To get discount enter your promo code: HAPPY-DEC-2012 while making online reservation.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Happy Week in Black Orchid Resort
This is the best moment for your Belize vacation! Our Happy Week is just around the corner: from December 2nd to 8th Black Orchid Resort guests are having 20% discount for rooms and 10% for tours and packages. Come to Belize and stay at one of the best resorts in this wonderful country!
To get discount enter your promo code: HAPPY-DEC-2012 while making online reservation.
To get discount enter your promo code: HAPPY-DEC-2012 while making online reservation.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Travel and Tour Exhibition on Wednesday
On Wednesday, November 28th, Black Orchid Resort is participating in the TRAVEL AND TOUR EXHIBITION 2012 at House of Culture in Belize City. The exhibition is from 9.30 am to 1 pm. The purpose of the event is to display, promote and highlight travel and tour opportunities in Belize. The exhibition is organized by NICH and University of Belize. Come and meet us there!
The image shows House of Culture, the former British Governor's Residence - one of Belize's most important political and historical landmarks. www.nichbelize.org/houses-of-culture/government-house.html. Here is the location in Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/yzxEW.
The image shows House of Culture, the former British Governor's Residence - one of Belize's most important political and historical landmarks. www.nichbelize.org/houses-of-culture/government-house.html. Here is the location in Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/yzxEW.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Mayan site Altun Ha
The Mayan site is not far from Black Orchid Resort (and the nearest to Belize City). Altun Ha is one of Belize’s most excavated and restored locations, county’s most loved and well known Mayan city. Its largest temple has made its way onto the bottles of the country’s leading beer, ‘Belikin’. Altun Ha is a true favorite for visitors wanting to experience a true sense of ancient Maya civilization from centuries past; folks of all ages are sure to enjoy this Mayan jewel in the jungle!
The area around Altun Ha is rich in wildlife including armadillos, bats, squirrels, agouti, paca, foxes, raccoons, coati, tyra, tapir and the white-tailed deer. Two hundred species of birds have been recorded and there are large crocodiles that inhabit the Maya-made water reservoir.
The true ancient name is unknown and Altun Ha is a Mayan translation of the nearby village named Rockstone Pond. It was a very significant Mayan city in the Classic Period. It was inhabited for over a 1,000 year-long period (between 200 BC and 950 AD). The population may have reached 10,000 at its peak. Altun Ha was a significant trading center as evidenced by the large amounts of jade and obsidian excavated here. Jewelry, flints and skins have been found here too. Perfect location made possible trading between the water of the Caribbean and the deep interior Mayan lands. Archeologists assert that the final collapse at the city was as a result of a revolt. Masses of domestic refuse discovered in one of the temples, demonstrate that even after the collapse however, some middle class and lower class remained. Once again the place was inhabited 200 years later during 13-14th century.
The site hosts over 275 structures on 5 sq mi (8 sq km) territory, it is made up of two central plazas (built around 250 A.D.) surrounded by towering temples that enclose the palm strewn land. Evidently, the major temples were built on top of one another. The Mayans believed that their temples had a finite life span; this means that the uses of the temples were constantly being changed within time.
“Green Tomb”
A single tomb, possibly containing a ruler, was found hidden deep inside the temple facing entrance to the site (on the plaza A). It dates back to about 550 AD and was marked by surprising richness of contents. The presence of almost 300 jade artifacts has led this to be called the “Green Tomb”. Other findings included shell necklaces and ornaments, pottery vessels, stingray spines (used in ritual bloodletting), and groups of ceremonial elaborately shaped chert sculptures, as well as the remains of cloth, skins and wooden objects. Remains of a codex, an ancient book made on bark paper, were also found. The fragments were too fragile to be reassembled, but they at least tell us that codices were sometimes buried with elites during the Classic period.
Temple of the Masonry Altars
The tallest structure at Altun Ha, the Temple of the Masonry Altars (constructed in 8 phases between 550 and 650 AD, also known as the Temple of Sun God) looms over Plaza B at a height of 60 ft (18 m). It is thought to have been the focal point of the community's religious activities. Seven tombs were excavated from the temple. Because three of them were plundered, having their contents destroyed and the crypts filled with soil, researchers believe that the final demise of Altun Ha was perhaps brought by violent peasant revolt.
