Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Video of the day.  Big Rock Falls HD drone footage.  Nicely shot from every angle, even from under the falls.  Big Rock is one of the nicest waterfalls in Belize.  

Aerial footage of the beautiful Big Rock Falls in Belize, Central America. The falls are along the Privassion Creek and are fed upstream by the Chalillo Dam. The water falls 60ft into a pool below which is so deep it's floor cannot be reached without diving equipment. Wet Limestone rocks can be very slippery when wet. Also the walk down to the falls is very steep and the steps are not always very well maintained. Sadly this place is getting more and more tourist as well as local traffic. At least more people get to see and enjoy the beautiful outdoors God has created. If you like this type of content please subscribe, Thankyou.

Forbes has a great article highlighting Belize, and its focus on sustainability.  It's highly Cayo centric, as it should be, without mentioning Cayo nor San Ignacio.  It explains how we have the cultural, culinary, and adventure tourism that makes for an unforgettable time.  

'Belize is located in Central America, but it has a decidedly Caribbean feel, making it appealing for visitors who want to go snorkeling and diving in some of the most beautiful water in the world...Preserving their environment is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes good economic sense.

For example, to protect endangered species such as the jaguar, Belize is a partner of the Maya Forest Corridor, protecting landscapes from Belize’s Maya Mountains, through the tri-national Maya forest of Belize, Mexico, and Guatemala. This region is the most extensive continuous stretch of jungle in Central America.'

Congratulations, Team Belize!  They took silver at the XIX U-21 Female Central American Volleyball Championship!  5 of them won individual awards based upon their playing abilities.  Well played!

Cayo has 8 eco-lodges featured in EcoLodgesAnywhere's Top 11 Eco-Lodges list.  Cayo is known for sustainable, cultural, and historical tourism, and eco-lodges play a big part of that.  Congratulations to all the amazing eco-lodges.  

"Belize, one of the underrated Central American countries is a true sight to behold. With lush green mountains, thick jungles, several islands, and the extensive Belize Barrier Reef, any naturalist will find Belize an unforgettable gem. But when there’s so much to gain from nature, it’s every bit important to be as generous, which is why Belize is going green (and we don’t mean just its landscape!). You can see that in many ways through the expanding ecotourism offers as well as in the growing number of eco-lodges. So, if you wish to join the community of eco-tourists who care about the environment and wish to stay somewhere that’s environment friendly, head to these eco-lodges in Belize:

Belize is listed on National Geographic's 25 Amazing Journey's for 2022.  As it should be, with so much nature to see and experience here in Cayo.  

"The race to preserve one of the largest remaining tropical rainforests in the Americas got a big boost recently. In April 2021, a coalition of conservation partners, led by the Nature Conservancy, purchased 236,000 acres of tropical forest in northwestern Belize to create the Belize Maya Forest Reserve. Along with saving some of the most biodiverse forests in the world from denuding and development, the new protected area—which is contiguous with the neighboring Rio Bravo Conservation Management Area (RBCMA)—closes a huge gap in a vital wildlife corridor that runs from southeast Mexico through Guatemala and into Belize.

The combined reserve, which protects nearly a tenth of Belize’s land area, safeguards and connects essential habitats for an amazing variety of endemic and endangered wild things. These include the tapir, Belize’s national animal; black howler monkeys; more than 400 species of birds; and some of Central America’s largest surviving populations of jaguar."

The Directorate General for Foreign Trade, Belize has released an economic publication entitled: Belize's Pulse in Latin America.  It focuses on the PSA's between the countries, and while it covers all of Central America, it goes in depth about the trade between Belize and Guatemala.  

"Take a deeper look at Belize's trade with Latin America and the opportunities presented by Belize's trade agreements with countries in this region."

https://issuu.com/dgftbz/docs/belize_s_pulse_in_latin_america-_april_2020

They got some great pictures at the 2019 Metal Haven concert which  was held in Benque.

More pictures from the weekend here.

"Here you have it! Our METAL HAVEN BASH 2019 photos! For those that couldn't make it we hope you make it to our 10th anniversary this coming 2020.we thank every single one that came out to support us not only from our community but from all over the country(Central America)! for that you have our outmost respect!  All photos taken by Manuel Manzanero"

Congratulations are in order for Ka'ana Resort.  They just won the award for Mexico & Central America's Leading Boutique Resort from the World Travel Awards.  This is their 5th year in a row taking the trophy home to Cayo.  Well done!  Keep up the amazing service.

"This is a summer of celebration for Ka'ana! For the fifth year in a row, we have been named Mexico & Central America's Leading Boutique Resort by the prestigious World Travel Awards!

It’s a true honor to be listed alongside some of the most fabulous resorts on Earth. The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge excellence, and this particular award is known as one of the most illustrious accolades in the travel industry.

