Fly Canada to Florida. Plus North America and Caribbean sale

Fly from Canada to Caribbean  Riviera Maya Cancun Mexico

	North America sale: Fly from only $69 one-way until January 31, unless otherwise indicated. Book by October 6. Follow the sun: Sun sale: Barbados, Montego Bay and Nassau from $199 one-way! Fares are valid for travel from November 1 to January 31 unless otherwise indicated. Book by October 6. 25% off Florida: travel until November 30. Book by October 1. Get your discount code now! Go places: Rapidair Bonus Pass: fly to exciting international destinations for only $199 roundtrip when you purchase a Rapidair Pass by October 7. Sell-Offs: last minute weekend getaway fares to the U.S. Book by October 4. Air Canada Vacations: Escape with this week's great deals on vacation packages.
	MY SPECIAL FARES FROM Toronto   CANADA Sample ONE-WAY Tango fares. Fares are valid for travel until January 31, 2010. Fares are not valid for travel from December 17, 2009 to January 5, 2010. Advance purchase and day-of-week restrictions may apply. Book by October 6, 2009. Edmonton $179 Halifax $120 Vancouver $199 Winnipeg $139 Calgary $179 St Johns $139   Terms & Conditions More   USA Sample ONE-WAY Tango Plus fares. Fares are valid for travel until January 31, 2010; Hawaii, Florida, California plus Las Vegas: these fares are not valid for travel from December 17, 2009 to January 5, 2010. A 5-day advance purchase applies. Day-of-week restrictions may apply. Book by October 6, 2009. Washington (DCA) $149 Fort Lauderdale $159 Houston $171 Las Vegas $209 New York (LGA) $124 Miami $159 Chicago $139 Phoenix $249   Terms & Conditions More   SUN DESTINATIONS Sample one-way sale fares. Fares are valid for departure dates as indicated in the Terms and Conditions below. Certain fares are not valid for travel from December 17, 2009 - January 5, 2010. Book by October 6, 2009. Antigua $420 Bermuda $172 Bridgetown $259 Cancun $222 Fort-De-France $405 Havana $313 Kingston (KIN) $274 Montego Bay $229   Terms & Conditions More MY AEROPLAN OFFERS   Earn Triple Aeroplan Miles when you fly Rapidair between Toronto and Montreal or Ottawa and register until December 31, 2009. Earn Aeroplan Miles for booking your car rental and hotel stay at aircanada.com. Join Aeroplan for free now   MY VACATION PACKAGES   Europe - Quick getaways from $627 Packages including flight to London or Paris, 4 night hotel accommodation & daily breakfast, book by October 9, 2009 for select departures in November 2009 starting from: Toronto - London $627 Halifax - London $627 Ottawa - Paris $697 Montreal - Paris $997 Calgary - London $827 Edmonton - London $827 Vancouver - London $827   MY HOTELS   Get our lowest price-match guarantee on hotels. Save up to 50% off your hotel stay worldwide. Sample featured hotels*: Toronto - Delta Toronto Airport West $77 Montreal - Chateau Versailles Hotel $102 Vancouver - Century Plaza Hotel & Spa $90 Las Vegas - Stratosphere Tower - Casino & Resort Hotel $29 * Hotel rates subject to availability as of September 30. Experience New York The New York City Explorer Pass $71 LaGuardia Airport Ground Transportation $21 Experience Toronto Toronto CityPass $64 Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) Airport Sedan Service $56 Browse all our Hotels * Hotels, ground transportation, sightseeing and attractions are provided by our travel partner WWTMS. Browse Hotels MY CAR RENTALS   Earn Double Aeroplan Miles at Avis Enjoy a FREE day of where2™ GPS at Budget. Take advantage of great deals on car rentals* with special rates. Browse Car Rentals FLIGHT PASS NEWS Special Rapidair Pass Offer! Purchase a Rapidair Pass by October 7, 2009, and get, for only $199, a return trip for travel to one of our select exciting destinations this Fall. Travel zone categories tailored to your needs Now regrouped into four simple categories - Commuter, Regional, Inter-Regional and Transcontinental - you're sure to find a travel zone tailored to your needs. Discover which Flight Pass works for you. Travel often within North America? Flight Passes allow you to buy once and travel lots. Discover our new simple categories today     Get 25,000 Bonus Aeroplan®* Miles when you apply for the American Express® AeroplanPlus®* Platinum Card by October 31, 2009. Learn more and apply now   Find your freedom! DID YOU KNOW Free same-day airport standby on Rapidair Now Tango Plus fares allow you to stand by for an earlier flight at the airport at no charge when you travel with our Rapidair service between Toronto and Montreal or Ottawa. Learn more about all the advantages our Rapidair service has to offer. Take Flight with Visa and Air Canada Contest! Here's a chance to win a trip to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Get some sun this winter Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations make it easier than ever to bask in the sun. We offer the most flights from Canada to your favourite hot spots.New destinations include Fort de France, Martinique and La Romana, Dominican Republic.  