The largest jade found in Mayan world
One of the tombs housed an elderly priest accompanied by bits and pieces of cloth, cordage, wooden articles and numerous jade objects. Here was found priceless solid jade carving of the head of the Maya Sun God, Kinich Ahau – the most spectacular find ever at any Maya site in Belize. It was discovered in 1968 by Doctor David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum of Canada and some of his Belizean workers. The buried priest might have commissioned this jade head to commemorate an important event in his life. Analysis shows that it was carved around 600 and 650 A.D. It is 5.86 inches (15 cm) high and weighs a whopping 9.75 pounds (4.42 kg), which makes it the largest jade artifact ever discovered in the area inhabited by Mayas! Now the jade head is kept in a vault in the Belize Bank.
Jade was the most precious substance for to the Maya, as it had been the other pre-Columbian cultures, such as the Olmecs in Mexico. It occurs in various shades, but the Maya prized the green jade most highly, considering it sacred for its glowing green hues that reminded them if the green leaves of maize, their symbol of life itself. For this reason only kings and deities were allowed to wear jade, as a mark of their status and power.
Man-made water reservoir
The name “Rockstone Pond” also signifies the presence of one of the most interesting finds of any Maya site; a man-made water reservoir that is lined at the bottom with limestone clay giving the bottom the firmness needed to retain water. The reservoir was constructed by diverting the flow of a creek that ran through the area just enough for them to dig and enlarge a round hole with a clay plastered bottom. Once the clay dried and hardened, the stream was rerouted to its original course and the newly built reservoir filled and overflowed, allowing the stream to continue on its original track. This provided a vital source of water for the thousands of inhabitants that lived there.
During your vacation in Belize, Black Orchid Resort offers you to visit the famous Mayan site of Altun Ha and get an unforgettable experience. The rate is $60 US per person (minimum 2 persons per tour). Duration is 3.5 hours. You can also combine it with Belize City tour, visiting Belize Museum, to get to know more about Mayas and Belize history.
Check our tours to Mayan sites and other attractions. Read more about mysterious Mayas
Check our tours to Mayan sites and other attractions. Read more about mysterious Mayas.
The area around Altun Ha is rich in wildlife including armadillos, bats, squirrels, agouti, paca, foxes, raccoons, coati, tyra, tapir and the white-tailed deer. Two hundred species of birds have been recorded and there are large crocodiles that inhabit the Maya-made water reservoir.
The true ancient name is unknown and Altun Ha is a Mayan translation of the nearby village named Rockstone Pond. It was a very significant Mayan city in the Classic Period. It was inhabited for over a 1,000 year-long period (between 200 BC and 950 AD). The population may have reached 10,000 at its peak. Altun Ha was a significant trading center as evidenced by the large amounts of jade and obsidian excavated here. Jewelry, flints and skins have been found here too. Perfect location made possible trading between the water of the Caribbean and the deep interior Mayan lands. Archeologists assert that the final collapse at the city was as a result of a revolt. Masses of domestic refuse discovered in one of the temples, demonstrate that even after the collapse however, some middle class and lower class remained. Once again the place was inhabited 200 years later during 13-14th century.
The site hosts over 275 structures on 5 sq mi (8 sq km) territory, it is made up of two central plazas (built around 250 A.D.) surrounded by towering temples that enclose the palm strewn land. Evidently, the major temples were built on top of one another. The Mayans believed that their temples had a finite life span; this means that the uses of the temples were constantly being changed within time.
