San Pedro Town, Belize (The Open Press) March 19, 2009 -- Belize is recognized as the heart of the Mayan world and contains the highest concentration of Mayan cites in the Mundo Maya (Mayan World). X many sites are in the same condition as when they were found. Belize vacations are enhanced by visiting Mayan ruins.
Vacationers in the know choose to stay on Ambergris Caye, the largest island off the Belize Barrier Reef. Several ruins have been found on the island, which served as a trading post in Mayan times. Take a casual stroll off the beaten path and you may find an artifact or two.
• Marco Gonzalez is surrounded by dense jungle near the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. There are at least 49 structures and walls within the site.
• Chac-Balam is located in the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, which also features bird and nature watching and snorkeling.
• Basil Jones, in the interior at Ambergris Caye, features a network of stone walls, similar to those found on Cozumel Island and several other locations in Mexico.
Those who want to see more Belize ruins have several options for day trips from Ambergris Caye. A popular destination is the small, well-preserved ruin of Altun Ha. The extent to which the site has been cleared and restored makes it easy to imagine its past glory and wealth as a major ceremonial center. The site contains at least 500 visible structures. .
Another destination sits on the edge of the New River Lagoon. Lamanai, the Submerged Crocodile, is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize. It features three large pyramids and residential areas. Ruins of two Spanish churches from the 16th century are nearby.
Although it is possible to visit some ruins on your own, many Belize resorts coordinate excursions for vacationers. Guests at La Perla del Caribe, a private nine-villa enclave, can make reservations with Seaduced by Belize, a locally owned, family run business. Guests can join a group or select a private charter, and leave directly from La Perla's dock.
Even the most dedicate archaeologist will be ready to relax after a day visiting ancient ruins. La Perla del Caribe is the ideal spot; it offers exotic barefoot luxury in a secluded setting for your Belize vacation, only minutes away from bustling San Pedro Town.
About La Perla del Caribe
Located on Ambergris Caye, the largest island off the coast of Belize, La Perla Del Caribe captures the Caribbean ambiance in elegance and luxury. Each designer residence in this private beachfront enclave offers a distinctive architectural style with native exotic hardwoods and tiles, and is decorated with local artwork, antiques and artisan-crafted furniture. The villas are situated on a four acre site which slopes gently to the water's edge on a magnificent stretch of white sandy beach. Close offshore is the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest living barrier reef in the Americas, rated one of the world's top ten dive sites.
