We packed up our bags and our rooms. Everything went into one room so they could use our other rooms for the week. It was crazy!! We then walked down to the beach to catch a water taxi to Belize City! It was about a 2 hour ride from San Pedro! We got there and then we got a taxi ride to the bus station. We still had another ride to do to get to San Ignacio! The people literally swarmed onto the bus and we were all shocked with our mouths open at the sight. It took $7 BZD or $3.50 USD for a 2 hour bus ride. It was so long! We literally spent all day traveling. We ate a local pizza place since every thing was closed because of Easter Monday.
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| This is the "chicken bus" |
Tuesday
We all got up early and went to Caracol and it was amazing! It took a long time to get there from our hotel, but it was so worth it!
| http://www.cayoadventure.com |
Situated high on the Vaca Plateau deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol is the most extensive Mayan site in Belize and was only re-discovered as recently as 1936. The site of Caracol covers over 80 square miles with 30,000 structures, and at its peak supported a population in excess of 150,000. Situated at 1600 feet above sea level (one of the highest located sites of the southern uplands region) with no natural water body close by, it remains a mystery why such a huge population centre like Caracol evolved where it is. However, the close proximity to both extremely hard stone and copal, two commodities highly prized by the Mayas may help explain this enigma.
At the heart of the site lies the massive pyramid of Caana (Sky Palace) which is now almost fully restored and reaches a height of over 135 feet. From the top you can enjoy breath taking panoramic views over the forest clad mountains.
The drive to the site in the early morning occasionally allows guests to take a glimpse of tapirs, jaguars or ocelots, as they break their forest cover to cross the road. The sprawling site contains huge Ceiba, Mahogany and Sapodilla trees and is superb for birding (the rare Keel-billed Motmot is one of the many residents of the site). Wildlife such as Howler and Spider monkeys, the Oscellated Turkey, Coatimundi, Gibnut and Grey Fox are often sighted while quietly wandering along the site’s causeways or along trails connecting the plaza groups.
On our way back we went to a waterfall and was able to jump off rocks and swim in the water! Again, amazing!
We didn't get home until almost 6 pm and we were all so tired!
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