“Green Tomb”
A single tomb, possibly containing a ruler, was found hidden deep inside the temple facing entrance to the site (on the plaza A). It dates back to about 550 AD and was marked by surprising richness of contents. The presence of almost 300 jade artifacts has led this to be called the “Green Tomb”. Other findings included shell necklaces and ornaments, pottery vessels, stingray spines (used in ritual bloodletting), and groups of ceremonial elaborately shaped chert sculptures, as well as the remains of cloth, skins and wooden objects. Remains of a codex, an ancient book made on bark paper, were also found. The fragments were too fragile to be reassembled, but they at least tell us that codices were sometimes buried with elites during the Classic period.Temple of the Masonry Altars
The tallest structure at Altun Ha, the Temple of the Masonry Altars (constructed in 8 phases between 550 and 650 AD, also known as the Temple of Sun God) looms over Plaza B at a height of 60 ft (18 m). It is thought to have been the focal point of the community's religious activities. Seven tombs were excavated from the temple. Because three of them were plundered, having their contents destroyed and the crypts filled with soil, researchers believe that the final demise of Altun Ha was perhaps brought by violent peasant revolt.
The largest jade found in Mayan world
Jade was the most precious substance for to the Maya, as it had been the other pre-Columbian cultures, such as the Olmecs in Mexico. It occurs in various shades, but the Maya prized the green jade most highly, considering it sacred for its glowing green hues that reminded them if the green leaves of maize, their symbol of life itself. For this reason only kings and deities were allowed to wear jade, as a mark of their status and power.
Man-made water reservoir
The name “Rockstone Pond” also signifies the presence of one of the most interesting finds of any Maya site; a man-made water reservoir that is lined at the bottom with limestone clay giving the bottom the firmness needed to retain water. The reservoir was constructed by diverting the flow of a creek that ran through the area just enough for them to dig and enlarge a round hole with a clay plastered bottom. Once the clay dried and hardened, the stream was rerouted to its original course and the newly built reservoir filled and overflowed, allowing the stream to continue on its original track. This provided a vital source of water for the thousands of inhabitants that lived there.
During your vacation in Belize, Black Orchid Resort offers you to visit the famous Mayan site of Altun Ha and get an unforgettable experience. The rate is $60 US per person (minimum 2 persons per tour). Duration is 3.5 hours. You can also combine it with Belize City tour, visiting Belize Museum, to get to know more about Mayas and Belize history.
Check our tours to Mayan sites and other attractions. Read more about mysterious Mayas
Check our tours to Mayan sites and other attractions. Read more about mysterious Mayas.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Mayans and their heritage in Belize
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Much about the ancient Maya remains a mystery to us now. We don’t even know what led to the eventual collapse of this great civilization.
At the height of Mayan civilization the population of what is now Belize may have reached one million - four times what it is now. Although their population is significantly reduced, the Maya continue to live in Belize, still speaking Yucateca, Mopan and Ketchis dialects and practicing ancient crafts and healing techniques. Today, the Mayans account for some 11% of the country’s population, living for the most part in the southern Belize.According to the Maya Long Count calendar the 2012 winter solstice is the completion of 5126-year-cycle. For the Mayans this is a time of reflection and great celebration as a new age unfolds, and it will be celebrated throughout Belize. You are welcome to join!
Regarded as the heartland of the Mayan civilization, Belize contains a number of significant Mayan archaeological sites, ancient cities, temples and sacred cave complexes. Black Orchid Resort offers guided tours to the most significant sites in Belize and also in Guatemala (Tikal). Don’t forget to include in your perfect Belize vacation at least one of these attractions:
• Altun Ha – made up of two central plazas (built around 250 A.D.) surrounded by towering temples that enclose the palm strewn land was a very significant Mayan city in the Classical Period. Altun Ha is one of Belize’s most excavated and restored locations making it a favorite for visitors.
• Lamanai – the largest Mayan ceremonial site in the region and one of the largest in Belize, the longest-occupied Mayan site in Belize.
• Xunantunich – the most remarkable features are the stucco friezes that band two sides of ‘El Castillo’ pyramid. Six major plazas, more than 25 temples and palaces and a new museum are just some of the reasons why this is one of the most visited sites in Belize.
• Caracol – the largest known Mayan center of Belize rivals Tikal and Chichen Itza as a major Mayan cultural destination. The main temple of Caracol is the tallest manmade structure in Belize.
• Tikal – one of the most magnificent sites in the Mayan world is just over the border in Guatemala. Country's most famous cultural and natural preserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Tours to Mayan villages – visiting villages in Southern Belize, where you can immerse yourself in daily activities of Mayans.
