Explore Ambergris Caye`s Maya Site: Marco

Explore Ambergris Caye`s Maya Site: Marco

THE SAN PEDRO SUN
VISITOR GUIDE
April 26, 2012
The
Island
Newspaper
FREE
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Central America
Vol. 22
#17
Explore Ambergris Caye’s Maya Site: Marco Gonzalez
Ambergris Caye provides the quintessential diving and snorkelling experience for all
and has been known to do so for years. This
small fishing village in little time catapulted
into THE premiere tourist destination in the
entire country of Belize. However, before
tourism and before fishing and pretty much
before WE did, the Mayas occupied Ambergris
Caye. With some 19 sites recognized on the
25 mile long island, of which none had been
preserved, Ambergris Caye was a mainstay
for the Mayas and now provides yet another
avenue for adventurous tourists.
The wealth of undiscovered history that
exists on Ambergris Caye is astounding. One
of the sites that has of recently, been providing some insight into the lives of the Mayas
that occupied Ambergris Caye, is the Marco
Gonzalez Maya Site.
As one flies onto the island, Marco Gonzalez becomes very noticeable as the site’s
distinctive vegetation clearly indicates its
boundaries; rich green vegetation and towering trees ringed by marshland and mangroves.
A 30 – 45 minute golf cart ride south of the
airstrip takes you to the gateway to Marco
Gonzalez. This approximately eight acre site,
located south of the island, has been visited
by the islanders and visitors for decades.
Surrounded by marshland and mangroves,
the site was almost inaccessible and previously unrecorded. Archaeologists Drs. David
Pendergast and Elizabeth Graham gave the
site its name during their first excavation in
1984, after their tour guide, Marco Gonzalez.
At the height of their occupation, Ambergris
Caye was home to an estimated 20,000
Maya traders. This is evident by the many
Mayan graves unearthed during construction
throughout the years by contractors.
Marco Gonzalez is believed to be over 2,000
years old. According to Jan Brown, Chair of the
Board of the Marco Gonzalez Project, excavations in 1986 provided solid documentation
linking Marco Gonzalez with the major center
of Lamanai, located some 113 miles away. A
boardwalk made of recycled lumber provides
entry to the site. One is guaranteed to see
a variety of wildlife, especially birds as one
walks over the boardwalks and onto the site.
Once you reach solid ground, jet black dirt
and towering vegetation welcomes you to the
site. The trees at the site include poisonwood,
white mangrove, gumbo limbo, palmettos,
cabbage palms, vines and tall grasses. There
are also scattered coconut palm trees over the
entire area. The mounds at Marco Gonzalez
are generally between five to ten feet tall.
Excavations have unearthed pottery
fragments (potsherds) dating to about A.D.
200-300. Human skeletons have also been unearthed along with jars, bowls and jewellery.
Archaeologists date these findings to about
A.D. 800 to 1000. The site floor is covered by
broken pottery believed to be centuries old.
According to Jan, pieces have been identified
from a span of A.D. 200 to A.D. 1500.
The site consists of 49 archaeological structures. It is believed that Marco Gonzalez was
a trade center, with the main item being salt,
believed to have been shipped to Honduras
Continued on Page 3
226-2012
April 26, 2012
Visitor Guide Page 1
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Ambergris Caye, Belize
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Page 2 Visitor Guide
April 26, 2012
Marco
Gonzalez
Continued from Page 1
and the Bay Islands all around the Yucatan
peninsula and to the Gulf Coasts of Campeche
and Tabasco.
A trip to Marco Gonzalez also provides the
ideal platform for visitors interested in bird
watching. With Jan as your guide, the experience comes alive as she causes your imagination to soar, bringing the lifestyle of the Mayas
alive in your mind. A task on the site is to see
who can spot pieces of the rare obsidian and
flint, used by the Mayas as cutting tools or
as stone axe and spearheads. One particular
mound stands approximately fifteen feet tall
and is made up of conch shells and limestone.
Based on its location to the west of the site, it
is believed to have been used as some sort of
a beacon for travellers. Apart from this, conch
shells were used in much of the construction
at the Marco Gonzalez site, apart from being
used as jewellery and food.
Marco Gonzalez is opened to the public and
guided tours are being provided by Jan Brown.
Park fees are as follows: US$10 or Bze $20,
children twelve years and under is half price
while there is no charge for children under
five. Presently the site has a Visitor Center
containing artefacts and exhibits as well as
bathroom facilities. To get your personal
experience of Marco Gonzalez, contact Jan
Brown at 662-2725.