And enjoy increased non-stop service to Florida, Mexico, Cuba andmore.  Discover all our new sun destinations. Aloha! Introducing the only nonstop service from Calgary to Honolulu and Maui this December. We also have non-stops from Vancouver. Book now More Texas! Introducing the only non-stop service from Montreal to Houston starting November 30, 2009. Book now New nonstop service to Europe! Introducing new daily service from Montreal and Toronto to Brussels starting in June 2010. Book now Enjoy Maple Leaf Lounge access during connections. You can pre-purchase access to Maple Leaf Lounge now if you have one or more connections through a Canadian airport with an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. If you're travelling on International flights, connecting in Toronto, Vancouver, and now Montreal, you can take advantage of the Hotel Stopover Program. You can now receive real-time Air Canada information right on your Blackberry. Register now and find out more. Book with confidence: Lowest fare guarantee - find our lowest North America fares at aircanada.com. Guaranteed. No booking fees. Check in 2 bags free. No fuel surcharges within Canada or to the U.S. Aeroplan Miles for booking online and for flying.
†TERMS AND CONDITIONS Canadian, U.S., sun and international destinations: All fares displayed are in Canadian Dollars, per person for each way of travel, and do not include airport improvement fees, Air Travellers Security Charge, insurance, NAV CANADA surcharges, taxes, fees, and other charges. Tickets are 100% non-refundable. Fares are valid at time of transmission and apply to new bookings only. Seats are limited and subject to availability. Day-of-week, time-of-day restrictions may apply. Fares may vary depending on date of departure and return. The fares indicated are not valid on any non-stop seasonal route past the last date the flight operates. Minimum/maximum stay and other conditions may apply. Unless otherwise specified, flights may be operated by Air Canada, Air Canada JazzTM, Star AllianceTM member United Airlines or one of their United Express carriers (SkyWest Airlines, Chautauqua Airlines, Shuttle America, Trans States Airlines, GoJet Airlines or Mesa Airlines). Hotel deals and city attractions and services are provided by our travel partner WWTMS. TMAir Canada Jazz is a trademark of Air Canada. ®Aeroplan is a registered trademark of Aeroplan Limited Partnership. In cooperation with Star AllianceTM member Lufthansa/Swiss. Canadian destinations: *Fares indicated are one way. Tickets must be purchased by 23:59 EDT and by 20:59 PDT October 6, 2009. No fuel surcharge in our fares within Canada. Fares are valid for travel until January 31, 2010 unless otherwise indicated: fares are not valid for travel from December 17, 2009 to January 5, 2010. Advance purchase and day-of-week restrictions may apply. Other conditions may also apply. U.S. destinations: *Fares indicated are one way. Tickets must be purchased by 23:59 EDT and by 20:59 PDT October 6, 2009. No fuel surcharge in our fares within Canada and to and from the US. Fares are valid for travel until January 31, 2010, unless otherwise indicated: most destinations in Florida, Hawaii and California, plus Las Vegas are not valid for travel from December 17, 2009 - January 5, 2010. Advance purchase and day-of-week restrictions may apply. Other conditions may also apply. Sun destinations: * Fares indicated are one way. Tickets must be purchased by 23:59 EDT and by 20:59 PST October 6, 2009 unless otherwise indicated. Note: Fuel surcharge varies per destination. Seats are limited. Nassau: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009. Fares are valid for travel from November 1, 2009 until December 16, 2009 and from January 6 until January 31, 2010. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Mondays through Thursdays. Fares may be higher on other days of the week. No advance purchase is required. Montego Bay: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009, 2009. . Fares are valid for travel from November 1, 2009 until December 16, 2009 and from January 6 until January 31, 2010. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Mondays through Thursdays. Fares may be higher on other days of the week. No advance purchase is required. Barbados: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009. Fares are valid for travel from November 1, 2009 until December 16, 2009 and from January 6 until January 31, 2010. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Mondays through Wednesdays. Fares may be higher on other days of the week. No advance purchase is required. Bermuda: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009. Fares are valid for travel from September 30 until December 10, 2009 and from January 11 until February 25, 2010. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Mondays through Thursdays. Fares may be higher on other days of the week. No advance purchase is required. Antigua: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009. Fares are valid for travel from October 3 until November 29, 2009 and from January 14 until February 21, 2010. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. No advance purchase is required. San Jose: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009. Fares are valid for travel from September 30 until December 9, 2009. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Wednesdays. Fares may be higher on other days of the week. No advance purchase is required. Port-au-Prince: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009. Fares are valid for travel from October 6 until December 8, 2009. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Tuesdays. No advance purchase is required. Havana: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009 Fares are valid for travel from September 30 until October 31, 2009 and from January 11 until February 25, 2010. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Mondays through Thursdays. Fares may be higher on other days of the week. No advance purchase is required. Kingston: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009 Fares are valid for travel from September 30 until December 9, 2009. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Wednesdays. Fares may be higher on other days of the week. No advance purchase is required. Pointe-à-Pitre: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009. Fares are valid for travel from October 3, 2009 until December 12, 2009 and from January 9 until February 13, 2010. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Thursdays and Saturdays. No advance purchase is required. Fort-de-France: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009. Fares are valid for travel from December 6 until December 13, 2009 and from January 10 until February 14, 2010. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Saturdays. No advance purchase is required. Mexico City: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009. Fares are valid for travel from September 30 until December 16, 2009 and from January 11 until February 25, 2010. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Mondays through Thursdays. Fares may be higher on other days of the week. No advance purchase is required. Cancun: Tickets must be purchased by October 6, 2009. Fares are valid for travel from September 30 until December 16, 2009 and from January 11 until February 25, 2010. Fares indicated are valid for travel on Mondays through Thursdays. Fares may be higher on other days of the week. No advance purchase is required. Air Canada Vacations Europe Airport, Edmonton International Airport, Halifax International Airport, Montreal - Trudeau International Airport, Ottawa - Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, Toronto - Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, or James Armstrong Richardson International Airport in Winnipeg. New bookings only. Subject to availability. Not applicable to group bookings. Sale prices reflect applicable reductions, are subject to change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. London hotel accommodations are for the Hotel Ibis London Earls Court in a standard room special and Paris hotel accommodations are at the All Seasons Paris Gare Est. in a standard room. Aeroplan Miles are not actual miles, but points towards rewards including travel rewards. For terms and conditions of the Aeroplan program, consult www.aeroplan.com. ®Aeroplan is a registered trademark of Aeroplan Canada Inc. For applicable terms and conditions, consult Air Canada V! acations brochure. For details visit aircanadavacations.com or call 1-866-529-2079.