• Mayan ceremonial caves – most of the caves in Belize (here are plenty of them!) were used by Mayans for their sacred ceremonies. Now you can see there remnants of ancient pottery and even human skeletons.
If you have any questions about Mayan sites and tours, please call Black Orchid Resort +1 866 437 1301 (or +501-225-9158) or contact us by e-mail.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Garifuna Settlement Day
Around 1635, some slave ships from the west coast of Africa were wrecked near the coast of St. Vincent island in the Caribbean. Many of the slaves made it safely to shore, where they mixed with the Carib Indians already living on the island. This created a rich new ethnicity and culture, now known as Garifuna or Garinagu.
In the 18th century French and British colonists battled for control of St. Vincent. The Garifuna sided with the French, but in 1795, the British won and expelled them all from the island to Honduras. Garifuna families set off across the Caribbean in small wooden canoes carrying important crops with them to plant wherever they would settle. Half died on the way, those that survived, settled along the Caribbean coasts of Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize.
According to legend, the first Garifunas (about one hundred people) arrived in Belize and settled in Dangriga Town on November 19, 1802. with Now this day is a national holiday and is celebrated all over Belize with drumming, dancing and pageantry in Garifuna communities. Today, Garifuna language is a blend of Arawak, English, Spanish, French and West African languages. Music, singing, drumming and dancing are integral parts of their culture, and many of the songs and dances tell stories about Garifuna history and culture.
They came as the first group of free people to settle in Belize, decades before the Mestizos settled the North in the late 1840s and before the Mayas returned in the 1880s in flight from brutally oppressive labour conditions in Guatemala. Garifunas were not welcomed in Belize, as the settlement was still a slave society. There was fear amongst the English settlers in Belize Town that these free blacks might foment rebellion among the slaves. Consequently, a strict ban was imposed to prevent them from staying in the settlement for more than forty eight hours and a hefty fine was set for anyone who hired or employed any Garifuna within Belize Town. In compliance with the law, Garifunas formed their own settlements south of the Sibun River border where they have remained ever since. Seeds of discrimination and mistrust were also planted by the masters among the slaves to ensure that the two groups of Afro-descendants – one enslaved and the other free – remained separated.
In the colonial times Garifuna and Maya people were forbidden to own lands so Crown Lands were granted to them only for settlements. The Garifuna people used the land to engage in farming, which is an important aspect of their culture. Through farming, fishing and food production, the Garifuna people became independent and were able to maintain their towns and villages with little help from the governments.
They were the first group of Catholics to arrive in Belize. The first Catholic Church was established in 1832 amongst those residing near Mullins River. Over decades, the tough rigors of their work in forestry, their strong maritime culture, their harsh history of battle against European powers and subsequent deportation, their Catholic background, as well as their productivity, natural intelligence, facility for language and resilience, had all molded among the Garifuna the pioneering spirit and work ethic that made them and their descendants prime candidates for the Catholic Church to establish its schools throughout the remotest areas of Belize.
Today, relative to all Afro-descendant people throughout all the Americas and the Caribbean, the Garifunas remain one of the very few who have kept their unique African-indigenous hybrid ancestral language, their ancestral spirituality, food, music and other aspects of their traditional culture all intact. Garifuna is one of the most interesting, intriguing and colourful cultures on the planet! For that reason in 2001 UNESCO proclaimed the Garifuna language, music and dance a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. These alone are exceptional accomplishments to proudly celebrate. Nowadays Garifuna are primarily recognized for their unique drum playing and making drums. And the delicious Garifuna cooking is something every visitor to Belize should experience. Alongside with others Garifuna continue to play a major role in shaping modern day Belize. The Garifuna now comprise about 6% of the population of Belize, and there is a large Belize Garifuna diaspora in the US in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated for a whole week including parades, live music, drumming, dancing, prayers, Garifuna mass and election of Miss Garifuna take place to mark the anniversary. In communities like Dangriga and Punta Gorda, a dory symbolizing the arrival of the first Garifuna, is floating to shore around early morning dawn while Garifuna women dressed in their colourful costumes, tourists and other interested await the arrival onshore. Many people might be surprised to learn that there will be celebrations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and other North American urban centres.
