The Maya People of Belize

Many people think that the culture which built all of the pyramids, palaces, and colossal stone cities in Belize and other areas of Central America are long gone. But there are more than six million Maya people living in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras, and they have preserved much of their heritage.

Today, the largest concentration of Maya people are in Mexico’s southern Yucatan Peninsula and southern Belize. Indeed, there are three different distinct groups of Maya in Belize known by their dialect, called the Yucatec, Kekchi, and Mopan. The Yucatec Maya emigrated from Mexico in the 19th century while the Mopan and Kekchi are the original inhabitants of Belize. And while most Maya in the region speak Spanish, most of the Maya in Belize are fluent in Spanish and English as well as their native tongue.

It’s often presumed that the collapse of the Maya civilization occurred as the result of the Spanish invading and conquering Central America. In reality, something occurred around the year 900 AD, long before the arrival of any Europeans in the area, and the Maya civilization self-destructed, the majority of cities becoming abandoned and left to the jungle. No one is quite sure why this occurred, but the latest research speculates that a combination of climate change and civil war was to blame.

Xunantunich Maya Ruins

The ancient Maya civilization was never ruled by one king or emperor. Instead, it was a loose confederation of independent kingdoms that were often at war with one another. The Maya civilization was, however, quite tight-knit, bound by a vast trade network, common language, and common religious beliefs. Many legends still abound about the Maya because their ancient hieroglyphic writing was undecipherable until recently. Today, archeologists are slowly piecing together a much more comprehensive history of the ancient Maya including titanic battles between legendary rulers in places like Xunantunich, Caracol, and Tikal (the latter is located just across the border in Guatemala).

And while the early Europeans did their best to “civilize” the Maya and eradicate their ancient culture, many Maya were living in remote, rural areas and thus escaped the wrath of the Spanish. As such, the Maya have preserved ancient dances like the Dance of the Deer, traditional foods like chocolate and corn, and textile skills.

If you’re interested in visiting ancient Maya sites or learning more about Maya culture, one of the best places to stay is Chabil Mar. Located in southern Belize, Chabil Mar is an award-winning luxury resort that offers cultural tours to learn more about the people, music, food, and cultures in Belize.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

Best Things To Do In Belize During Winter

Throughout much of the world, winter is a time when activity slows down. As the cold sets in, the adventures of summer are put away in favor of the obligations of work, school, and holidays. That’s not the case in Belize. An idyllic paradise situated right along the equator, Belize’s winter is actually its tourist season. It’s during these months that the weather is the driest, but the temperatures stay in the same pleasant range of 70s and 80s that the rest of the year is known for. There are a lot of things to do in Belize during the winter, but here are the activities you have to consider.

Explore the Barrier Reef

Spend your winter in Belize

The vibrant life that calls the world’s second largest barrier reef home is worth seeing, but how you see it is up to you. Snorkeling lets you get up close and personal, while scuba diving offers an even more immersive experience. Deep sea fishing expeditions offer you an even more leisurely way to enjoy the barrier reef and a fresh meal you can enjoy for dinner. From the Silk Cayes Marine Reserve to the Blue Hole, there are countless aquatic exploration sites perfect for everyone from beginners to accomplished scuba divers.

Venture Into the Rainforest

Belize Winter Vacation Packages

While there are plenty of beautiful islands off the coast of Belize, it’s worth staying at a mainland destination with beach access — like Placencia — because it allows you to truly explore the world on land. National parks are abundant throughout Belize, as are the surprisingly extant ruins left behind by the ancient Maya empire centuries ago. More adventurous travelers will find themselves satisfied with excursions offering chances to tube through pitch black underground caves, zipline over expansive rainforest canopies, or enjoy the peaceful experience of kayaking down interior rivers. And for those who like things a little more relaxed, winter is the perfect time for birding and horseback riding.

Enjoy Chabil Mar

Best Place To Stay in Belize During Winter

Winter can also be a time to relax, and no resorts offer an experience quite as luxuriant as Chabil Mar. Located on the Placencia Peninsula, guests are within reach of Belize’s coolest destinations but have everything they need right on the property. Our guest exclusive resort includes two infinity pools in addition to 400 feet of private beach just for you. Whether you’re looking to take a paddleboard out on the water, enjoy some seaside yoga, or simply spend your time napping on the beach with a good book, everything you could want is at reach when you stay at Chabil Mar.

Visit chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

What Are The Best Things To Do In Placencia Belize In January?

belize in january

In December, Santa Claus makes a list and checks it twice, but afterward, he and Mrs. Claus are off for their annual Belize holiday. This isn’t the first time the couple has headed for sun and surf following his stress-filled sled ride. In fact, Belize in January has become a tradition. You’re invited to join him if you’d like to trade your frigid temps for his favorite hot spot: the Placencia peninsula.

