Our contribution to supporting responsible tourism

From the cacao tree to a local chocolate factory, a bar of Maya chocolate carries stories of tradition and innovation. What should we know about the chocolate and the people who make it? We talked with Julio Saqui, founder and owner of Che’il Mayan Chocolate Factory, to see how chocolate becomes a medium to safeguard Maya culture and empower the local community. 

Millions visit the famous archaeological reserves in Belize every year, yet there are still a few sites that barely get any visitors or are closed to tourism. Here are some of the hidden Maya archaeological sites in Belize (plus some contacts to plan your trip).

The ways in which people around the globe choose to travel has changed immensely in recent years. Travelers are seeking out are more ‘green’ than ever before. A common term being used in the industry is ‘sustainable tourism,’ yet, there seems to be some confusion surrounding what it means. In the case of Belize, sustainable tourism is certainly a priority for several businesses. We sat down with Hamanasi and Ka’ana Resorts to gain a more nuanced perspective as to how this is playing out on the ground.

Here is a guide to visiting Indian Church Village, a small settlement with vibrant culture next to Lamanai Archaeological Reserve in Northern Belize.

Yan o’oh K’abej’tIL ka ti yan’kun uj chu’x bejbal ti kux’tal ka til yeej tijo ti waj sutil. Walak oh ka’all tee ho ti sutiloj uh mu’k oh kux’tal, tuba kuxlaho eletel ta’kin ti walak oh bel ti sut etel uh k’ato ah hu’npiel ba’al tee ka uj wailto ti tan uh betic a ki tee ah yokolcab.

Community museums are a great place to visit if you want to learn more about local culture. Many of these small spaces are grassroots initiatives that allow the community to explore local histories and to provide educational opportunities for the younger generations. Making it easier to find these amazing places, here is a local's guide to community museums in Northern Belize.

Learn about history and Archaeology at Nim Li Punit, Toledo! Tucked away in the richly diverse foothills of the Maya Mountains, Nim Li Punit is one of the smaller Maya sites open to visitors in southern Belize’s Toledo District. Despite its modest size, Nim Li Punit has been the subject of international attention in recent decades because of its remarkable collection of stelae. Spread across the site, these monumental stone sculptures were used to commemorate the lives of political leaders, historical battles and ceremonial activity during the site’s settlement in the Late Classic period (C.E. 600-900).

If you are a social enterprise business (or you want to become one) and you are lost on where to start, below are some green tips to help you become an ethical tourism stakeholder – compiled by Ecomadic.

There is a growing need for authentic and cultural tourism experiences. If you are a business and lost on where to start, here are some green tips for improving ethical experiences compiled by Ecomadic.

Small and local businesses play an important role in destinations all over the world. Community development and well-being, increased local character and prosperity, environmental sustainability, and healthy competition/product diversity are just some of the benefits that a concentration of local businesses can bring to local places.