More about Garifunas and their culture:
http://www.belize.com/garifuna-music-belize
http://www.warasadrumschool.com/
http://www.belizeanjourneys.com/features/drumming/newsletter.html
http://www.beinggarifuna.com/
In the 18th century French and British colonists battled for control of St. Vincent. The Garifuna sided with the French, but in 1795, the British won and expelled them all from the island to Honduras. Garifuna families set off across the Caribbean in small wooden canoes carrying important crops with them to plant wherever they would settle. Half died on the way, those that survived, settled along the Caribbean coasts of Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize.
According to legend, the first Garifunas (about one hundred people) arrived in Belize and settled in Dangriga Town on November 19, 1802. with Now this day is a national holiday and is celebrated all over Belize with drumming, dancing and pageantry in Garifuna communities. Today, Garifuna language is a blend of Arawak, English, Spanish, French and West African languages. Music, singing, drumming and dancing are integral parts of their culture, and many of the songs and dances tell stories about Garifuna history and culture.
They came as the first group of free people to settle in Belize, decades before the Mestizos settled the North in the late 1840s and before the Mayas returned in the 1880s in flight from brutally oppressive labour conditions in Guatemala. Garifunas were not welcomed in Belize, as the settlement was still a slave society. There was fear amongst the English settlers in Belize Town that these free blacks might foment rebellion among the slaves. Consequently, a strict ban was imposed to prevent them from staying in the settlement for more than forty eight hours and a hefty fine was set for anyone who hired or employed any Garifuna within Belize Town. In compliance with the law, Garifunas formed their own settlements south of the Sibun River border where they have remained ever since. Seeds of discrimination and mistrust were also planted by the masters among the slaves to ensure that the two groups of Afro-descendants – one enslaved and the other free – remained separated.
In the colonial times Garifuna and Maya people were forbidden to own lands so Crown Lands were granted to them only for settlements. The Garifuna people used the land to engage in farming, which is an important aspect of their culture. Through farming, fishing and food production, the Garifuna people became independent and were able to maintain their towns and villages with little help from the governments.
They were the first group of Catholics to arrive in Belize. The first Catholic Church was established in 1832 amongst those residing near Mullins River. Over decades, the tough rigors of their work in forestry, their strong maritime culture, their harsh history of battle against European powers and subsequent deportation, their Catholic background, as well as their productivity, natural intelligence, facility for language and resilience, had all molded among the Garifuna the pioneering spirit and work ethic that made them and their descendants prime candidates for the Catholic Church to establish its schools throughout the remotest areas of Belize.
Today, relative to all Afro-descendant people throughout all the Americas and the Caribbean, the Garifunas remain one of the very few who have kept their unique African-indigenous hybrid ancestral language, their ancestral spirituality, food, music and other aspects of their traditional culture all intact. Garifuna is one of the most interesting, intriguing and colourful cultures on the planet! For that reason in 2001 UNESCO proclaimed the Garifuna language, music and dance a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. These alone are exceptional accomplishments to proudly celebrate. Nowadays Garifuna are primarily recognized for their unique drum playing and making drums. And the delicious Garifuna cooking is something every visitor to Belize should experience. Alongside with others Garifuna continue to play a major role in shaping modern day Belize. The Garifuna now comprise about 6% of the population of Belize, and there is a large Belize Garifuna diaspora in the US in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
More about Garifunas and their culture:
http://www.belize.com/garifuna-music-belize
http://www.warasadrumschool.com/
http://www.belizeanjourneys.com/features/drumming/newsletter.html
http://www.beinggarifuna.com/
Friday, November 16, 2012
Reasons to visit Belize
* This paradise of unspoiled nature is not yet discovered by mass tourism, not overcrowded by visitors. It’s authentic and unapologetically real. About 2/3 of Belize’s forests are still intact! Significant part of the country is protected by law –s included in national parks, nature reserves and conservation trust.* Belize is the heartland of the ancient Mayan civilization. Here are more than 900 Mayan sites, but the biggest and most important are available for public. That's where you can encounter Mystery! You surely have to visit at least 1 or 2 of the great ruin complexes in Belize – Caracol, Xunantunich, Lamanai or Altun Ha. Come and feel live history!
