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El Mirador Guatamala – One of the wonders of the Maya World Jan 03

“El Mirador” located in Guatamala is one of the Mayan Wonders of the world along with Tikal.  Imagine a Mayan site in the middle of the jungle three times larger than Tikal. The Mirador Basin in northeastern Guatemala is home to the largest tract of untouched rainforest in all of Central America. Within this region lies the remote site of El Mirador, which rivals famous, sprawling, Tikal, and is thought to be the largest Mayan city that ever existed. Among the ruins at El Mirador are the Dante and Tigre pyramids, the former rising more than 230 feet high, and claiming to be the most massive pyramid in the entire world ? yes rivalling even the greatest pyramids o Egypt by volume! Largely unexcavated this site can only be visited on a 5 day jungle trek or by helicopter.

It was first discovered in 1926, and was photographed from the air in 1930, but the remote site deep in the jungle had little more attention paid to it until Ian Graham spent some time there making the first map of the area in 1962. A detailed investigation was begun in 1978 with an archaeological project under the direction of Dr. Bruce Dahlin from the Catholic University of America and Dr. Ray Matheny from Brigham Young University.

Dahlin’s work focused primarily on the “bajo” swamps and mapping, while Matheny’s team focused primarily on
excavations in the site center and architecture. This project ended in 1983. To the surprise of the archaeologists, it was found that a large amount of construction was not contemporary with the large Maya classic cities in the area like Tikal and Uaxactun, but rather from centuries earlier in the Pre-Classic era. In 2003, Dr. Richard D. Hansen, a Senior Scientist from Idaho State University, initiated major investigation, stabilization, and conservation programs at “El Mirador” with a multi-disciplinary approach, including staff and technical personnel from 52 universities and research institutions from throughout the world. By August 2008, the team had published 168 scientific papers, produced 474 technical reports and scientific presentations as well as documentary films in th History Channel, National Geographic, the Learning Channel, BBC, ABC’s 20/20 and Good Morning  America, 60 Minutes (Australia), and the Discovery Channel. Dr. Richard D. Hansen is the current director of the “El Mirador”Basin Project, and according to his discoveries here, he thinks that the more than 45 mapped sites in the Basin may have formed the earliest well-defined political state in Mesoamerica.

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Guatemala Vacation Packages To Tikal Nov 29

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Guatemala offers a varitey of Vacation Packages to Tikal and other interesting sights to see while in country.  Guatemala is rich in culture and history, Chichicastenango market, Tikal, Lake Atitlan and Antigua are just a few of what this Central America country has to offer.

Guatemala, Central America is know as “the land of the eternal spring” is a nation rich in history.  Most archaeologists agree that ancient Guatemala was the culture center of the New World and the famed Maya civilization. It’s many Mayan ruins and colonial buildings are its most impressive architectural attributes.  This much we know: Beautiful lakes, towering volcanoes, rugged mountains, and exotic flora and fauna all make Guatemala an exceptional place to vacation.

Chichicastenango must be visited on Sunday, the day of the famous open-air market where traditionally dressed Indians offer their wares in open stalls.  The cofradias (religious brotherhoods) often hold processions on this day.  The locals have combined traditional Mayan religious rites with Catholicism; the best places to witness these old rites are around the church of  Santo Tomas and the shrine of Pascual Abaj, which honors the Mayan earth god  Incense, food and drink are offered to ancestors and to ensure the continued fertility of the earth.  This is a magical and misty highland town is surrounded by valleys and overshadowed by looming mountains.

Tikal, in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle.  Tikal Park is not only a refuge for most of Guatemala’s mammals, but one of the places where they can easily be observed.
Towering pyramids rise above the jungle’s green canopy, while down below spider and howler monkeys swing nosily through the branches of ancient and trees, colorful parrots squawk and tree frogs fill in the auditory gaps.   With some luck you may even spot coatis, raccoons or white tailed deer.  More than 300 species of birds have been recorded within the park, from hummingbirds to great birds of prey.  Tikal was one of the most important, if not the most important, urban centers of the Maya area, as proven by the more than 3,000 buildings spread over 16 kilometers, including palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, terraces, residences, plazas, causeways and steam baths.  Here you will also find more than 200 stone altars, hundreds of graves and ritual sites, hear is an uninterrupted history of at least one thousand years.  You can almost feel the presence of this ancient society.

Lake Atitlan and its eternal blue sky here you will have a magnificent view of several volcanoes.  Though this area does not prompt instant name recognition among travelers its beauty easily trumps more famous lakes.  The tiny villages along the 50-square-mile lake are still inhabited by modern-day Mayans wearing traditional dress, kaleidoscopic garments shimmering with purple, orange and crimson threads.  A highlight will certainly be the boat tour to the village of Santiago de Atitlan.

