We were thrilled to see this article featured in the November 2018 issue of the inflight WestJet Magazine.
Dr Jaime Awe is a renowned and leading Belizean archaeologist who specializes in the ancient Maya. In this fascinating article, learn more about the Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech and Xunantunich and the discoveries that are still being made.
“...Dr. Jaime Awe embarked on his very first archaeological expedition in the late 1960s. Ten-year-old Awe set off with his older brothers to explore the ancient mounds behind the family home in the town of San Ignacio, Belize. Armed with a couple of old machetes, the brothers hacked their way through the Cayo District’s jungle and began to dig one of the mounds.
In a couple of hours, the backyard archaeologists had unearthed a cache of Maya artifacts: ancient fragments of pottery and obsidian blades, and pieces of a mano and metate—a grinding stone, similar to a pestle and mortar, still used today for grinding corn and cocoa beans.
Awe’s experience uncovering more than 1,500-year-old remnants of Maya civilization spurred a lifelong curiosity and appreciation for the history and culture of the community that once inhabited the land in and around his hometown….”
Exploring Archaeological Sites in Belize with Dr. Jaime Awe - Story by Diane Bolt (read the full article)
Jaime Awe at Cahal Pech, photo by Diane Bolt
The view while climbing to the top of El Castillo at Xunantunich, photo by Diane Bolt
Visiting Cahal Pech and Xunantunich?
On our 7-Day Glover's Reef & Mayan Caves trip we visit the Mayan ceremonial cave at Che Chem Ha, the ruins of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and San Ignacio. This trip then combines five days at our island Basecamp on Southwest Caye within spectacular Glover's Reef Atoll (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Experience Belize's premier kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling with the experts!
On the 3-day Cayo Caves & Temples Extension we explore the Che Chem Ha Pottery Caves the Mayan Ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. This shorter trip pairs perfectly with one of our all-inclusive 5-10 Day Belize itineraries.
WestJet Flights to Belize
WestJet offers a seasonal non-stop service from Calgary and Toronto to Belize to help Canadian's escape the long cold winters! Find out more about the service here:
WestJet Announces Direct Flight from Calgary to Belize
WestJet Announces New Non-Stop Service From Toronto to Belize City and Special Introductory Fares
Do you need help planning your Belize vacation?
One of our knowledgeable Trip Planners would be happy to plan or review your Belize itinerary. Contact us at 1-800-667-1630 or email: info@islandexpeditions.com.
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Discover Belize: Xunantunich and the Actun Chapat Cave System
First Time to Belize: Itinerary Ideas