk tour office. Email them to make arrangements.

 You can also learn about other Belize Tours and Adventures from Black Orchid Resort.

Lamanai is the largest Mayan ceremonial site in Northern Belize, one of the largest in Belize; it has more than 719 mapped structures, including two 16th century Christian churches as well as an intact 19th century sugar mill. The most impressive of these is the High Temple – a massive stepped structure built into the hillside overlooking the New River Lagoon – one of the largest Pre-Classic structure in Belize (108 ft / 33 m high). 

Lamanai features many large temples fully exposed to visitors.

Ruins of numerous dwellings, a ball court, and several other temples also remain. Earliest evidence dates to 1500 BC and as the populations grew, so did the center, becoming one of the largest in the region. Situated on a major trade route, Lamanai is one of the longest occupied Mayan cities and was inhabited for over 2000 years. People were living in the area in the 16th century, when the Spanish arrived and built a series of churches (right on top of Mayan temples). 

Archaeological museum has precious findings from the site on display portraying well over 2000 years of Mayan history. One of Belize's finest stelea is found here, which depicts an elaborate carving of the ruler Smoking Shell.

Some of the birds we may encounter on this trip include Black-Collared Hawk, Northern Jacana, Mangrove Swallow, Olive-Throated Parakeet, American Pygmy Kingfisher, and occasionally a Purple Gallinule. Other types of wildlife such as the endangered Morelete's Crocodile and Green Iguana are also a common sighting on the way to Lamanai. After arriving, we will have the chance to explore the ruins and have the opportunity to view birds such as Red-Lored Parrot, Blue-Crowned Mot-mot, Collared Aracari Toucan, Lineated and Pale-Billed Woodpeckers, and Black-Headed and Violaceous Togons. In addition, Yucatan Black Howler Monkeys are usually seen or heard here.  

The name Lamanai means “Submerged Crocodile” in Mayan. The name helps to explain the numerous crocodile motifs at the site. Crocodile effigies appear on figurines, vessel decorations, and on the large headdress on a limestone mask at one of the principal structures at the site.

To reserve your spots on this Belize Mayan Tour with Black Orchid Resort, please email us at info@blackorchidresort.com or call our front desk at +501 - 225 9158.

Meeting 'Stone Lady' - tour to Xunantunich

Black Orchid Resort offers you to take a trip to Mayan archaeological site Xunantunich – one of the biggest attractions in Cayo District, and one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in all Belize. This great tour is offered for $95 USD per person. It can be scheduled for the next day when you arrive or you can e-mail us to make prior arrangements (or call resort’s Front Desk +501 225-9158). The trip takes around 5 hours, but you can book longer combined tour, visiting Belize Zoo or taking Cave Tubing and Zip-Lining at the same day together with Xunantunich. (See full list of our Belize Tours).

Xunantunich rests atop of one of the highest plateaus in the area, perched high on a hilltop overlooking the Mopan River. We highly recommend you to make the steep, but short, climb to the top of the pyramid “El Castillo”, which vantage point provides a breathtaking panoramic view over the jungle of 3 river valleys and vast area of Guatemala (that is only a few miles away). You will also get a close look at the restored portions of two unique stucco friezes. Now, a wonderful new visitor's center has been built which displays a model of the site, photos, maps and graphical explanations of significant events in the development of the city.