Antigua Guatemala set amid three magnificent volcanoes, with superb colonial buildings.  And of course time in Guatemala City where you have the opportunity to visit several important museums, housing beautiful Mayan and Spanish colonial art.

If you’re looking for something exciting and adventurous, this could be the one. Give the experts at Belize TravelPOINTS.

For more information about vacation packages into Guatamala and Belize, contact Belize TravelPOINTS at 303-938-9018 or 1-800-626-3483 or visit our web site at www.belizetravelpoints.com

Category: Guatamala  | Leave a Comment
Hurrican Irene Travel Advisory – Aug. 25, 2011 Aug 25

HURRICANE IRENE
If you are traveling from the East Coast for the warm tropics of Belize or Central America, here is an up-date on Hurricane Irene.  Please keep in touch with your airline,  United, U.S. Air, Delta, Continental & Jet Blue all have travel advisory and travel waivers for travel Aug. 25 – 28, 2011 from various cities along the east coast to the Caribbean, see the airlines web site for complete details.  While Hurricane Irene continues lashing the Bahamas this morning, officials along Central Florida’s beaches are taking precautions as stormy conditions slowly develop. Reports show the cyclone could strengthen into aCategory 4 hurricane by the time it reaches the Central Florida coast at 2 a.m. Friday. Once it passes the Central Florida region, Irene is forecast to weaken slightly and either brush or hit the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Saturday as a major hurricane. From there it would veer near New York on Sunday and arrive in Massachusetts on Monday.

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Guatemala Update May 25
UPDATE ON THE SITUATION IN GUATEMALA (DEPARTMENT OF PETEN)

Following our update of May 18th, as expected a joint statement released by the Guatemalan tourism board (INGUAT) and the chamber of tourism (CAMTUR) reaffirms travel to the Peten is both safe and recommended. An excerpt from the statement follows:

“Tourism and commercial activities are developing normally in Guatemala and in the Peten region. Airport services, immigration and customs are fully operational. Within the first 24 hours some itineraries were temporarily modified in accordance with recommendations of the competent authorities. Today, these itineraries are being operated regularly. Security forces have stepped up surveillance on major touristic routes and destinations in the area, so the visit to the region is recommended and safe for domestic and foreign visitors.”

The full statement can be found here on the Guatemala tourism board website: http://www.visitguatemala.com/web/documentos/CURRENT_STATUS_REPORT_ON_PETEN.pdf

Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@belizetravelpoints.com for further information on this matter.

For travel into Tikal from Belize call turner at 1-800-623-3483.

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Belize Barrier Reef Apr 22

As Earth Day approaches one area of the world that continues to be a fragile environmentally beautiful destination is the Barrier Reef of Belize.  Considered one of the most diverse ecosystems in Central America and home too many species such as the spiny lobster, sturgeon, conch, rays, whale sharks and 500 species of fish, it’s a divers and sports fisherman’s paradise.

The Belize Barrier Reef is nearly 700 miles long ranging from Mexico to Honduras, a play ground for divers.  The three coral atolls, including the Great Blue Hole make Belize one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations in the world. With such high visibility extending to 200 feet, divers of all ages and abilities find many new areas to explore.  Visitors to Belize are attracted to the rich diversity of the reef,  UNESCO awarded World Heritage Status to the Belize  Barrier Reef.  Divers come to Belize to explore the spur and groove coral formations and sheer walls along the length of the reef.  Popular dive sites include the atolls, the world-famous Blue Hole, Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan marine Reserve, South Water Caye marine Reserve and the seasonal whale shark encounter at Gladden Spit.   Snorkelers can also enjoy the clear turquoise waters floating atop of the warm water.  Knowledgeable local guides are available to help arrange dive and snorkeling excursions.  One of the most popular day trips is swimming with the rays and sharks in waist deep water.  Swimming with these gentle rays and nurse sharks is an experience you will never forget.  Other water sports such as sport fishing, sea kayaking and sailing are offered in certain areas of the country.  Opt for a stay in a small town, a remote beach, or even a private island.  If you just want to relax, there is no better plane than a hammock or lounge chair and let the warm Caribbean Breezes surround you.  Should you decide to plan a journey, we’ve have some interesting vacation suggestions. 

Get There:  Go with Belize TravelPOINTS, founded 14-years ago helping travelers with travel arrangements into Belize.  They can help you combine a jungle lodge journey with a diving / snorkeling experience.  Journey into Belize’s rainforest for a few days, kayaking or exploring a cave, a side trip to Guatemala, a visit to the Mayan ruins at Tikal, and, finally a three-day stay on an island in the reef with plenty of diving or snorkeling.

