Trip to Xunantunich and the Belize Zoo!

On Saturday we went to the Mayan ruins and the Belize zoo. Our first stop was the Mayan ruins. We saw howler monkeys and ancient buildings. Some of those buildings were used for sleeping, ball games, sacrifices, or seating areas. We went on top of one of the buildings and saw Guatemala, where our instructor, Juan, was born. We had a great view of both Belize and Guatemala. We also got to hear the screams of the howler monkeys, whose howls were used as the roars in Jurassic Park.

 After our tour of the Mayan ruins, we ate at a local restaurant called Benny’s. The food and drinks were delicious and everyone enjoyed it. The restaurant was filled with Belizeans eating delicious, authentic, local food. We then drove an hour back to the Tropical Education Center.

When it was nighttime, we departed for our tour of the Belize zoo. We saw eagles, owls, tapirs, jaguars, ocelots, pumas, crocodiles, a kinkajou, and an alligator. Most of us held a boa constrictor, which was very tame, around our necks. Our tour guides knew almost all there was to know about these animals and were very friendly. Some of the boys tried termites, and said they tasted minty. The Belize zoo was most peoples’ favorite part so far.

By: Jordan Williams and Sara Kirkham