Finding a Little Heaven in San Ignacio, Belize!

by Manali Mane (Ireland)

I didn't expect to find Belize

This is a story about an unexpected encounter with the contributors of a heavenly experience in San Ignacio, a small town in Western Belize. It was my third day here and I wanted to see the Barton Creek Caves. Mike, the owner of Cohune Palms Resort where I was staying, got me in touch with David from David’s Adventure Tours, the owner and also the man who discovered the Barton Creek Caves. My excitement level just shot up after hearing this. More than the Cave, I was now excited to meet David! The next day, I meet David for the tour. I see a friendly man with long dreadlocks reaching his knee, wearing a hat. He greeted me with open arms and warmth that instantly put me to ease! Calm and composed, having wa lee puff as they say here, he introduced me to Sara who was another guest joining us on the excursion. While talking to Sara I learnt that she was staying at David’s place which got me curious. Turns out David has a place called Guaca Mayo Campground, which does not adequately describe the beautiful jungle home and buildings located on his land about 10 miles up the Macal River. David built everything himself, carving a masterpiece in sync with nature. It is open for people to stay either camping or in a southern style cohune leaf palapa and experience the Mayan lifestyle, see his farm and immerse themselves in the beauty of the nature that his place has to offer. Curiosity led me to this beautiful campground after our tour. I was surprised at the commute. Where David and his family climb 200 stairs up and down, canoe from one side to the other across the Macal river and another hour worth of a drive everyday, which they absolutely love. David says, that’s how he stays fit! I was stunned to see people so happy with the minimalist lifestyle where he spends most of his time touring around and when back home takes care of his farm and family, and then enjoys his lee puff at the end of a long day on the bench overlooking the Macal river and mountains across from his family home. This beautiful homestead is one of the oldest un-excavated Mayan sites in the region. The 30 acre land used to be a forest, until David turned it into a small paradise that has a farm, a small jungle for bird/animal watching, a chair on the hill overlooking Macal River and a pyramid shaped mound to view a gorgeous sunrise from. Now isn't that a dreamy life? Your only sources of entertainment up here is to explore the wildlife, walk into the jungles, listen to the chirping birds, animals and insects, go star and bird gazing, watch a beautiful sunrise/sunset from one of the Mayan mounds, munch on some delicious, fresh avocados and fruits, talk to David and his wife and learn about Mayan culture, take a splash in the Macal river, listen to the roosters crow in the morning, and more often than not see the Scarlet Macaws and Toucans that come to this paradise early morning to feed. In short, disconnect yourself from the world to truly connect to your surroundings. I was amazed to see how happy, carefree, true to nature, connected and well aware people were. After my whole experience of exploring this beautiful crest, I thought to myself if I could ever find the contentment like this! Well as it turns out I could easily stay in a place like this for a weekend or a week knowing that I would be getting back to the city, in my Puget Sound facing apartment in Seattle. And now that I am back in Seattle, all I can think of and truly miss is this little heaven build by David far away from Civilization. Mayans love to meet and greet new people, making you instantly feel like a part of their family. With a peculiar encounter, abundant nature, gracious company, delectable food, this is as close as you can get to experiencing their culture and tradition. What is it that heart wants? For now, more experiences like these.