In this episode, Cindy from Chan Chich Lodge joins us to speak about conservation efforts to protect Belize and Central America’s wildlife and rainforests. 

Chan Chich Lodge in the north of Belize is a pioneer for conservation. Its name comes from the Yucatec words for “little bird” and is built on what was an undiscovered Maya city. Originally a residence for archaeologists and researchers, the lodge became popular with the public as word got out about the hidden gem that is this property and people came to visit for themselves. 

Because of the location’s isolation, it is a place where guests can go to be free from distraction and reconnect with themselves and nature. It is also due to this isolation that the conservation efforts began. So far from the nearest town, the lodge started growing their own crops and keeping their own animals such as chickens all for on-site consumption. This sustainability expanded and now the lodge takes every step to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact, something that in recent years has become a trend called “ecotourism.”

Cindy enlightens us on all this and delves deeper into the stories of the people who come to enjoy what the lodge has to offer, a unique experience it fights to preserve as organizations contributing to the Belize Maya Forest project. This fund seeks to protect the natural corridor connecting Belize to Mexico and Central America which is inhabited by many treasured and endangered species like jaguars and tapirs. 

With over 300 birds in the area and authentic wildlife kept untouched by man, the many trails on the property are a sightseeing paradise that can be explored via the many guided tours offered or simply at your own leisure. The lucky guest might even spot an elusive jaguar passing through. 

Let’s go to Chan Chich, where guests can know they are helping to make a difference, traveling with a purpose.

This episode was sponsored by St Leonard's Tours. Book their signature combo tour that takes you from the heights of the Xunantunich Maya temple to Cave Tubing into one of the Maya Underworld gateways. 

Let’s go Belizing!

In this episode, we are joined by Ruben Magana, co-owner of Sak Tunich with his father Jose Magana. Ruben speaks about Maya culture in Belize and how it is passed on and kept alive even today. 

Part of this cultural preservation is Sak Tunich itself. The name comes from the Mayan words for “white rock.” This is because under the topsoil of the property is a layer of pure limestone. The whole place resembles an authentic Maya site, including a plaza, ballcourt, and ceremonial room all carved and decorated traditionally. It is a place where visitors can see and learn more about the culture and traditions of Belize’s Maya people.

The country is unique in part because it is the only nation where people can get married on any archaeological site. This means that traditions such as Maya wedding ceremonies are particularly strong. One practice in these ceremonies introduces the four cardinal points, north, south, east, and west, with their different associated colors and energies.

One thing Ruben makes clear is that the Maya are not gone. In Belize alone, there are three different branches of the Maya people, of which he is Yucatec. However, ancient traditions are being lost to time and change, such as the language and English and Spanish taking over outside the home, as well as things such as traditional farming practices and rituals.

Take a dive with Ruben into the rich Maya culture in Belize, past, present, and future, and see just how it is showcased throughout the country in both architectures like that of Sak Tunich down to the courting traditions of the people.

This episode is sponsored by St Leonard's Tours. 

Let’s go Belizing!

This episode features Rodwell Ferguson Jr., owner of Untame Belize Tours and Transfers, and a board member of the Belize Tourism Board. In this episode, he dives into all his favorite activities and places to visit in Southern Belize. From rock sliding down waterfalls to hiking the world's only jaguar reserve in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Reserve, Rodwell lets us in on all the top activities he has done and what he recommends every traveler should try when visiting Belize. Through his company, Untame Belize, he can take intrepid travelers on these memorable experiences.

Rodwell refers to the Southern part of Belize as the "bread and butter" of Belize, as it not only offers inland and island adventures from popular destinations like Hopkins and Placencia but it is also home to some of Belize's prime industries contributing to Belize's economy, including citrus and banana. It is also home to Belize's second largest port, Big Creek Port.

There's much to explore and discover in Southern Belize with Untame Belize. Their tours can range from zip lining through lush forest canopies to swimming with the sea turtles in the Caribbean Sea. Rodwell also mentions some of his favorite destinations in the south of Belize, including Davis Falls, the second largest waterfall in Belize, Red Bank, the largest gathering of scarlet macaws in Central America, and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the worlds only jaguar reserve.

If you are looking for adventures in Belize, then Southern Belize is the place to go!

Let's go Belizing!