* Belize is one of the best places for scuba diving and snorkeling! The biggest Barrier Reef in Western Hemisphere, which is 185 mi (300 km) long, lies just along Belizean coast. More than 400 species of fish live here. Belize has more than 200 cayes (islands), most of them located inside the Reef, many have great beaches.
* Here are many opportunities for other adventures and active tourism – Cave Tubing, Zip-Lining, Horseback riding, ATV, Bicycle rides and exploring of magnificent cave systems.
* Belize is honored to be called “Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret”; it is heaven for nature lovers! Belize is an ideal setting for bird watching: over 580 species of birds have been spotted here. The tropical rain forests, savannahs, cayes (islands), wetlands, and coastal plains – that’s where they live. You can encounter wild animals in the forests. Belize houses the only Jaguar preserve in the world (commonly known as the Jaguar Reserve or Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary).
* Belize is English-speaking country (the only one to the south of USA), that makes easier to access all information about ‘the Jewel’ and find your way to what you want to experience here.
* Here are only 330,000 inhabitants – and that’s it. This tiny population is a part of what makes the country so easy to travel and come to know and love; there is plenty of room, and nothing is changing too terribly fast. The people are as diverse as the eco-systems with a mix of Creole, Garifuna, Mestisos and Mayans.
* You can find here exclusive accommodation; you can feel the one with nature staying in a luxurious jungle resort, the one like Black Orchid Resort in Burrell Boom.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Black Orchid Resort is the Perfect Gateway to Explore Belize on Your Belize Vacation
Black Orchid Resort makes planning your Belize vacation a breeze. Whether you want to mix beach and reef activities with jungle time or prefer to explore the many inland wonders our country has to offer, Black Orchid has a package deal for you. Bundle your room, tours and transportation to save money on your Belize vacation.
We offer Belize all-inclusive packages that makes planning your tropical vacation so easy and so affordable. What are you waiting for? Start by looking at our featured vacation packages and all inclusive deals with special price choices. You can discover all the fun things to do in Belize including adventure tours, beach and reef activities, world class fishing, Maya sites to explore, and hiking, kayaking and mountain biking in the tropical rain forest and jungles of Belize.
Newlyweds can plan their Belize honeymoon vacation packed with adventure and romance. Our honeymoon suites provide luxury accomodations, daily breakfast and dinner, transfer to and from the airport, and a variety of tours, adventures and fun all included in the low price package. Many newly married couples choose our "Best of Both Worlds" package that includes visits to the Belize Barrier Reef for diving or snokeling along with day tours to the world-famous ATM cave, Belize Zoo, the Howler Monkey Sanctuary and lots more adventure and fun in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Book your room at Black Orchid Resort or select one of our all-inclusive vacation packages for a great deal on your vacation or Belize honeymoon trip. We look forward to seeing you here at Black Orchid Resort!
We offer Belize all-inclusive packages that makes planning your tropical vacation so easy and so affordable. What are you waiting for? Start by looking at our featured vacation packages and all inclusive deals with special price choices. You can discover all the fun things to do in Belize including adventure tours, beach and reef activities, world class fishing, Maya sites to explore, and hiking, kayaking and mountain biking in the tropical rain forest and jungles of Belize.Newlyweds can plan their Belize honeymoon vacation packed with adventure and romance. Our honeymoon suites provide luxury accomodations, daily breakfast and dinner, transfer to and from the airport, and a variety of tours, adventures and fun all included in the low price package. Many newly married couples choose our "Best of Both Worlds" package that includes visits to the Belize Barrier Reef for diving or snokeling along with day tours to the world-famous ATM cave, Belize Zoo, the Howler Monkey Sanctuary and lots more adventure and fun in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.Book your room at Black Orchid Resort or select one of our all-inclusive vacation packages for a great deal on your vacation or Belize honeymoon trip. We look forward to seeing you here at Black Orchid Resort!
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