Belize Hotel Ka’na Boutique Resort and Spa Mar 30

The Hotel Ka’ana Resort and Spa is a boutique luxury hotel located in the Cayo district of Belize.  Hotel Ka’ana Resort is a short drive from the small town of San Ignacio and is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Maya Mountains.  True to it’s Mayan name Ka’ana, meaning “heavenly place” this delightful boutique resort, set in tropical gardens, offers exceptional accommodation in charming cottage with fine dining, superb service.  Conveniently located near all major touring attractions is one of a hand full of choices for luxury discerning travelers.  Adventure and non-adventure seekers will have numerous options from a day tour to Tikal in Guatemala to cave jungle trips.  The hotel is a great way to relax after a full day exploring Belize to enjoy a drink at their bar and a fine culinary Belizean gourmet dinner, you won’t be disappointed. 

After making the decision to visit Belize, where do you start to begin planning a vacation that is fun, exciting and has some of the luxury hotel options to experience.  Why rely on the “do-it-yourself” approach of the internet when you can plan your adventure or vacation with a seasoned travel expert that has been working with proven reputable suppliers for the past 13-years. Belize TravelPOINTS has a list of proven reliable resorts and hotels, tour providers and suppliers that can customize the Belize vacation to your desire.  Whether its couples or families, we can help you make the most of your vacation in Belize with jungle adventures to beach get-away.   Let us help you take the guess work out of planning your vacation.  Our service is to provide knowledge, advice and value to a vacation as important as yours.  Please call me us at (800) 626-3483 or email us at info@belizetravelpoints.com  or visit our web site at www.belizetravelpoints.com and together we can work on your arrangements for a perfect vacation.

Belize Hotels, San Pedro Hotels, Placencia Hotels and Cayo District Hotel Review Aug 09
During the month of June 2010 our staff  at Belize & Costa Rica TravelPOINTS had the opportunity to visit Belize and participate in the BETEX conference, a conference for  travel industry professionals to meet, familiarize and review the exciting changes going on in Belize.  The event occurs every 2-years and is a show case for Belize to “show off”  there country to wholesale tour operators that promote and package vacations into belize for our customers.  Belize TravelPOINTS has been providing vacation packages into Belize for over 12 years.  During our stay we were able to meet with the many hotel companies, tour providers, scuba & snorkeling companies and other interesting parties that make Belize a completely different experience then other Central American countries that boarder Belize.
Belize is bordered by Mexico on the North and Guatemala to the west and south. The country contains the second largest barrier reef in the world. The Belize Barrier Reef is a coral reef approximately 300 meters (1000 Ft) off shore. This incredible reef is 186 miles long and part of the 560 mile long Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System which is continuous from Cancun on the northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula through the Rivera Maya up to Honduras, making it the  second largest coral reef system in the world.
  • Time Zone: GTM  -600 same as US Central Standard Time
  • Area: 8,867 square miles
  • Capitol City: Belmopan City
  • Population: 300,000
  • Languages: English os the official language. Spanish, Maya, Garifuna and Creole
  • Telecommunications: Belize offers domestic and international phone service, fax, internet and mail service is available in limited areas. International code is 501
  • Exit fees: Passengers of international flights must pay approximately $35 US dollar. Leaving from other borders pay a lesser fees.
  • Taxes: a 9% General Tax is charged on purchases of any good or service and there is a 9% lodging tax.
It’s easy to get to Belize.

Beautiful beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling, shopping, fine dinning and pure relaxation is what Belize is best known for.

Victoria House is one of the finest in the city of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye!
Roberts Grove in Placencia is located on the beach and has lots of amenities for your comfort.
in Ambergris Caye is  quiet. It’s a luxury condominium resort with beautiful views, located North of San Pedro and accessible by water taxi.


Coco Beach Resort This property is also on the beach about 3.5 miles from San Pedro. It’s an easy bike ride or water taxi to town.
 
Hidden Valley located in the Cayo district is tucked away in the Mountain Pine District of Belize and it is pristine. A paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Walk into the woods and discover water falls, fanna, flora, birds and wild life. Make an Appointment to have a massage in a secluded hut near one of the waterfalls. Hidden Valley is an experience you won’t forget.
There are 12 private rooms. Each lodge style room comes with a touch of solitude and serenity. Every room is tastefully decorated and includes a fire place to add to the romantic ambiance.

Turtle Inn in Placencia, Enter into a world, hidden behind palm trees and grasses and beautiful koi pools.

