S P R I N G / S U MME R 2 0 1 4 Y E A R 7 , I S S U E 2

I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E
Heart of Toledo
Adventure Trail
1
Chocolate Festival
1
Birding with Lee
Jones
2
BTIA Welcomes New
Information Officer
3
Calender of Events
4
Eladios Chocolate
Adventure
5
Map of PG
6
Restaurant Guide
7
Registered Tour
Operators
7
Bus Schedule
8
Transport Schedules
9
Sapodilla Cayes at a
Glance
10
Word on the Street
11
From Your Valentine
11
BTIA Members List
13
Wats Cookin?
Blue Crab
14
BTIA Welcomes New
Members
15
Map of Toledo
District
16
Newspaper of the Toledo Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association
Heart of Toledo Adventure Trail
TheHeartofToledoadventureTrailisa
collaborationbetweentheDestinationPlan
ningdepartmentattheBelizeTourismBoard
andBTIAmembersandothersmallbusi
nessesownersincentralToledo.RobHirons
fromtheLodgeatBigFallswhohasbeen
involvedwiththeprojectfromitsinception
said,Itisagreatexampleofcollaboration
betweentheTourismBoardandsmallbusi
nessownersinthearea.BTBhasthere
sourcesandthelocalshavetheknowledge
andthisprojectbringsthetwotogetherina
waythatcouldbeamodelforfuturetour
ismtraildevelopments.KevinGonzalez,
DirectorofDestinationPlanningalongwith
hiscolleaguesCliveMyersandArloCansino
workedonbringingtheprojecttofruitionat
theBelizeTourismBoard.
Thetrailcomprisesarangeofcultural,ad
ventureandnaturalhistoryexperienceslo
catedaroundtheloopthatrunsnorthfrom
BigFallsvillage,westthroughthevillagesof
SilverCreek,SanMiguelandSanPedroCo
lumbiaaroundtotheDumpjunctionatmile
fourteenandbacktoBigFalls.
Thereisabrochurethatincludesamapwith
thelocationsofeachhomeorbusinessanda
descriptionofwhattoexpect.Onceonthe
roadeachplaceisindicatedbyagreen
ToledoAdventureTrailsign.Thesetwo
thingsmakeitreallyeasyforvisitorsfrom
Belizeoroverseastodesigntheirselfguided
routetakingintheattractionsthatappealto
them.
Ifyouarelookingforpureadventurethen
BigFallsExtremeAdventuresoffersitssix
stagezipline,whiletheLodgeatBigFalls
offerskayakingtripsfromSanMiguelvillage
downstreamtothelodgeitselfusingitssit
ontopHobiekayaks.BothExtremeAdven
turesandthelodgeofferrivertubingalong
thesamestretchofriver.Atoneplacea
creekenterstheriverfromahotspringon
thehillside.Guestscangetoutandwallow
inthewarmpoolsjustabovethepoint
wherethetwowatersjoin.Onemilenorth
ofBigFallsyoutakealeftturnofftheSouth
ernHighwayontothedirtroadthatleadsto
Lubaantun.Thefirstvillageyoureachafter
halfamileisSilverCreekwhereyoucanvisit
thehomeofFlorentinaandMiguelChocoa
KekchiMayanorganicfarmerandmember
oftheToledoCacaoGrowersAssociation.He
hasakitchengardenofaboutanacrethat
hasanenormousvarietyoffruitsandvege
tables.Theseincludetwotypesofcocoa
(cacao).Thefirstistheonecultivatedfor
exporttomakeGreenandBlacksMayan
Goldchocolate.ThesecondiscalledBalaam
andisthesamevarietythatwasusedasa
formofcurrencybytheancientMaya.
TheHowlerwroteaboutMiguelandhisfarm
intheOctober2008editionoftheHowler.
FurtheralongtheroadinthevillageofSan
PedroColumbiathereisanotherMayanor
ganiccacaogrower,EladioPop,whoruns
theAgoutiFarm.Eladioshouseisinthevil
lageandhisplantationjustalittlewayout
side.Guestscaneatlunchathishomeand
havetheopportunitytoroastandgrindca
caotomakeacacaodrink.Eladioisoneof
BTIAsnewestmembersandyoucanreada
fullerarticleabouthimandhisfarmonPage
5.
TheToledoBotanicalArboretumofAlfredo
andYvonneVilloriaisafascinatingcollection
withahugevarietyoffruitingandflowering
plants and trees.
Call (+501) 632-7701, warasadrumschool@gmail.com
Warasa Garifuna Drum School
a must-do
experience for any
visitor to Belize
TripAdvisor 5* rated

Drumming,
dancing, drum-making
& more.
Find us on Facebook
(and in Punta Gorda!)