The name, according to one interpretation, means ‘Maiden of the Rock’ or ‘Stone Lady’ in the Yucatec dialect of Mayan language. It is pronounced "Zshoo-NAN-too-NEECH". Early Belize Maya settlers may have established a small village here during the Middle Preclassic period (600-300 BC), but the ancient city, as we know it, rose to prominence and declined between 700 and 900 AD. This late development is unusual: while most other cities in the region were waning during the troubled Terminal Classic period (800-900 AD), the fortunes of Xunantunich were on the rise. It reached its peak around 850 AD, when Tikal had already begun to be abandoned and the Mayans were ceding their organized reign of the region. It was occupied until around 900 AD and was likely abandoned after an earthquake, the evidence of which was discovered by archaeologists.
Six major plazas are ringed with more than 25 temples and palaces. The highest temple is called ‘El Castillo’, which at 130 feet (40 m) offers a beautiful view of the villages below and into neighboring Guatemala.This pyramid is large by Mayan standards and is only exceeded by the Caana pyramid at Caracol. The most remarkable features at Xunantunich are two stucco friezes that band two sides of El Castillo, representing the moon and sun gods, Venus, a jaguar, the days of the Mayan week and a headless person (that’s still a mystery why he had been decapitated…). Several important stelae have been unearthed here, now housed in a new building by the guard’s house. It was the first site in Belize opened to the public, when the road and a ferry were built in 1954. New ferry has been inaugurated in October 2012, which is bigger than the previous. Nowadays Xunantunich is one of the most visited sites in Belize.

Late 19^th century local legend tells of a gentleman from the village of San Jose Succotz who went hunting near the site. Crossing the base of the Castillo, he was struck by the appearance of a beautiful statuesque Maya maiden, dressed in traditional “huipil” and “pik,”,and dazzling in the rays of the rising sun. The woman stood motionless by the mouth of a cave which extended beneath the large structure. Stricken by her appearance, the man threw his gun aside and ran downhill to the village. After recounting his tale several villagers led by their native priest returned to the site. Arriving at the large mound they found the mouth of the tunnel, but the stone maiden had disappeared. Thereafter locals claim that the woman has appeared to several others but none have been able to follow her into the cavern.

You can learn also about other Belize Tours and Adventures offered by Black Orchid Resort.
 

Mista Peetaz Brokdung Bram

MISTA PEETAZ BROKDUNG BRAM (2nd Annual) is going to be a Grand evening of entertainment! Come to join us on Saturday, December 8th at Black Orchid Resort. See & listen to Belizean artists playing and enjoy different attractions. The event starts at 3pm, dance until 2am.

We’re honouring bright memory of Mr. Wilfred Peters, the uncontested King of Brukdown. A Belizean icon, he had been performing for over sixty years, defining the genre, which combines African rhythms and call-and-response patterns with European harmonies and Belizean Creole lyrics. Brukdown has become the music of the people.

Find your way to Black Orchid Resort this Saturday, let's enjoy together!

Belize Ultimate adventure: Zip-Lining, Rappelling, Cave Tubing and Crystal Cave

If you are seeking adventure and great fun, Black Orchid Resort offers you the ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE! You can choose any of the attractions separately, all at once or in any combination.  All activities are located on the banks of Caves Branch River, a 45 minute drive from our resort. If you choose the full package, the sequence is as follows:

Upon arrival to the Jungle Camp, you can use bathrooms, changing cabins, lockers. Water shoes are available for rent. Experienced tour guides provide a short safety briefing-demonstration about Zip-Lining. Zipping from platform to platform takes about an hour, then you hike to an abyss and rappel down to the river. Here you take rubber tube and go down the river through the caves. This adventure allows you to explore ancient Mayan mysteries and geological beauties. Crystal Cave joins the Caves Branch. Here you walk through the labyrinths with crystal formations and ancient Mayan artifacts. Then you tube the Crystal Cave back to the main cave and soon see daylight again. A short trek takes you back to the Jungle Camp. Take your time and relax in pool, get a drink, taste local Mayan food and buy some souvenirs.