6 Reasons the Clauses prefer Placencia

1. Placencia is only 16 miles long and it’s home to his favorite property: Chabil Mar Resort. Because January weather is so balmy, he’ll leave his signature suit back at the North Pole in favor of shirtsleeves and shorts. He never leaves home without his sunscreen.

2. Santa loves exploring Belize jungles. Two favorite excursions are Monkey River and Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve. He finds it easy to communicate with Belize wildlife, including endangered jaguars and vocal Howler monkeys. As a veteran bird watcher, Santa knows that Belize is Central America’s bird watching capital.

3. Santa feels right at home at his favorite pubs: the Tipsy Tuna and Barefoot Beach Bar. Both respect the man’s privacy, so they give him his space. Dressed in civilian togs, he’s just a grey-bearded dude in resort wear having drinks, and hanging out with the friendliest people in Central America.

4. Does Santa dive and snorkel? Of course. Follow in his swim fins if you can’t get enough water sports – or perhaps you just want to try them out. Knowing that Chabil Mar staffers always make room for him, you just may run into him during one or more of the resort’s fabulous tours.

5. Santa and Mrs. Claus are consummate romantics. Their posh, cozy digs afford them the privacy they crave after sharing their home with elves and toy makers year-round and they rave about Chabil Mar cuisine, unlimited beverages, and amenities included in their Belize vacation package.

january in placencia belize

6. The resort’s sunset Placencia Lagoon tour is usually the last activity on the Claus’s itinerary. It’s their favorite because they may spot shy manatees during the tour and it’s their tradition to watch the last sunset at their favorite destination.

Admit it: This sunny vacation sounds like heaven in January and if you commit to sojourning at Chabil Mar, you’ll see why Santa wouldn’t stay elsewhere. Consider the resort’s 400 feet of private beach your personal domain and enjoy every perk, including dining on the private pier, splashing in the resort’s two beach-side infinity swimming pools, riding resort bikes around the peninsula, and pilot complimentary kayaks and paddleboards.

january belize vacations

The resort’s shuttle transports guests who can’t get enough nightlife into the Village where the action is nonstop and if you’re fortunate, you could run into someone very familiar. Feel free to buy the jolly man with the twinkle in his eye a drink as well as give him full credit for pointing the way to his favorite resort by telling Chabil Mar’s reservation agent that Santa sent you when you book your 2023 January escape!

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

Why Placencia Belize Is The Place To Be This Winter

As winter rolls around, the picturesque village of Placencia in southern Belize emerges as a beacon of warmth and vibrancy. Far removed from the typical icy landscapes, this destination offers a unique blend of sun-kissed beaches, rich cultural tapestries, and unparalleled natural beauty. Let’s delve into why Placencia is an ideal choice for your winter getaway, offering an experience filled with comfort, elegance, and unforgettable memories.

Placencia: A Winter Sun Sanctuary

Placencia Belize Beaches

In stark contrast to the chilly winter elsewhere, Placencia is a haven of warmth. Its sunny days and balmy evenings are perfect for exploring the outdoor wonders that this region has to offer. The beaches here are postcard-perfect, with their golden sands and tranquil waters offering a serene escape for relaxation and a myriad of water activities. Diving and snorkeling conditions are ideal in winter, offering crystal-clear views of the vibrant underwater world along the Belize Barrier Reef.

The winter season also brings to life the cultural heartbeat of Placencia. Festivals like the Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival and vibrant holiday celebrations fill the streets with music, dance, and culinary delights, offering an authentic taste of Belize’s rich heritage.

Nature and Adventure: Exploring Beyond the Beach

howler monkeys

Just a stone’s throw from Placencia, the wonders of Belize’s natural landscapes await. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, with its sprawling rainforests and rich biodiversity, offers an ideal setting for nature walks and wildlife spotting. The cooler winter months make for pleasant exploration, whether you’re hiking through lush trails or cruising down the Monkey River, where the calls of howler monkeys and sightings of crocodiles add to the adventure.

Chabil Mar: Your Placencia Paradise

In the midst of Placencia’s charm lies Chabil Mar, a boutique resort that blends luxurious comfort with the warm hospitality Belize is known for. As your home base in Placencia, Chabil Mar offers more than just a place to stay; it is a complete experience.

With a variety of villas, each offering a blend of elegance and comfort, guests are treated to stunning views and top-notch amenities. The resort’s location is ideal, offering easy access to Placencia’s vibrant village life and natural excursions, yet providing a tranquil retreat at the day’s end.

Chabil Mar isn’t just about the luxurious accommodations; it’s about creating memorable experiences. From arranging personalized tours to ensuring each meal is a culinary journey, the resort caters to all aspects of a perfect holiday. The highlight of any stay is the opportunity to dine by the sea, where the sound of the waves and the starlit sky create a magical dining experience.