April 26, 2012
Visitor Guide Page 3
IMPORTANT #s
Police206-2022
South Police Sub-Station - 610-4911
Fire206-2372
Emergency911
Crimestoppers 800 922-TIPS
Los Pinos Clinic 602-6383 and 2262686.
Dr. Lerida Rodriguez: 226-2197 or cell
620-1974.
Dr. Miguel Allison: 226-4052 or cell
600-9071. (Pharmacy 226-4051)
San Pedro Chiropractic Clinic 6296562.
Doc, Chiropractor: 634-0723.
Hyperbaric Chamber - 226-2851 or
226-3195, Antonia Guerrero - 628-3828
or 226- 4501.
San Pedro Polyclinic II - 226-2536. Dr.
Zuniga: 670-8755.
Ambergris Hopes Clinic - 226-2660,
Emergencies: 629-3618.
US Embassy - 822-4011
Labour Office - 206-2700 (Open 8am 5pm, Mon. - Fri.)
Canadian Consulate - 223-1060
Mexican Embassy - 223-0193
Guatemalan Embassy - 223-3150
Honduran Embassy - 224-5889
British High Commissioner – 822-2146
Local British Warden – 226-3658/6103658
San Carlos Medical (MD & Dentist
Services) - 7:30am - 9:00pm, 226-2918
Escalante Neighborhood Watch - 6057803 Daytime only, 662-2725 Nighttime
only, 630-5945- Call between 10:30pm
and 6:00am.
AA Meetings: Daily 7:30pm, 5 Boca Del
Rio O,M,W,D. 226-2020.
Church Services
San Pedro Roman Catholic Church
Sunday Mass: (English) 8am & 10am &
Baptism: 11am; Spanish: 7pm; Mass or
Communion Service every night at 7pm.
Saturday evening: Anticipated Sunday
Mass: 7p.m. Daily Masses 7am & 7pm.
Living Word Church Service Sun. 10:45
a.m, Youth Meetings on Sundays at
7:30p.m., Women’s meetings on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., and Men’s meetings on
Thursday at 7:30 p.m. We do Christian
charity work. 226-2950.
Assembly of God Church on
Angel Coral St. T-W-St.-Sn. at 7:30 p.m.
Lighthouse Christian Radio - 101.3 FM.
226-4673, Cor. Buccaneer & Pescador
Drive.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints - Sunday Services: Sacrament Meeting 9am, Sunday School
10am, Priesthood & Relief Society 11am.
Wednesday Scripture Study 7:00 pm. On
the beach, in front of Ambergris Divers
@ Blue Rail Apartments.
San Pedro Church of Christ: Across the
bridge to the left. 206-2731. Services:
Sunday – 9am-11am, Bible Study &
Worship Service. 7pm-8:30pm – Worship
Service. Wednesday – 7pm-to8:30pm,
Bible Study; Thursday – Ladies Classes;
Friday-Youth Class
Miscellaneous
The Lions Club of San Pedro relies on income from its Friday Night BBQ, plus Reds’ famous chicken ceviche to support
the needy community. Bingo starts at 7:00pm every Friday!!
Help a great cause -have dinner with us!
Green Reef A non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of sustainable use and conservation of Belize’s marine and
coastal resources. [email protected] /226-2833.
Saga Society A non-profit “humane society” to address the
stray cat and dog population in San Pedro. Phone 226-3266.
SP Town Library - 206-2028.
SP Post Office - 206-2260.
Water, Sports & Tours
GRUMPY & HAPPY - Snorkeling - private snorkel tours - just
you on the boat, no set schedule! Visitors with special needs and
children are welcome. Call 226-3420 or 672-1234. Visit www.
grumpyandhappy.com, or Email: [email protected].
WHITE SANDS DIVE SHOP - Specializing in daily fullservice diving and SCUBA instruction. We pick you up at your
hotel’s dock. www.whitesandsdiveshop.com, 226-2405.
Real Estate...
SUNRISE REALTY - Land, homes, businesses, condos
and investment properties. Call 226-3737, fax 226-3379 or
E-mail: [email protected]
RE/MAX Isla Bonita, 1ocated at 10 Coconut Drive, San
Pedro. 226-4400 e-mail: [email protected] or visit our
website at www.owninbelize.com
AMBERGRIS VACATION RENTALS - A full service property management company. Vacation Rentals and Long Term
Rentals. Relocation Services. 11 years of experience working
and living in San Pedro. www.ambergrisvacationrentals.com,
[email protected], US Reservations: 1-310-4387368, Belize cells: +501-600-3579, +501-625-1390.