And, of course, we brought the award straight home from the ceremony in La Paz so we could celebrate with the entire Ka'ana family!

Every single team member makes it their mission to bring joy to our guests each day. They work hard to bring a true understanding of Belizean culture, history, and the beautiful natural environment to your luxury stay in our beautiful jungle."

Nice, short article about Belize and Central American tourism.  Particularly because of the graph showing the annual number of visitors to each Central American country, with Belize having by far the least.  

"Belize, one of only two English-speaking nations in Latin America (the other is Guyana), offers wildlife, underwater wonders, idyllic beaches and Maya ruins – yet fewer than 500,000 tourists went there in 2018, according to the latest UNWTO statistics. More people visit Colchester Zoo each year than this entire country. 

Here are seven good reasons to make it your next holiday destination."

Great news on the beer front.  Belize is getting 2 new choices of beer, starting this Easter.  The Hobbs Brewing Company's Wildcat IPA and Hummingbird Belizean Golden Ale will be officially launched this Easter in Placencia.  If you're visiting Placencia before Easter, they do already have it available.  The cans, which have a full 12 ounces, are artistic and unique.  

"Hobbs Brewing Co., which opened as brewpub in New Hampshire, in 2014, will begin distribution with 12 oz. cans and kegs throughout Placencia, Belize, in April...

Hobbs will feature two beers as it begins production in Central America: Wildcat IPA and Hummingbird Belizean Golden Ale.

Wildcat IPA, so named because Belize is home to the world’s largest Jaguar preserve, is a 6 percent ABV India Pale Ale featuring a tropical and citrusy hop character. Wildcat is the only IPA available in the country. Meanwhile, Hummingbird is a light, crisp and easy-to drink ale that is just 4.7 percent ABV.

They will be sampling these beers at the upcoming Easter Festival in the Village of Placencia on April 20."

Belize is listed on the Lonely Planet's 'Top 100 Countries to Visit in 2019' list!  Cayo has some of the best and most accessible caves around. 

"Its Caribbean coast is fringed by the world’s second-largest barrier reef; its interior is riddled with some of the most extensive and accessible cave systems in Central America; and its people are an exotic mix of Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna, Creole, Mennonite and expats. Yet many travellers struggle to place Belize on the map. However, the tide is turning. The government is moving to fully protect its unique marine environment, new eco-resorts are taking advantage of the country’s stunning cayes and jungle hideaways, and travellers are discovering a slice of Central America that’s relatively untouristed, safe and tantalisingly easy to reach. Get here before the inevitable crowds do."

Video of the day.  Great video about why Belize is the jewel of Central America.  It highlights Cayo, as it should.  They interview Cayo hospitality entrepreneurs Jorge Chi and Marvin Ramirez, who explain why Cayo is the best.  

"Forget Tulum and Cancun, Belize is the place to go for picturesque beaches, well-preserved Mayan ruins and a thriving culture that will leave you fascinated"

"A music-led movement is revitalizing the Garifuna language in Central America.  In Belize, travelers are invited to join in."

The BBC has a great article about chocolate in Belize.  AJAW Chocolate in Cayo is one of many mentioned. 

"There are nearly a dozen artisan chocolate companies in Belize taking cacao from bean to bar, part of a robust movement to reclaim the small country's rich chocolate heritage...

Cacao – the principal ingredient for chocolate – was both consumed and used as currency by ancient Maya royalty and political elites throughout the historical region of Mesoamerica, which included southern North America and most of Central America. But not all those areas were suitable for cultivating cacao."

Belize is on Forbes Magazine's 22 Best Places To Travel Around The World In 2022 list.  Of course!  Big Rock Falls still from Daren Lamb's Big Rock Falls video.  

"Home to mystical Maya sites, wondrous aquatic habitats and lush national parks, Belize is one of Central America’s most biodiverse countries, touting tropical jungles, wildlife reserves and cascading flora and fauna...

Belize is home to the world’s only jaguar preserve in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, spectacular jungle vistas, ziplining and waterfall rappelling in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park."

Congratulations, Blancaneaux Lodge!  They were listed on Travel and Leisure's top 10 list of best Central American resorts.  Also from Belize were Turtle Inn and Matachica.  Well deserved.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCja81vl0PC/

"Belize, which has been steadily gaining popularity among travelers in recent years, also had several winners this year, including two of Francis Ford Coppola’s resorts. The beachfront Turtle Inn (No. 9) in Placencia maintains a “very cool, laid back vibe,” according to one voter, but still has an 'excellent staff [that is] very attentive.' No. 8 Blancaneaux Lodge, set in the center of the country, gives guests access to stunning nature reserves and Mayan sites."