Embrace a Different Kind of Winter

Chabil Mar resort

Choosing Placencia, Belize, for your winter getaway means embracing a season filled with warm sun, cultural richness, and natural splendor. And at the heart of this experience is Chabil Mar, not just a resort but a gateway to everything Placencia has to offer. This winter, let the sunny shores of Placencia and the luxury of Chabil Mar transform your cold months into an unforgettable tropical adventure.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

The Best Rums in Belize

Perhaps one of the most popular and iconic locally-made drinks in Belize is rum. Made from the abundant sugar cane crop that still plays an important role in the domestic economy, rum is a distilled spirit that pairs excellently with fresh, locally-grown fruits to create unforgettable cocktails or can be consumed neat. Famed throughout the region for its high quality and smooth taste, Belizean rum is something that every visitor is encouraged to try.

Currently, two different domestic manufacturers offer an excellent selection of fine rum in Belize.

Cuello’s Distillery

Belize's finest rum

Founded more than 70 years ago, Cuello is a family-owned and operated business. Based in the town of Orange Walk in the heart of Belize’s sugar cane farming region, Cuello was founded by Ignacio Cuello, a master blender and distiller who later trained his sons in the secrets of how to produce high-quality rum and other spirits. Cuello has their own festive theme song that was composed by celebrated local artist Lord Rhaburn, and the labels on all of their rum varieties celebrate Belizean culture.

Cuello’s signature rum products include:

  • Caribbean White Rum
  • Caribbean Rum (Dark)
  • Caribbean Gold Rum
  • Extra Strong Rum
  • Caribbean Coconut Rum

Travellers Liquor

Belize's finest rum

Founded in 1953 by master blender Omario Perdomo, Travellers is the manufacturer of what is perhaps the most famous rum in Belize: One Barrel. A simple gold rum with a smooth finish, One Barrel is a popular choice with both visitors and locals alike. With a fresh, tropical scent, One Barrel rum has natural hints of passion fruit, hibiscus, and papaya.

Travellers Liquor is named for its early success in supplying travelers to and from Belize City with a fine assortment of distilled spirits. Travellers is renowned in Belize for using only high-test molasses, carefully fermented according to traditional practices. Travellers is also the only beverage producer in the country to make liqueurs and wines made from local fruits.

Located in Belmopan, the capital of Belize, Travellers use only local molasses to ferment and then distill their rum using a triple column still. The rum is then carefully aged and bottled in Belize City.

A few of Travellers’ most popular rum varieties include:

  • Don Omario Vintage Rum
  • Aged Dark Rum
  • Classic Gold Rum
  • Cristal Parrot Lite Rum
  • Classic White Rum
  • Kuknat Rum (made with coconuts)

Copalli

Copalli is among the best rum brand available not only in Belize but also in the world. Their organic single estate rum is sustainably crafted with only three ingredients in the heart of the rainforest in Southern Belize. A few of Copalli’s most popular rums include:

The Copalli White Rum

After fermenting the fresh-pressed sugar cane juice, the Copalli white rum distills in both a pot and column stills before blending the two distillates. This is followed by the resting of the finished product in stainless steel. This creates a smooth white rum that’s as good served straight on the rocks or in a cocktail such as a daiquiri.

The Copalli Barrel Rested Rum

First, Copalli ferment the fresh-pressed sugar cane juice then they double distill it in their full-bodied pot still before resting it in American Oak used bourbon barrels. The result is a rich, sweet high-quality rum that tastes delicious, and neat and is a powerful and flavorful base for your favorite rum cocktail.

The Copalli Cocoa Rum

must try rums in belize

Copalli takes their delicious Copalli white rum, place it into a tank to rest with roasted, 100% organic cacao nibs grown on the neighboring Copal Tree Farm. Over several weeks, the cacao nibs infuse a rich chocolate flavor and aroma into the rum, which is then redistilled to create a smooth finished premium product that is delicious on the rocks or for your favorite rum cocktail recipes.

Big Titty Rum

Belize's finest rum

Rum and pirates color the history of the entire Caribbean and Belize is no exception. Pirates gave pet names to the rums of various ports of call. Legend has it that pirates amused by the local practice of mothers dribbling rum on their breasts to calm teething babies named Belize rum “titty rum”. Big Titty Rum honors this fine tradition.

Big Titty Rum is more than just a cute name. They take this craft seriously. But, in matters of taste, there can be no dispute. 

Savor a Rum Cocktail at Chabil Mar

Rums of Belize

If you’re interested in sampling one of Belize’s classic rum formulations, the bar at the Chabil Mar resort in Placencia offers a full complement of delicious cocktails made from 100% Belizean rum. Travelers and guests interested in trying Belizean rum or other locally-made spirits should inquire at the bar in Chabil Mar.

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

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