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Belize Introduces Maya 2012 Passport, Announces Solstice and Equinox Camping Events

BELIZE CITY (December 22, 2011) - Belize, known as "Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret" and the epicenter of the Mundo Maya, today introduced its Maya 2012 Passport for travelers interested in visiting the country's mysterious archaeological sites in 2012. The passport - a souvenir booklet that allows the holder single entry into a number of participating Archaeological sites - is the centerpiece of Belize's countrywide effort to enhance the 2012 experience for travelers interested in experiencing Mayan culture and history during this enigmatic year.

In celebration of the Maya Calendar and the completion of the 13th Baktun, travelers can enjoy the Maya 2012 Passport from December 21, 2011 - December 21, 2012. Starting at U.S. $25, passport holders receive access to each participating site, including Altun Ha, Barton Creek Cave, Cahal Pech, Caracol, Cerro Maya, El Pilar, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Nim Li Punit, Nohoch Che'en, Serpon Sugar Mill and Xunantunich. The passport also includes background information and maps for all of the participating sites. Belize's Archaeological sites are open 365 days a year, from 8am - 5pm. For more information on the Maya 2012 Passport, please visit www.TravelBelize.org.

Equinox and Solstice Events
Belize is welcoming travelers to take part in Equinox Celebrations happening at Caracol Maya Site on March 20-21, June 20-12, September 20-21 and December 20-21 of 2012. Given the allure of Belize's Maya sites and the mystery shrouding December 21, 2012, the National Institute of Culture & History (NICH) in Belize has decided to allow visitors with a once in a lifetime opportunity: witness the rising sun over the Archaeological site of Caracol while celebrating the Spring and Summer solstices or the vernal and Autumnal equinoxes.

Limited to 100 guests per event, the Maya Equinox Celebrations will allow travelers to camp overnight at Caracol on the evening of the 20th in the given month. Upon arrival on the 20th, guests will be given a tour by a senior member of NICH, followed by a traditional Maya meal of cochinito en pibil, tamales and more in the Caracol camp kitchen. The camping party will welcome the morning of the solstice or equinox with a traditional fire ceremony, performed by a native Maya shaman. After witnessing the rising sun over the temples, travelers will have a traditional Maya breakfast and then return to San Ignacio.

Institute of Archaeology's Director, Dr Awe said," This is an extremely rare opportunity for travelers to actually spend the night at Caracol and witness the beauty of the rising sun on these sacred final days of the Maya calendar.". He continued by saying that "2012 is such a special year for the Maya and Belize as a whole. We're overjoyed to share it with our guests at these events."

Tickets to the Maya Equinox Celebrations cost U.S. $150 per person and will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. The price covers camping fee, site entrance fee, professional guide, fire ceremony and two meals.

• Lodging Specials in Belize
  Many of Belize's resorts are offering specials to coincide with 2012. These include:
  
• The Lodge at Chaa Creek - offering a Belize Maya Heartland 2012 package that includes two full-day tours of Maya sites like Caracol or Xunantunich, as well as meals, spa treatments and on-site activities. The package starts at U.S. $2,996. Please visit www.chaacreek.com for more information.
  
• Mariposa Jungle Lodge is offering an all-inclusive adventure package called "January in the Jungle," featuring a culture tour of nearby Maya villages and excursions to Caracol, Mt. Pine Ridge, Rio Frio Cave and Big Rock Falls. The package starts at U.S. $1,197. For more information please email info@mariposajunglelodge.com.
  
• The Lodge at Big Falls is offering a Mayan Explorer package that includes monkey river tour; excursion to Lubaantun Maya site, Rio Blanco National Park and Blue Creek Cave. The package starts at U.S. $1,075 per person. For more information, please email info@thelodgeatbigfalls.com.
  
• Ka'ana Boutique Resort is offering an overnight experience to Caracol, where visitors will stay after dark, exploring the ancient city and listening to legends of times past in the ultimate secluded setting. The overnight adventure includes a private nighttime tour of Caracol, meals prepared by an authentic Mayan cook, and a private room amidst the largest Mayan ruin in Belize. For pricing details or to book this package, please visit www.kaanabelize.com or call 1-877- KAANA-21.

About the Belize Tourism Board

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is a statutory body within the Belize Ministry of Tourism, and it is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Tourism. The BTB works in conjunction with members of the private sector - including the Belize Hotel Association, Belize Tourism Industry Association and Belize National Tour Operators Association - and is dedicated to building tourism in the most economically and environmentally sustainable manner. As a part of its responsibilities, the BTB promotes Belize as a premier tourism destination to both in-country and international consumers. Among its outreach to the international travel market, the BTB markets the country's unique attractions to travellers, members of the travel trade industry and media outlets in key markets.

The BTB is also dedicated to developing and implementing tourism programs that will help strengthen and grow the Belizean tourism industry; promote good destination stewardship; and instill high quality standards for accommodations and travel experiences. For more information on the BTB and its services, visit www.belizetraveltrade.org.