Photographer Colin Dodgson has a picture book out featuring pictures from all over Belize.  100% of profits from the sale of ‘Deeper Green’ will be donated to the World Land Trust to help protect and preserve endangered animal habitats around the world, acre by acre.  Can't wait to see this book.

More pictures from the book can be found in the W Magazine interview. And here in this gallery, and here, and here.

"‘Deeper Green’ is a collection of images made by photographer Colin Dodgson whilst traveling through Belize in December of 2018.  Working in collaboration with the World Land Trust on the occasion of their 30th anniversary, Dodgson and WLT ambassador Jonny Lu travelled to the Central American country to gain insight into the organisations working on the ground and on the front line of sustainability and conservation in the region.

Dodgson spent 10 days in the field with Programme for Belize and the Corozal Sustainable Futures Initiative shadowing the rangers and exploring everything from jungles, forests, desolate bumpy roads and rivers, to ancient ruins, isolated religious communities and modern ranger stations.

The book’s non-linear, experimental viewpoint provides a more personal insight into the country, its people, and the flora and fauna of this diverse ecosystem."

Video of the month.  The Garifuna Collective are still on tour, and they performed a great set at the Festival "Colombia Al Parque."  They are showcasing some of the best Central American music around South America.

"Llevan haciendo musica por más de 20 años y en 2018 fue, posiblemente, la agrupación más sorprendente y bailada en Womex, la feria profesional de músicas más importante del mundo, celebrada el año pasado en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Esta agrupación proveniente de Belice guarda fuertes raíces con sus ascendientes afroindígenas provenientes del Caribe, más exactamente de la isla Saint Vincent,quienes fueron exiliados hacia Centroamérica por los británicos en el Siglo XVIII, al huir de la esclavitud. Con el paso de tiempo, durante su carrera artística, la banda ha experimentado y creado nuevas maneras de hacer música a través de ritmos indómitos y las incorporación de toques modernos a sus composiciones, aún manteniendo un fuerte lazo con sus raíces, tradición e identidad."

MetalHaven 2019 has its dates: November 2nd and 3rd.  Two nights of live metal.  The highlight video for the 2018 concert is out.  SonicBrew, Ascenthium, Verge of Umbra, and many others are on it, along with some of the other wild things that went on.  

"Thank you to everyone that supported MetalHaven Bash 2018.  
This has been one of the best concerts so far.  We hope you can make it to 2019 bash! Through music , Central America was unified on this epic night."

Congratulations, Team Belize!  The U23 Volleyball team took silver at the 2019 U23 Central American Female Volleyball Championship.  The team traveled to Nicaragua for the tournament last week.  Well done!

More pictures.

"Special congratulations to Fatima Ramirez and Mya Musa on their individual awards!

Thanks to Nicaragua and FNVB for hosting the U23 Central American Female Volleyball Championship 2019, and of course to AFECAVOL."

Congratulations, Belize Macaws!  They took 3rd place at the Central American Rugby 7s Tournament, which took place in El Salvador.  Well done!  

"Super proud of the Belize Macaws (national rugby 7s team), who took third place in the Central American Rugby 7s tournament held in San Salvador last Saturday. They took on the Central American Champions in their first overseas encounter, and eventually walked away with two wins out of four games against other Guatemalan and El Salvadoran national 7s teams. Pictured here is the team with Belizean Ambassador to El Salvador, Margaret Juan) and Captain Raheem Cummings presenting pendant Belize flags to the Catpains of the other teams - we were the only ones to do this. Our guys also presented small gifts to all the officials - again, only we. So, they put Belize on the Central American map and I am SUPER SUPER PROUD!"

Congratulations Ascenthium!  They'll be heading to Panama next year to represent Belize at the Wacken Open Air Central America.

"Belice ingresa nuevamente a la batalla por la plaza en Centroamerica al Wacken, Ascenthium.

La banda de Belice ASCENTHIUM ha sido ingresada y calficada como participante de la competencia Centroamericana en miras a una plaza en el W:O:A en Alemania.

El pequeño caribeño país ya aportó el año ante pasado su primer banda, la cual no solo dio pelea, sio que logró llevarse la fina de la batalla en Guatemala con VERGE OF UMBRA, los que se presentaron exitosamente en el festival teutón logrando en dicha ocasión un sexto lugar entre las 30 bandas de todo el mundo que compiten en la final.  Ahora ASCENTHIUM queda en espera a fin de mes, de no presentarse ninguna otra banda concursante, estarían automáticamente en la final en Panamá en el mes de Abril, compitiendo contra los demás países del area."

Congratulations Ka'ana!  They've won four years in a row the World Travel Award for being Mexico and Central America's Leading Boutique Resort.  Keep up the amazing customer service.