Mel Gibson’s newest movie “Apocalypto” spurs added interest in Belize and its rich Maya culture and archeology.

February 05, 2007 (PRLEAP.COM) Travel News
SOUTH STANN CREEK, Belize – February 5, 2007 – Regardless of the varying opinions (uproar) of how Mel Gibson’s movie “Apocalypto” has portrayed a portion of the ancient Maya people during the collapse of its once mighty empire, the movie has generated a buzz and renewed interest in this ancient civilization. Adventure seekers and discerning travelers alike are flocking to Belize to visit and explore a number of noteworthy Maya archeological sites.

Whether it is historically inaccurate or a single-minded historical interpretation, the movie has spurred renewed interest in the ancient Maya civilization and its thousand years of advanced agronomy, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. Through agricultural experimentation, the ancient Maya gave the world many domesticated crops including corn, tomatoes, cacao, and avocados. The Maya are also noted for the only known fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well as for their spectacular art and monumental architecture. Traces of this civilization, at its height around 600 AD, can still readily be appreciated and visited in the forms of ancient pyramids throughout Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize.

Belize, often referred to as the "Heart of the Maya" due to its high concentration of Maya sites, is part of the Mundo Maya (Maya World), an international program established to preserve the rich Maya culture. The program was developed by the countries that were once part of the Maya Empire and are still inhabited by over 6 million Maya today; Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Dating back to as early as 1500 B.C., the Maya civilization, possibly the most sophisticated civilization in the ancient Americas, mysteriously and dramatically declined by the year 900.

Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort (http://www.kanantik.com), on the southern coast of Belize near Dangriga, is one of the top all-inclusive Belize vacation spots in Central America. Kanantik features within its all-inclusive package a guided day trip to the magnificent Maya ruins of Xunantunich ("Maiden Rock").

Guests of Kanantik can choose to take an all day guided excursion from Kanantik Resort for a two and half hour drive heading west on the scenic Hummingbird highway, passing through the citrus valley, the lush forest at the foot of the Maya Mountains, and the capital of Belize, Belmopan. Close to the border with Guatemala, a small hand-operated ferry takes you across the Mopan River where the magnificent Maya Ruins of Xunantunich (The Maiden Rock) await.

Overlooking the Mopal River, the core of Xunantunich occupies about one square mile and consists of a series of plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces, including “El Castillo” (The Castle). The historic ceremonial pyramid known as “El Castillo” is the second tallest structure in Belize and is located on a natural limestone ridge, rising 135-feet, providing a panoramic view of the Cayo District.

Back on the eastern beaches of Belize, overlooking the emerald waters of the Caribbean sea, one finds the secluded Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort. Kanantik is the only all-inclusive eco-sensitive resort in Belize that captures everything this country has to offer in one truly picturesque setting. Experience the unspoiled tropical wilderness of Belize while being treated to exceptional accommodations on a private and secluded beach-side setting. Each day at Kanantik you can share an adventure with your partner and/or other guests by exploring towering rainforests, canoeing down wild jungle rivers, or snorkeling / scuba diving in the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea all with a sense of style and care that only a luxury eco-sensitive resort can offer. All vacation packages at Kanantik also include round-trip air transportation between Belize City and Kanantik’s private airstrip, all taxes, and gratuities. For more information on this and other vacation packages at Kanantik please visit http://www.kanantik.com or call for reservations at (Toll free) 1-877-759-8834.

About Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort

Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort (http://www.kanantik.com ) has become one of the premier all inclusive resorts in Belize. Kanantik sits on the largest privately owned acreage on the ocean for any of the Belizean resorts and consists of 25 separate, individual air-conditioned cabanas, each indulgently spacious and luxurious. Kanantik is the only all-inclusive eco-sensitive resort in Belize designed to showplace both the emerald waters of the Caribbean and the pristine exotic Belizean forest in one truly picturesque setting. Guests can walk from their secluded cabaña early in the morning along 1,300 feet of unspoiled private beach or into our 300 acres of forest for birdwatching. Daily scuba diving or snorkeling on the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere is offered at Kanantik and includes state-of-the-art scuba gear and a 42-foot Newton dive boat. Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort also has its own private airstrip, serviced by local airline Tropic Air.

Contact:

Roberto Fabbri
Email: kanantik@kanantik.com
Tel: 1-877-759-8834