Belize features predominantly in global, pop culture this year, like no other. In case you have been able to avoid the 2012 meme over recent years, what makes this year so special for Central American countries, like Belize and neighboring Mexico, is a cosmic prophecy foretold by the ancient Mayans.

Last month we hosted renowned Mayanist Dr Mark Van Stone, author of the recently released book, 2012 – Science and Prophecy of the Ancient Maya as part of our 2012 year-long series of Maya presentations, special tours and events.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is hosting Tales of a Maya Shaman, a presentation by Dr Rosita Arvigo DN on 20 February 2012 as part of the Chaa Creek 2012 Maya lecture series.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is The Cauldron of the Chiclero that was famously used to make chicle, many centuries ago.

Chocolate, long referred to in Belize as “the food of the gods”, is also known as the food of love, and features prominently during Chaa Creek’s Valentine’s Month of Love celebrations, according to the eco resort’s food and beverage manager Bryony Fleming.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Maya Harp. The Maya Harp is beautifully hand crafted and was an integral part of the Maya society since it was used for religious and healing ceremonies and for cultural and entertainment purposes.

With all the attention on the Heartland of Maya during 2012, it’s great to see such positive news and reviews from such internationally recognised travel experts as Trip Advisor and now the BBC and Lonely Planet. It shows that people recognise Belize not just for its position in the heartland of the Maya, but as a high quality, interesting destination in itself.

The recent archaeological find on Burns Avenue in San Ignacio town – discovered during work on a sustainable tourism project – reminds us not only how steeped Belize is in Maya history and culture, but how deeply intertwined tourism and archaeology are in this tiny country.

A chultun is a subterranean chamber carved by the ancient Maya, out of the soft limestone bedrock, that has a narrow cylindrical opening. Chultuns can be vastly found in Central America, primarily in locations near Maya archaeological temple sites.

If there’s any downside at all to a Belize vacation it’s trying to cram so much into the always too short amount of time you have there. Plan as much as you like; new things always present themselves when you arrive in the Jewel, as Belizeans refer to their country.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Bay Leaf Palm which is scientifically known as Sabal mauritiiformis.

The year 2012 has spurred interest in the Maya people and the outlook toward this enigmatic civilization grows each day as we approach the winter solstice of 2012. In the Maya Heartland of Belize, the Maya are very much in our presence and we honor their hard work and dedication in contributing to Belize’s rich heritage.

It was late Sunday evening when I noticed missed calls and text messages on my cell phone. I was amazed at the news I received and walked downtown to see it for my own eyes. What was happening? Archaeology in action on what I believe to be the busiest street in San Ignacio! AWESOME was the word that came out of my mouth. As an archaeologist, I never pictured excavations to be carried out in front of one of our regular hanging out spots!!! For years we had been travelling outside of town, not knowing that underneath our feet lay a SURPRISE waiting for us!

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Teeth of the American Mostodon whose scientific name is Mammut americanum. The American Mostodon first appeared during the early Miocene period and persisted in the fossil record until the end of the Pleistocene era and were widespread throughout North and Central America.

Archaeological finds are nothing new at Chaa Creek, but a new discovery this week (21 January 2012) is definitely something out of the ordinary – an ancient Maya household was accidentally unearthed in the middle of town near the eco resort’s downtown offices in San Ignacio, Belize.

Belize’s rich Maya heritage is something that all Belizeans share and take pride in, and it’s been wonderful to see representatives from so many different sectors – government, private industry, art and cultural groups along with a range of individuals, work together to present and promote our real Maya heritage as world attention focuses on Belize.

Lucy Fleming, who with her husband Mick owns and operates Chaa Creek, has been living in the Maya heartland for over three decades and said she is looking forward to the opportunity to join other locals as well as Mayanists, scholars and archaeologists in setting the Maya record straight.

The Barton Creek Cave Site is best known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Cayo District, Belize. The cave’s large riverine passage and pristine formations are just two of the reasons why this site is appealing to both local and foreign visitors. Beside its natural beauty, the site is made even more interesting by the presence of a wide range of cultural remains that were deposited within the cave by the ancient Maya.

It’s remotely possible the world will end in December 2012. But don’t credit the ancient Maya calendar for predicting it, say experts on the Mesoamerican culture.

“We recently noticed that Time magazine gave Chaa Creek a favourable mention in one of their first editions of the new year, and given our focus on presenting factual information about the Maya civilisation, and providing authentic Maya experiences throughout 2012, this was very timely indeed,” Chaa Creek owner and GM Lucy Fleming said.