Portofino Beach Resort in Belize San Pedro Ambergris

Hello from Portofino Beach Resort in Belize!!

October is just around the corner!

In an effort to aid us with the Slow Season, we had offered a Fall Special for the month of September, 2009.  Whereby we were offering  50% off the rates listed on our website for our Beach Cabana based on double occupancy and the Portofino Mansion based on quadruple occupancy per floor.  Both specials were 20% commission able on accommodation only.  We would like to also offer this same special for bookings for the month of October 2009.  However, this only applies for new bookings as of today.

PORTOFINO is located on Ambergris Caye, the largest Island (Caye) along the Belize Barrier Reef (second largest in the world). Needless to remark that this is the most spectacular dive paradise in the world, including the Blue Hole, made famous by Jacques Cousteau, during his 1970 expedition with the Calypso, but there is more
Located North of San Pedro, Portofino sits on the most beautiful beaches of the island. Although you come to a very peaceful and quiet resort, town, shops and the nightlife are just 15 minutes away by boat. Many of the best restaurants (including Portofino's Le Bistro) are located north of San Pedro.

As a result of the protection by the reef, there is an abundance of underwater life, attracting many fish, making this the ultimate fishing paradise in the world. The flats offer some of the best Salt Water Fly Fishing in the world.
Explore Belize on daytrips starting from the Portofino dock; visit the many spectacular Mayan ruins, in the middle of pristine rivers, waterfalls and rainforest jungle, housing a wide range of plants, animals, and birds. Over 40% of Belize  consists of protected wildlife parks and reserves. Or go to one of the the many Caves in Belize, with Maya remains, spectacular geologic cave formations, or just relax and go Cave Tubing.

PORTOFINO offers eight (8) beach cabanas with clear and unobstructed Caribbean views, along with three (3) Tree Top suites that are on stilts 10ft (3 mts) in the air, offering beautiful views over the Caribbean and the second longest Barrier Reef in the world. To the rear of the suites is an amazing view of the lagoon, home to an assortment of rare tropical birds and the occasional Crocodile.
The cabanas have a superb view of the sea and the sunrise. The suites offer a superb view of the sea sunrise and the sunset at the rear of the property.


8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS HONEYMOON PACKAGE:
Accommodations:
Royal Orchid Suite 800 square feet - 75 square meters, with two 225 square feet - 20 square meters (each!) balconies, one overlooking the Caribbean sea, and the other one overlooking the lagoon, with four-poster bed, Jacuzzi, double sink and spacious jungle rain shower
or
Jasmine or Sunflower Suite 580 square feet - 55 square meters, elevated 10 feet -3 meters - in the air on wooden legs with a 170 square feet - 16 square meters - full-length balcony offering great views, queen-size bed, very large bathroom, double sink and spacious jungle rain shower.
Meals:
Full Breakfast every day, with room service if you wish.
Special Candlelight Dinner on first night with your choice of a bottle of Chardonnay Viña Undurraga, Chardonnay Calvet de Pays D'OC, Cabernet Sauvignon- or Merlot Viña Undurraga.
One day Beach Bar-B-Q, including Reef Snorkeling and Fishing:
Take off along the reef, towards Mexico Rocks, where you will snorkel at a remote area, then the trip goes North, where there will be some fishing along the way for Lunch. Your guide will prepare your lunch, for a romantic Beach Bar-B-Q. In the afternoon there will be more snorkeling at the pristine North end of the Island.


Full day jungle tour and visit to Altun Ha Mayan ruins:
Starting crossing the bay to the north River which was hand hewn by the Mayas. After following the river, arriving in the village of Bomba where you board a bus for Altun-Ha. Here you get a full guided tour, followed by a short ride to Maruba Jungle Spa. Here you also have the opportunity to do horse back riding or just swim or relax near the pool while lunch is served (not included in the price).
or.. You can upgrade the Altun Ha trip to (see upgrade price*):

Xunantunich / Barton Creek:
This active trip combines canoeing/kayaking and cave exploration through Barton Creek Cave with a visit to Belize's second largest beautifully excavated Maya City. Our expert guides provide keen insight into the world of ancient Maya civilization, leading our clients on an unforgettable tour.
Within the last 5 years, intense archeological work has revealed and preserved the ancient structures once hidden beneath the jungle floors. Today visitors have the privilege of climbing El Castillo, which at 130 ft. above plaza level, is the second tallest man made structure in Belize. 360-degree panoramic views from El Castillo offer a remarkable vantage point revealing the Ancient Macal River Valley and neighboring Guatemala.
After enjoying a healthy lunch, we continue to Barton Creek Cave in Amish territory. Equipped with canoes/kayaks and high-powered lights we gently paddle into Xibalba (she-bal -ba), Maya for underworld. Stalactites and Stalagmites hang high overhead as we float past impressive calcite crystals. Our knowledgeable guides will discuss the use of this cave by the ancient Maya, while some artifacts can be seen high above the alcoves. For the free spirited adventurer, the option for excellent swimming in the far chamber is a treat. Great mud baths to cleanse your skin is an added option.
Massage for two.
This package also includes:
Bottle of Champagne on ice waiting in your room upon arrival.
Fresh flowers from the PORTOFINO gardens every day.
Welcome Tropical Fruit Cocktail.
Local air tickets from Belize City to San Pedro -round trip for two.
Personal meeting at San Pedro Airport and boat transfer to the resort.
Free use of all resort water sports equipment.
VIP Service throughout your stay.
Free use of resort internet computers.
Total price for all the above:
Royal Orchid Suite: US$ 4,095 High Season; US$ 3,678 Low Season.
Jasmine or Sunflower Suite: US$ 3,465 High Season; US$ 3,069 Low Season.
Also available in one of our Beach Cabanas: US$ 2,885 High Season; US$ 2,478 Low Season.
Upgrade from Altun Ha to Xunantunich / Barton Creek*: US$ 381