Transportation...
CARTS BELIZE - Conveniently located just one block north of
the airstrip. Hourly, Daily & Weekly. Call 226-4084.
COASTAL XPRESS WATER TAXI – Scheduled ferry service
& water taxi for Ambergris Caye. Phone 226-3007.
Crystal Auto Rentals - Two locations in Belize:
Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport and 5 Miles Northern
Highway. Free shuttle service to and from our Belize City office
to anywhere in Belize City. Tel: 011-501-223-1600 Fax: 011501-223-1900 (direct dialing from U.S.A.) Toll Free in Belize:
0-800-777-7777 Email: [email protected] or visit
our website at http://crystal-belize.com
Get Transfers - Executive transfer and tour services anywhere in Belize. Also Chetumal, Cancun, Quintana Roo and even
Merida and Guatemala. Phone: 422-2485 (Fx: 422-3511) or email:
[email protected].
Services...
CASTILLO’S HARDWARE - Storm supplies, electronics, household appliances, tools, home repair items and
a wide variety of paints, stains and varnishes. Pescador
Drive. Phone 226-2302.
Party...Party...Party!!
Fido’s Restaurant & Bar - Sunday Funday – Live Music & Jam;
Monday: Taco Night; Tuesday – Karaoke; Thursday – Wings Night;
Friday – Prime Rib special; Saturday Night – Rockin’ Night! Every
Night is a special night at Fido’s! 226-3176.
Wet Willy’s - The fun starts here, at the end of the pier! Open daily
from 11AM, with special evening activities. 226-4136. On the dock in
front of Blue Tang Inn.
Caprice Bar & Grill @ HOLIDAY HOTEL - Enjoy delicious tropical cocktails and hang out on the deck on the beach. Barrier Reef Dr.
226-2014.
Tourist
Information
Belize Tourism Board - 227-2419.
Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) - 227-5717.
Belize Hotel Association - 2230669, [email protected]
San Pedro Tourist Guide Association 226-2391.
Page 4 Visitor Guide
April 26, 2012
THE SAN PEDRO SUN VISITOR’S GUIDE
...Dining Out...
Ak’bol Yoga Resort - Vegetarian/Vegan/Carnivore, Beach Bar Grill, hearty
breakfasts served all day + lunch open 7-8pm. Local food @ local prices + fish +
salads + pizzas + desserts. 1 mile north of the bridge, on the beach.
MICKEY’S PLACE - Open daily 6:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. for breakfast, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00
p.m. for lunch and 6 - 10 p.m. for dinner. Burritos on Wednesdays. Pescador
Drive. Call 226-2223.
BLUE WATER GRILL – Island cuisine with a twist! Wood-fired Oven Pizzas, Sushi & more! Open daily. Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m.
226-3347.
Hurricanes Ceviche Bar - Not just drinks, we
serve delicious seafood and yummy bar eats. Dining and drinks with a view. Located on the water
between Sunbreeze and The Palms. 226-4124.
AJI Tapa Bar & Restaurant: Open Daily
11am - 9pm. Happy Hour Daily: 1pm - 4pm. Please
join us: 226-4047.
George’s Kitchen - Serving Belizean and American cuisine. Open Wednesday through Sunday for
breakfast and lunch: 7am - 3pm and Dinner, 6pm
- 9pm. Mondays Open from 7am - 3pm. Closed
Tuesdays. 226-2974.
CASA PICASSO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE – Enjoy
tapas dining with global flavors in an
artful setting. Specialty martinis &
wines compliment the menu. Dinner
served Tuesday-Sunday 5:30pm –
10pm. Reservations suggested 2264443. [email protected].
Located south of town beyond the
Crystal Water Plant.
Portofino Restaurant - Enjoy
our Euro-Caribbean inspired menu
and spectacular Caribbean views. Also offering a full VEGETARIAN Menu. For
Reservations & Free Transportation, please call 226-5096 or 678-5096.
Lola’s Pub - The best stocked bar on the island! Martinis, Single Malt, Bourbon,
Pickleback Shots, Tequila Shot Chillers. Karaoke Free Zone. Across from Belize
Bank on Front Street. 206-2120.