Practical info for Zip-Lining and Rappelling tour:

• Dress in light clothing (best: t-shirts, shorts or loose trousers) and have sturdy comfortable shoes (no flip flops or loose sandals). You can rent here water shoes that are perfect for all the attractions. On arrival you’ll have access to changing rooms and lockers
• Minimum age: 12 years
• Weight limit: 265 lbs (120 kg)
• Not suitable for persons with back or neck problems and pregnant women, not wheelchair accessible

Zip-Lining: Let’s learn to fly!
Zip-Lining is a thrilling and exciting adventure, the experience is totally indescribable! You are individually outfitted with helmets, harnesses and safety lines. SAFETY FIRST!: You have to attend safety briefing and your every step is going to be supervised by well-trained and experienced guides. Then you feel yourself grow wings as you fly from platform to platform like a bird across the jungle canopy – over river canyons, and across mountains. Hear the rushing waters as you sail over rivers, and then enjoy the silence as you glide through a tunnel of tree leaves. The platforms high in the trees allow you to stop and enjoy the magnificent view of this untouched rainforest. And then you go soaring high in the sky again and again. Now you know how birds feel flying amongst the trees. It’s a ride of a lifetime that you will never forget.


Rappelling: Become an alpinist!
When done with Zip-Lining, you hike down a jungle trail where your guide points out various plants, roots and herbs once used by the ancient Mayans for medicinal purpose. After the relaxing walk through the forest chasing butterflies and chatting with your friends, you arrive to the edge of an abyss. Yes, yes, you’re going to go down there! Do you feel your legs shivering? Not yet? Then go closer to the edge… Here you use the same equipment as while Zip-Lining and the same friendly guides will connect all necessary ropes, to make sure your way down is safe. Then… you just go down. How does it feel when there is no ground under your feet? For a while the way down can be even faster than you’ve expected, you might be feeling yourself falling, but the speed gently reduces and finally you are down standing on the river bank. By the way – alive and happy.


Practical info for Cave Tubing:

• All guests must be in good physical condition and able to walk on a jungle trail for 35 min.
• You will be sitting in the water, which is not cold, but refreshing.
• If you have photo camera which is not waterproof, be extremely careful. Better seal it in a plastic bag.
• Helmets, lights and life jackets are provided and are mandatory. Your guide also will do everything for your safety. Just relax!
• Sometimes current might be strong enough to turn around your tube and you might be under water for a moment.
• Minimum age: 8 years
• Weight limit: 265 lbs (120 kg)
• Not suitable for persons with back or neck problems and for pregnant women. Not wheelchair accessible.

Cave Tubing: Welcome to the hell!
If you just went down the rock rappelling, you are right at the river bank and your inner tube is waiting here for you. If you’re coming from the Jungle Camp, the hike takes 30-45 minutes down a jungle trail where your guide points out various plants, roots and herbs once used by the ancient Mayas for medicinal purpose. Caves Branch River has made its way through limestone rocks and partially flows underground through caves it has formed during millenniums. Cave Tubing is one of the most exciting and relaxing nature tours. Step into a rubber tube and hand paddle your way over clean, cooling waters. When river meanders you into the cave, turn on your headlamp and allow the gentle flow to guide you through dazzling and complex crystalline formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The ancient Mayas regarded these spectacular cave systems as a sacred underworld Xilbalba (we can translate it as ‘hell’) and home to many powerful gods. We can’t promise you rendezvous with those Mayan gods, but you’re going to find bats in the walls of the cave.


Crystal Cave: Revealing Mayan mysteries
While Cave Tubing you’ve passed waterfall on your left and saw daylight over it. That’s where Crystal Cave meets River Cave. You can take a separate tour to visit only Crystal Cave – the entrance from hill-top is near the jungle camp. Then you walk through the mysterious labyrinths. You can also choose the cave as the part of your tubing adventure. In that case, passing the waterfall, you climb out of water and your guide shows you the way through one of the largest caves in Belize. Here, in a living natural cave you witness the ongoing miracle that created this natural masterpiece of underground scenery. You see here thousand-year-old pieces of pottery and other artifacts and listen to stories about how Mayas performed their rituals in this underground world. Once arrived to the magnificent Crystal Room, the glittering walls full of dazzling stalactite and stalagmite formation will leave you in awe!



You can experience all that while staying in Black Orchid Resort and booking one of our unforgettable Belize tours.

See more photos:  http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.521387207877842.139048.188938937789339&type=1