Prices are per couple, per room.
9% government hotel tax, 10% general sales tax and 10% service charge are included.
Package is not available for Peak Season.


FISHING PACKAGES:
Our fishing packages are module packages, so you can adjust the package for the time you want to stay, and the number of days you want to go fishing; just take the base price and add on the number of nights with or without days of fishing, as you can see in our price list.
Accommodations:
You will be staying in one of our beach cabanas with clear and unobstructed Caribbean views.
Meals:
Includes daily all inclusive breakfast and daily 3 course a la carte dinner in our famous restaurant. During the days of fishing, lunch will also be included.
Fishing:
You will be going for the number of days you selected from our package, either Fly Fishing, reef fishing (both inside or outside the reef - depending on weather conditions) or trawling. Your guide will be the same one throughout your stay, please specify on beforehand the type of fishing you are interested in and which days you want to go fishing (our guides usually have a full agenda).
These packages also include:
Welcome Tropical Fruit Cocktail.
Local air tickets from Belize City to San Pedro - round trip.
Personal meeting at San Pedro Airport and boat transfer to the resort.
Free use of all resort water sports equipment.
VIP Service throughout your stay.
Free use of resort internet computers.

Attractions and Tours of Belize

Attractions and Tours of Belize

Just for starters you can explore over 2000 years of history, walk through the Garden of Eden and see what may the world's largest outdoor zoo. One trip to some destinations is enough to satisfy your curiosity. Belize is one of those wonderfully strange part of the world that lures repeat visitors with an exotic surprise in store at every corner.

Picture an open-air wonderland packed with action and off the beaten path adventure. Jaguars roam the wilds. Rare birds dart in and out of the treetops and creatures of the deep glide through pristine waters. Lush rainforest shelters secrets of ancient civilizations. Rivers, jungle, mountains, coral reefs, expansive underground caves and glorious waterfalls larger-than-life playgrounds for all ages. The country is a kaleidoscope of exiting natural wonders and an incredible diversity of wildlife, all living in harmony.

Climb the ruins at Altun Ha in the morning and glide down the Belize River in the afternoon. See the animals of the Belize Zoo and explore the vestiges of the ancient Maya and mighty Xunantunich, or watch for manatees at Swallow Caye, all in the same day. A host of different half, full day, overnight and extended tours combine trips to different attractions. When it comes to excursions, Belize mixes the best of Central American rainforest with offshore pursuits of the Caribbean.

Inland options are varied and exiting. Maya archeological sites take you to a trip back trough time. Parks and nature preserves teeming with birds and other wildlife are an invitation to explore Belize's natural beauty. Trails let you track jaguars and hike past waterfalls, while rivers give you the chance to tube or kayak your way into hidden caves. Learn about vegetation with medicinal properties, build shelters deep in the rainforests, go on a night hike for a good chance of spotting nocturnal wildlife or take an exhilarating boat ride to a place where the Maya once walked, just to scratch the surface of options available.

Trill seekers will find that this s only the beginning of a variety of outdoor recreation. Go on a nigh hike in Cayo for a good chance of spotting wildlife, as most animals are nocturnal. Mountain biking and horseback riding are great ways to explore hard-to-reach areas. Belize is a fantasyland of wild places and wild things. Jaguars roam the jungle in the preserve known as the Cookscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Howler monkeys scamper through the trees. One of Belize's top attractions, the reserve is where you cross rustic wooden bridges following spectacular trails, or tube your way along a shimmering river. Magnificent waterfalls and sparkling rivers will enchant visitors in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the only pine forest in Central America. Just offshore, the Belize barrier reef parallels the coastline. Renowned for its marine life and coral formations the reef line is a big attraction for scuba divers and snorkelers.

