Adios Amigos

I hoped that you enjoyed my little commentary on Belize! If you don't mind I'm going to just kick back and relax and enjoy the rest of my stay. Keep in touch, you never know where I'll go next!

The Reef...and Stingrays

I can't forget about the reef - you see that white line of surf? That's the reef. It extends as far as the eye can see, running parallel to the Cayes. There are sharks, barracudas, eels, crabs, lots of multicoloured fishes and of course...stingrays 

Palm Trees!

Did I mention lobster?

 

Ahhh...relaxing on the beach

 

Let's go to the Beach!

Well, after all that hot and tiring jungle trekking and ruin climbing I figured that I'd take a much deserved break :)
This is Ambergris Caye. Sun, palm trees, sandy coral beaches, pelicans...rum punch and beach BBQs! 

View from the Top

Sunset at the top of the pyramid is an amazing experience, the local parrots (in pairs) fly all around you and kick up a big ruckus, the toucans flock out of their hiding spots and the howler monkeys start to roar across the jungle.

Amazing Views...and Ladders

Amazing Archaeological Transformation

It's amazing to think that they can turn something like this...into this

Lots of Animals!

Tikal

Tikal is a pretty amazing place, it makes you feel kind of small... 

Off we go! Tikal is next!

 

Accidental Tourist

Of course no cave trip would be complete without the prerequisite skeleton. There are, in fact, atleast 4 skeletons (or partial skeletons) on view in the cave. Unfortunately, some have been damaged by the visitors to the cave. This poor guy had his teeth knocked out 1500 years after he died.

Monkey Pot

Some pots are remarkably detailed - considering they were made around 1500 years ago. 

Ancestor Offerings

The ancient mayans would bring food offerings to their ancestors in pots such as these. They would cook the foods, in the cave, and then damage the pot (either smash or chip it) to free the ancestral spirit. 

Stalactites and 'mites

The most impressive of the formations would have to be the stalactites and stalagmites, which sometimes merge to form columns like this one. 

Calcium Deposits

The geology around this area is mostly limestone, so the interior of these caves is an impressive collection of calcium carbonate formations.

ATM Cave

Actun Tunichil Muknal (or ATM cave for short) is a wonderful example of how far people will go for their gods - or in this case their ancestors. This cave is filled old mayan artifacts - but to get to them you have to swim through an underground river and climb over and through rocks and crevices!

Cahal Pech (Can you find me?)

Spotted throughout the Cayo district are many Mayan ruins, such as Caracol, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. The sites vary in size and many have yet to be excavated, it is said that many of the hills in the Cayo district are actually mayan ruins ready to be uncovered!