Sunset Restaurant & Bar, Come Feed the Tarpons – Serving International Menu. Open daily from 11AM till 10PM. Vegetarian platters available
if requested. Call 226-2601 for reservations. Rated AAA; enjoy the sunset on
open water.
Kama Lounge Bistro - Ethnic fusion cuisine, exotic Kama-kazes, sliders and
trio desserts. Located over the bridge. Candlelight beachside dinners.
[email protected], 226-3709.
~Unique Offerings~
SAN PEDRO FITNESS CLUB – A/C Gym,
Fully-equipped. Open to the public.
Tennis Courts, Lap and Family pools. As
about our GROUP rates & PROFESSIONAL
trainers. Open 7am-8pm Monday - Friday,
7am-5pm Saturday, 11am-5pm Sundays.
226-4749. www.sanpedrofitnessclub.com
THE GREENHOUSE - Fresh Produce &
Seafood. Belizean and imported speciality.
Fresh herbs, cold cuts, chilled goods, plus
an exciting selection of groceries. A/C local
on Pescador Dr, next to St. Francis Xavier
Credit Union. 226-2084.
AK’BOL YOGA RESORT-drop in daily
YOGA monday thru saturday 9am, sundays 10am ALL levels. Yoga RETREATS/
drop in classes+meditation+pranayama.
Full Moon Gatherings drumming/chanting. KIDS Yoga/Prenatal/Mom + Baby.
MASSAGE $75US. BACKPACKERS/shared
bath. Summer Cabana rates. Vegetarian
options/Cooking Classes. 626-6296 drop
by....no reservations needed
CAYE INTERNATIONAL BANK - Offering
Demand Deposit Accounts, Loans, Savings Accounts, etc. [email protected] or phone
226-2388.
goNature Health Food Store: Assisting you in achieving, maintaining and
enhancing your health and wellness goals.
Shop goNature for your Vitamins, Supplements, Specialty Grains and Flours, Sports
Nutrition, Vegetarian Diet, Gluten Free
Diet, Organic Goods. Located next to Belize Yacht Club Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm
and Sat 10am-2pm. 601-9214.
Marco Gonzalez Archaeological
Reserve: The only Archaeological Reserve on an island in Belize. Jungle, Birding,
Critters & more! Site open 7 days a week
8AM-5PM, Admission fee applies. For tour
information call Jan Brown, 226-2059/6622725. www.marcogonzalezmayasite.com
April 26, 2012
Visitor Guide Page 5
Page 6 Visitor Guide
April 26, 2012
Wolfe’s
Woofers
by
Dennis Wolfe
Protect
your drink
“Where are we going, anyway?” I asked.
“Well, I know you like to shoot pool,” Squiggy said. “We have a new sports bar in the city
now that has ten pool tables. I thought we’d give it a try.”
“Is it a decent place?”
“Yeah. They have great security and they have TV’s all over the bar showing only sports.
Even better, they serve sixteen-ounce beers on tap.”
“I hate to stay overnight in Belize City,” I told him, “but at least I’ll enjoy it if we get to
shoot some 8-Ball.”
“There’s only one thing I don’t like about this place,” Squiggy said, as we walked into the
bar. “They won’t let you take your drink into the pool room because they don’t want people
spilling beer on the new billiard tables. You have to leave it on the table outside the door.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“The last time I was here somebody kept
stealing my drinks,” Squiggy said. “They stole
three beers from me while I was shooting
pool. I think I figured out how to stop them
from doing that.”
“Watch this,” he said, as we started into the
pool room.
He sat his beer on the table and pulled out
a pen and paper from his pocket. He wrote a
note and stuck it under the edge of his beer.
The note said, “I spit in this beer.”
“That should stop anybody from stealing it,”
Squiggy said, as we went inside the pool room.
“Hey, your beer is still here,” I said, when we
came out for a drink fifteen minutes later. “It
still has the note.”
“Yeah,” Squiggy said, with a disgusted look.
“Read it.”
As Squiggy had written, the note said, “I spit
in this beer.”
Underneath it someone had written, “Me
too.”
YOUR ISLAND SPECIALISTS!
TEL 501-226-3737/FAX 501-226-3379
www.SunriseBelize.com
E-mail: [email protected]
All prices are in US dollars and subject to change without notice. For further details
on these properties and much more call your AMBERGRIS CAYE SPECIALISTS
April 26, 2012
Visitor Guide Page 7
Page 8 Visitor Guide
April 26, 2012