Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Eco-Kids Summer Camp has once again, come to a grand close.  The kids had a great time learning about the environment and their place in it.  Thanks, Chaa Creek!

"The 'best week of the year' as Mr. Levi likes to call it, always ends on a little bit of a somber note as the eco-kids see their parents arriving to pick them up and go home.  However, not all joy is lost!  Campers signed each other’s camp t shirts for memorabilia, helped clean up the camp by team, and had one last breakfast from Mr. Docio & co. before they performed their polished skits for their parents.  It wasn’t just the parents that took interest in all the hard work their children put in during the week, though. Various members of the Lodge at Chaa Creek staff hiked up to the River Camp to watch the children perform as well!  And of course, the Fleming family was front and center to see how the children enjoyed their learning experience and how they enjoyed being at the Macal River Camp."

The Macal River Camp at Chaa Creek was listed in Oyster.com's top 5 list for places at which to glamp.  Glamping, glamorous camping, might sound silly, but it's just another niche for travelers who want a rustic experience without having to rough it too much.  Cayo is the place for camping...and now glamping.

"This collection of canvas-roofed tents is located on the grounds of the luxurious Lodge at Chaa Creek, and guests at the camp are welcome to use the lodge facilities, such as the swimming pool.  But the tents allow guests to truly feel alone in the jungle.  There is no electricity, and after dark, the tents are lit by the glow of flickering gas lamps.  At night, guests can fall asleep listening to the cicadas and the chorus of howler monkeys.  Bathrooms and showers are shared, excellent meals are served in the thatched-roof dining area, and campfires are lit on chilly evenings."

Chaa Creek not only won a Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice awards, but made the Oyster.com list for 15 Unique Hotel Stays.  On TA, they won in the Best Small Hotels category, and they remain on the Best Family Hotels category from last year.  Read what Oyster.com has to say about them.  Congratulations, Chaa Creek!

"Chaa Creek, one of Belize's first eco-lodges, has evolved from its humble beginnings as a working farm to become a premier luxury retreat.  This sophisticated operation includes rustic-luxe, thatched-roof cottages, wonderful service, and modern amenities such as an infinity pool with jungle views and a full-service spa.  The riverside setting on a private rainforest reserve is phenomenal, and myriad tours and outdoor activities are offered through the hotel.  To top it off, room rates are fair for what you get -- and there are even budget accommodations available at Macal River Camp (pictured), located on the property."

Happy Earth Day!  Chaa Creek has announced their Eco Kids Camp for 2013.  It's a free 9 day all-inclusive camp, and the kids get to stay at the Macal River Camp the entire time, while learning about the environment.  Truly an experience of a lifetime.  They are having an essay competition; simply send in a 300 word essay explaining why you want to be an Eco Kid.  Kids between the ages of 8 and 13 are eligible.  Good luck!

http://www.chaacreek.com/belize-summer-camp

Promo from 2012: http://sco.lt/4icYrZ

"Some of our guided educational activities include: Hiking to ancient Maya sites where we will perform archaeological excavations, Horseback Riding through Jungle Trails while studying the medicinal flora within our 365-acre private reserve, Song writing and talent show sessions, Hands-on sustainable organic farming techniques, and Supervised water activities."