Offers the best in Belizean dishes and a variety of seafood.
Clean and comfortable rooms, AC, TV.
Opens daily: 6:30 am to 10:30 pm.
Phone: 702-2414 mail: gracemcp@hotmail.com
Kayak the Rio Grande
Living Maya Experience Lunch
Roasting Cacao beans
Continue on page 3
Chocolate Festival of Belize 2014
Toledoisgearinguponceagaintocele
bratetheeighthChocolateFestivalof
BelizethatwilltakeplaceontheCom
monwealthDayweekendfromFriday
23Sunday25May.Theoverallformat
remainssimilarbuteachdaywillbeen
hancedwithnewattractionsandactivi
ties.
Thefestivalopenswithitsgalaevening
ofWineandChocolate,sponsoredonce
againbyBowenandBowenwhowillbe
offeringtheirsignaturechocolatestout.
Thisyeartheeventmovesbackinto
PuntaGordatownandwillbeheldat
GarbuttsMarineandFishingLodgeon
thewatersidebyJoeTaylorCreek.
OnSaturdayalltheactiontakesplacein
PuntaGordatownonFrontStreet
wherelocalethnicgroupswilldisplay
theirculturalfoodandmusicandBeliz
eanchocolatierswillhavesamplesof
theirwaresavailableforpurchase.
Thefestivalmovesintotheheartof
ToledoonSundaytoLubaantunMayan
site.ThisyearthedancersoftheBaktun
13groupfromMayaCentrewillreturn
toperformandtherewillbeperform
ancesbyJoseChunandfamilyfromSan
Marcosvillagewhoformastringen
sembleplayingtheMayanharp,violin
andguitar.Themarimbawillbeper
formedbyanothergroupfromBlue
Creekvillage.
2

