Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Leonardo Melendez captured some great moments in Cayo, and on the cayes, when 'Yoga Peach' had her 'New Beginnings at the Mayan Ruins' yoga retreat for the end of the Mayan calendar.  They stayed at the luxurious Hidden Valley Inn, and did yoga at Cahal Pech and Xunantunich.

They are planning another retreat for the last week in May, and once again, they'll be at HVI in Mountain Pine Ridge.

"Join us May 24-30, 2-13 in Belize for our Yoga Adventure & Relaxation Retreat!  Spend 3 days in the scenic Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and 3 days in the awe-inspiring island of Ambergris Caye.  Reflect, restore and renew as you nourish the mind, body and spirit with relaxation, adventure, and yoga in one of the most beautiful and natural places on earth!  Belize It is a world class destination for the naturalist and adventurer."

Caracol and Caves Branch get reviewed in this travel article from the Star. The Mayan calendar and the upcoming Winter Solstice are also featured.  Dr. Jaime Awe is quoted as well.

"Solstices and equinoxes have always been extremely important to the Mayan people, but this year especially holds special significance.   calendar is ending. It is the end of the Long Count — a 5,125-year period, which began on Aug. 11, 3114 B.C. and will end on a winter solstice.  Perhaps not so much an end, modern reasoning has claimed, but the beginning of a new era for humanity.  As Belizean archaeologist, Dr. Awe said, 'It’s very much the way most people would look at the end of one year and the beginning of another, but over a very, very long period of time.  It is a time for reflection, and for considering future direction.'"

The Banquitas House of Culture has posted their 2012 Calendar, and it features local ladies, and many of the most famous Belizean Mayan ruins.  Xunantunich and Caracol are both featured as backdrops for the calendar.

Tomorrow, the San Ignacio Resort Hotel will have their full moon dinner.  Celebrate the last full moon before the end of the Mayan calendar.

"Tomorrow is the Full Moon Dinner with Live Music! Don't miss out!  Make a reservation now at reservations@sanignaciobelize.com"

The Institute of Archaeology had another camping trip to Caracol, this time celebrating the Autumnal Equinox.  The got some great pictures of everyone having a fun time.  There's one more overnight planned, and that's on the 21st of December, to celebrate the end of the Mayan calendar.  Contact NICH for more information.

"Diplomatic Corps in Belize attend the 2012 September Equinox ceremony at Caracol."