Ruins and Waterfalls: Take 2

Day 4 (Tuesday)

We began the morning by visiting Rio Frio, a very large open cave system with a stream flowing through it.  Unlike our canoeing trip, this cave was visibly open at both ends and easy to walk through. Archaeologists have determined that the Mayans used it for offerings during certain times of the years, but no human remains have been discovered.  A short stop, but interesting to see.

The main stop of the morning was at Caracol, a large Mayan archaeological site.  It was an extremely important city to the Mayans and had up to 200,000 inhabitants (more than present day Belize city).  In fact, the main pyramid at Caracol is still the tallest man-made structure in Belize, a fact made even more amusing considering the site was only discovered in  1937!

Although this is a massive city of great historical importance, there actually wasn't too much to see.  Compared to Tikal, it was much easier to walk around and get a feel for the place.  There are a couple reasons for this.  First, Tikal was discovered earlier so excavations have been going on for much longer.  Secondly, all of the excavations at Caracol are being done by a single husband/wife team and their students, whereas at Tikal there are at least 4 different groups working on it.  This makes for very slow progress at Caracol.  However, the parts that we did see were pretty impressive.  The main pyramid was interesting in that it was constructed in 3 unique levels, and from the ground you can only see the first level.  As you go up you begin to see additional levels...so weird!  We also saw an entire colony of oropendolas which was pretty funny.  It was a more laid-back tour around the site, but quite interesting.

Level 1 of the main temple

Level 3 of the main temple

Sculpture on the temple

Astronomical Plaza

We had a lovely picnic lunch before heading to Rio On Pools--a series of waterfalls and pools to swim in.  One of the falls gave a nice back massage and another pool was deep enough for a relaxing swim.  This was a great way to cool off before we returned to Hidden Valley.

Back massage!!!

The family swimming around...or hanging out on a sand bar

Day 5 (Wednesday)

Well our time in the jungle comes to an end.  We had breakfast at Hidden Valley and then set off by road to Hopkins Bay.  This trip took most of the day over VERY bumpy roads, but we were treated to some smooth sailing with paved segments.  We did get to make a nice stop for some zip lining, including one line over 1/2 mile long.  This was quite enjoyable for everyone, even my mom (who is scared of heights).

Ready for some serious business

WHOOOOSH

We did eventually arrive at our resort, and it seems that being greeted by a drink is customary (hey, I'm fine with that!).  I am sitting in front of the pool and looking at the ocean while sipping a mango daiquiri as I finish this entry.  I pity certain individuals stuck in arctic wastelands who are having blizzards right now (not naming any names).  Anyway, hope everyone is doing well.  Until next time!