Private BUS transfer for groups airport Chichen Tulum Xcaret

If you are looking private transportation for large groups we offer BUs or Mini Bus for any destination in Cancun Riviera Maya or connect any city in Mexico

Are you thinking in a Merida trip or Chiapas trip with a group?

First classs premiumm buses transfer

Main destinations:

Cancun

Riviera Maya Playa del Carmen
Merida Chichen Itza Uxmal 

Port of Progreso
Tulum
Belize Border free port
Chiapas Palenque

Costa Maya Cruise port
Oaxaca

Mexico City

Bird Watching in Belize

Saying Belize "is for the birds" isn't an exaggeration. You probably won't offend anyone by saying it. With nearly 600 identified bird species, and an average of 5 new species discovered annually, Belize is becoming a birding hotspot for amateur and professional birders from around the world.

What are considered rare sightings in other locations are commonplace in Belize. Boat-billed herons, highly sought by birders, are readily found around many Belizean waterways. Grey necked wood-rails are spotted along highways as they flee from approaching vehicles. You may see a Technicolor toucan, the national bird, nibbling nearby papaya tree while breakfasting at a jungle resort. Amazing hummingbirds seem to "stand" in midair or on invisible wings that hurtle them about, yet can stop in an instant. Magnificent fragrant birds soar overhead on a stretch of beach.

Birding opportunities exist for every level of birder. It's possible to spot more than a hundred species in just a few days. Birding can be combined with other exiting activities such as visiting Maya sites, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding. Some fo the best opportunities for spotting bird life is while strolling along the beaches. A year-round activity, birding can be especially colorful during matins season from March through August.

Many resorts have excellent bird habitats and offer guided birding. Serious birders will appreciate the excellent guides and birding checklists, which often includes several rare and endangered species seen at most jungle lodges. Six distinct geographical areas and all of the country's districts provide lush birding environments. In the coastal areas, undisturbed habitats of mangroves, beaches and cayes offer excellent chances for spotting shorebirds and waterfowl. The protected areas of the central and southern regions offer some of the best birding. Even urban areas have vibrant bird life with more than 120 species found around Belize City.

Mayan World in Belize Guatemala and Mexico border

The Ancient Maya World of Belize

More than two thousand years ago, the Maya began to build magnificent cities and ceremonial centers. Carefuly observing the tropical sky, they developed a series of complex calendars related to the moments of the sun, moon and planets. They meshed together in a continuous system of cycles used for agricultural, religious and political purposes. They invented the concept of zero and made astonishing advancements in math and science.

The Maya were also a warline people who practiced bloodletting and human sacrifice. War and sacrifice was a religious and cultural imperative sustaining their gods and ensuring continuation of the agricultural cycle. Early explorers traveled through Belize unaware of a single Maya site. Hidden by dense, uninhabited forest, monumental sculpture and architecture stood in mute testimony to an indigenous Maya occupation, once numbering an estimated one million.

Within these primeval jungles existed a great civilization reaching its glory when Paris was just as small village. This was a cultural florescence that lasted longer than the Roman Empire. By the end of the Classic Period, the grat cultural florencense beagan to collapse and many sites were abandoned. It wasn't until the excavations of Altun Ha, Lamanai and Xunantunich in the 1960s that the true extend of Belizes cultural heritage was unveiled. And only as recently as 1986, within the discovery od glyphs at Caracol indicating a military victory over the mighty city of Tikal, was it realized that some of the Belizean centers were supreme in the Mayan world.

Today, Belize is recognized as the center of the ancient Maya world, and a work in progress. Unexplored sites throughout the region lie hidden, waiting to be discovered. Implementation of a recent refurbishment program by the Belizean government includes building additional facilities and raising the standards at sites through more excavation and preservation. Archeologically speaking, to a great extend this ancient civilization still remains a mystery. However, much has been learned, added by new discoveries and the recent and ongoing decipherment of Maya hieroglyphic texts.

What sites to visit depends on your time and interest. Xunantunich is visually impressive, easy to access and has a crenellated temple top wrapped by a magnificent hieroglyphic frieze. Lamanai boast a nearly vertical pyramid dating to the time of Christ, and its highly recommended for its jungle ambiance and arrival via boat across scenic New River Lagoon. Altun Ha, closest to Belize City, is a well manicured historical park.