Day 8: Military Checkpoint

What a day!

We had planned an excursion to Coracol, one of the largest of the Mayan cities, deep in the jungle and only partially excavated.

We woke to torrential rains. But after checking the weather report and finding out that there was no predicting the weather in Belize, we decided to forge ahead. The rain stopped but we were glad we were in a 4 wheel drive truck. Let's just say that paved roads are an expensive luxury and one we shouldn't take for granted.

You can't get to Coracol without a military escort. Really. The army. Checkin time is 10:30. They escort all tourists to and from the city because there were attacks from highwaymen a few years back. A slight thrill of danger only heightens the experience!

Unexpectedly, I saw my first Swallowtail Kites. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. We were saddened by the forest. A huge area was formerly covered in towering pine trees but a research scientist who was experimenting with pine beetles let some out by accident and they are rapidly eating the forest away.

The ruins were stunning. Huge, silent, peaceful. A testament to the complexity and sophistication of the Mayan civilization.

Belize Trip Back Blips
Day 1: Lost Luggage and Laminai
Day 2: The Ruins of the British (and Mayan) Empires
Day 3: Journey to Chan Chich
Day 4: Jungle Oasis
Day 5: It's a jungle out here
Day 6: We win the Survivor reward challenge
Day 7: Floating down the river to infinity
Day 8: A Military Escort
Day 9: People Watching
Day 10: Toilet Humour
Day 11: Tikal Immersion
Day 12: Roxie and the Machete
Day 13: Communing with Tikal
Day 14: Slash and Burn
Day 15: Swimming with Sharks
Day 16: Passage of the Mangroves
Day 17: Exploring San Pedro
Day 18: Lost and Found