This deluxe resort is a beautiful hotel that sits next to the sea and will awe you in every way. The spacious thatched cottages are decorated with Balinese furnishes.
You will love what’s behind the screened porch. 
Individual cottage are roomy, neat and very tastefully decorated.
You won’t believe the bathroom!  You have a choice to shower inside or outside in your own private outdoor garden.
Can you find the bamboo shower hidden on the stone wall?
THE PLACENCIA HOTEL AND RESIDENCES, is  huge.  This property is spread out and is massive.
Their beach is beautiful and they offer all types of excursion.
Tennis anyone?
The Placencia Hotel rooms are modern, spacious and include beautiful linens  and fine amenities.
“Travelers Choice”

“Best Luxury, Central America” TripAdvisor 2009 & 2010 “

Best Services, Central America 2010″
This oceanfront Condominium Villas offer a unique experience.s

In  the Cayo District of Belize the Ka’ana Boutique Luxury Resort is true luxury.
Check out our web site at http://www.belizetravelpoints.comfor complete information about our hotels and excursions available.
Hidden Valley Inn – Belize Aug 03

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Hidden Valley Inn, a luxury hotel with only 12 cottages, is located on a 7200 acre private reserve in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of Belize. This intimate eco resort offers quality accommodation, fine food and attentive service in a natural environment unspoiled by man. The flora, wildlife and birding here are like no place on earth. Hidden Valley Inn is one of the most established and luxurious resorts in the Mountain Pine Ridge.

 
Guests staying at this small luxury hotel enjoy exclusive access to over 90 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails as well as many secluded pools and waterfalls set in tropical rainforest. For those seeking romance, one of the waterfalls may be reserved exclusively for the day.

 
Situated in the Maya Mountains, this cozy jungle lodge also serves as a convenient base for visiting the various scenic attractions of the area. Canoe trips are a peaceful way to observe the indigenous fauna and flora, horseback riding through the jungle with a local Mayan guide is a unique experience, mystical caves can be explored on foot, by canoe or tube whilst ancient Mayan cities and modern day rural villages provide a glimpse of past and present cultures.

Book 2 nights and get 2 nights FREE! Rates starting at $199 per person in double occupancy

Valid through Oct 31, 2010

For more information call us at: 1.877.250.8865
Visit www.belizetravelpoints.com

Coco Beach Resort Jun 16

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If you are looking for a great destination with endless activities for the adventure enthusiast you should try Coco Beach Resort which is located just 3.5 miles north of San Pedro Town; a short trip by boat, bicycle, or golf cart. The resort offers luxurious accommodations in a quaint environment with palm trees, hammocks, and one of the best swimming pools on the island.
 
Relax with a tropical beverage by the pool or beach and soak up the Belizean sun. You will find plenty to keep you busy on and near Ambergris Caye. Diving and snorkeling are popular activities in the area – for good reason. Belize boasts some of the best reefs in the world, just minutes from shore!

In addition to the water sports available offshore, there are also secluded beach barbeques, tours of Mayan ruins, cave tubing, river kayaking, zip lining and many other mainland adventures just a short boat trip away.

Coco Beach Resort is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from it all!
 

3 nights in a luxury hotel room
 
Package includes:
 
    * round trip air transfers from Belize City to San Pedro
    * round trip ground transfers
    * half day snorkel trip to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley
    * taxes
 

Total per person (based on 2): $1386.00 USD

Valid May 1 – Aug 30, 2010

 

For more information call us at: 1.877.250.8864
Visit www.belizetravelpoints.com

Punta Gorda Belize Recommended Lodge Stays Mar 06

The Lodge at Big Falls Punta Gorda Belize

Punta Gorda a small town located in the southern region of Belize has quaint elegant accommodations for the traveler with a little more adventure in mind.  The town of Punta Gorda is a relaxing slow-paced village where the travelers can still experience traditional cultures intact.  Accommodations vary from moderate to luxury lodges with appeal to Honeymooners, adventure traveling couples and families.  Belize TravelPOINTS featured lodges provide unique and diverse experiences.  You can experience a remote jungle camp, reachable only by canoe with amenities at your discretion such as a private chef, butler service, restaurant, bar, kayaks, canoes and hiking trails.   Or relax and enjoy the scenery from your individual cabana with thatched roofs and complimentary bikes and kayaks.  While staying in Punta Gorda there are many activities available from Snorkeling, Scuba, Kayaking, Mayan Ruins, Fishing and a visit into Rio Blanco National Park.  For more information about these lodges and Punta Gorda contact us at 1-800-284-0292 or visit our web site at www.belizetravelpoints.com