Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The New York Times lists Belize, and gives MPR as an example, on their '52 Places to go in 2014' travel article.  They mention Blancaneaux and the recent flight expansions that Tropic Air has made. 

"Twenty years ago, when Francis Ford Coppola opened Blancaneaux Lodge in western Belize, relatively few travelers had ventured into this small Central American country.  Slowly they arrived, many of them curious to witness the scenery that had captivated the film director, which he described in an email as 'completely remote, with a beautiful pristine river you could drink the water out of and the most star-studded night sky I had ever seen.'"

Arenal has a website.  The village is planning for tourism, and has a tourism strategy.  They don't mention the football field that is in both Belize and Guatemala, or the wide selection of beers...yet.  Check out the site for more information. 

"We could now do this with your help, would love to implement a first step to bring tourism into our village – a soft, natural and authentic way of tourism – built small structures into single citizen’s properties – cabanas with thatched roof or apartments with a concrete roof – rent these accommodations to our visitors, offer full meal plan within the families – eating the ordinary daily food with the hosts, cooked on open wood fire – delicious Central American food – tortillas, fajitas, empanadas, chicken rice & beans, escabeche, salsas, spices and much more and carefully set our village up to a natural tourist place. "

A Luxury Travel Blog wrote a short article on their top 5 things to see in Belize, and of course, Cayo excursions enhance the list.  Actun Tunichil Muknal, Xunantunich, and Cockscomb Basin(not really Cayo, but close enough) are all spoken of highly. 

"Belize is probably not the number one location on your list of countries you must visit.  It should be.  Sitting just on the Central American east coast, Belize benefits from Caribbean temperatures and beaches on the Caribbean Sea.  More than that it offers a wide range of stunning attractions which tap into the ancient history of the region as well as being immensely enjoyable.  A private villa in Belize will give you the luxury you deserve for your holiday as you explore our top five attractions."

April the Tapir lived to a ripe old age, for a Tapir, at the Belize Zoo.  April was 30 years old when she went to the big jungle in the sky this week.  RIP, April, Tapir Town won't be the same without you.

In related news, TBZ is preparing to celebrate the 10th birthday of Panama the Harpy Eagle on Friday, November 15th.

"April, for three decades, has brought awareness to the nation of Belize about the special profile of her species, the Central American Tapir, our National Animal.  Thousands of children grew up with April.  They became well aware that our National Animal was a significant part of our Belizean heritage, and April helped establish a sense of pride, appreciation, and, even love, in visitors that met her.  Her birthday parties have served as a platform for community involvement, learning, and, of course, lots of fun for the young and the old.  TBZ is committed to keeping April's legacy alive for years to come."