Lee Jones: Attracting Birds to Your Yard
I havealwaysbeentheonlybirderinmyfamily.
Mywife,despiteheruncannyabilitytospotbirds
alongthehighwayandpointthemouttomeas
wezippastat50mph,hadnointerestwhatso
everinlearningtheirnamesorhowtheyfitinto
theoverallschemeofthings.Mysonthought
birdingwasdumb.Mydaughterwasstilltoo
youngtofullycomprehendtheincrediblemagic
ofbirdsandbirding.OrsoIthought.
Recently,thatallchangednotgradually,not
throughconstantcoaxingonmypart,not
throughincreasedexposuretotheworldofbirds.
Theirconversionwasinstantaneous.Oneday:
Duh;Blah;Whatsthebigdeal?Nextday:
OhmyGod!Awesome!Whatsthatbird
called,again?Thatoneoverthere.Theonewith
theorangebreastandblackhood.Oh,andthat
beautifulblueoneoverthere?Andthatbrightred
one?
Themagicwand?Bananas.Yes,bananas.Lotsof
bananas.Addanoccasionalpapaya,afewsliced
oranges,andVoila!Instantconversion.Oh,and
sugarwater.Cantforgetthesugarwater.
LastAugustwemovedintoanewhousewith
threelargemangotrees,analmondtree,and
mostimportantly,adeadgoldenpluminthe
backyard.Andfortunately,asitturnsout,acou
pleofquiteproductivebananaplants.Idecided
toputupafruitfeedertoseeifitwouldbringin
anybirds.Itookacoupleofsmallplanksand
drovelongnailsinthemspacedabouttwoinches
apart.Iplacedtheplanksstrategicallyinthedead
goldenplumatabouteyelevel,spikedsomeba
nanasandpapayasonthenailsprotrudingoutthe
topoftheplank,andwaited.Andwaited.Wegot
afewneatbutterfliesthatwereattractedtothe
rottingfruit,butnobirds.Iwaspatient.Besides,I
likedwatchingthebutterfliesandtryingtofigure
outwhattheyallwere.
Acoupleofweeksaftersettingupthefruit
feeder,whenwewereinSpanishLookout,Ipur
chasedacoupleofhummingbirdfeedersatRie
mersFarmSupply.Weriggedupaclotheslineon
apulleysystemfromourbackverandatothe
goldenplumandhungthefeedersonit.Toour
surprise,withinadayortwo,acoupleofGreen
breastedMangohummingbirdsstartedcomingto
them.Theconversionhadbegun.
Immediatelyafterthat,acoupleofBluegray
Tanagersdiscoveredthefruitfeeder,followedby
apairofGoldenfrontedWoodpeckers.Bynow,
fallmigrationwasunderway,andtheannualin
fluxofavianvisitorsfromNorthAmerica,someof
whichfeastonfruitduringthewinter,wereturn
ingupineverincreasingnumbers.Bytheendof
Septemberwehadfourspeciesoforioles
comingtothefeederdaily,includingapair
ofSpotbreastedOrioles,aspecies
thatwasunrecordedinBelizeuntil
2007andisstillquiterare.
SummerTanagersalsobeganap
pearingatthefeederinSeptember
alongwithacouplemoreresident
species:YellowwingedTanagerand
BlackcowledOriole.TheGreen
breastedMangosdepartedforparts
unknowninOctober,onlytobere
placedseveraldayslaterbyafew
migrantRubythroatedHumming
birdsandanoccasionalRu
foustailedHummingbird.
InOctoberwegotourfirstGrayCatbirdsat
thefeeder,buttheyweremoreinterestedingob
blingdownthehabaneropeppers(!)growingin
ourgarden.Addinacoupleofspeciesofwar
blers,anoccasionalClaycoloredThrush,Brown
Jay,andGreattailedGrackle,andwehadquitea
varietyofbirdstoholdourinterest.Mywifeand
kidswereelated.
ByDecember,though,thingsbegantogetoutof
hand.Togiveyouanidea,wecountedasmanyas
30BluegrayTanagersand20BaltimoreOriolesat
onetime,eitheratthefeederorwaitinginthe
wings!Ourbananasupplyhadtobesupple
mentedwithbananasfromthemarket,tothe
tuneof30bananasaday!
Reluctantly,werealizedwewouldhavetoeither
cutbackorletthekidsgohungry.Itwasatough
decision,butreasonultimatelyprevailedandwe
cutback.Nowweonlyputouttentofifteenba
nanaseverytwotothreedays.Whenthefoodis

gonethebirdshavetofendforthemselves,which
theydoquitereadily.Afterall,thatiswhatthey
havedoneforeonsbeforediscoveringthecornu
copiainourbackyard.

Wedontgettoucansandparrotsatthefeeder
becauseweliveintown,butwhocancomplain?
Todatewehavehad19speciesatthefruitand
hummingbirdfeeders.Mykidsarespendingmore
timeoutonthebackverandawatchingbirdsand
lesstimegluedtotheTV.Mywifeisoutthere
everydayprovidingmeconstantupdateson
whatsnewatthefeederswhileIslaveawayat
thecomputerinmywindowless(bychoice!)of
fice.Shehasevenfoundseveralnewspeciesfor
theyardthelastfewmonths.My6yearold
daughterisnowbeggingmetotakeherbirding
everychanceweget.Itstrulyamazingwhata
differencea few well-placed bananas can
make!
4January2014
Althoughtheweathercooperatedthisyear,weendedupwithourlowesttotalsinthe14yearhistoryofthe
count:224speciesand3295individualbirdscounted.Buttherewasnoshortageofgoodbirds.Aftersome
howfailingtologSpotbreastedOrioleoncountdayeveryyearsinceitsdiscoveryinBelizein2007atCattle
Landing,wefinallynaileditdownthisyearthankstoapairthathadbeenvisitingmyfeederonadailybasis
sincelastOctober(seeassociatedarticleinthisissue).WealsorecordedOrangebreastedFalcon,Northern
Harrier,andWedgetailedSabrewingthefirsttime,andBrownBooby,DoublecrestedCormorant,Lovely
Cotinga,andBlackthroatedBlueWarblerforonlythesecondtimesincethefirstcountwasconductedback
in2000.
Lowturnoutandcartroublewerethemaincontributorstothelownumbers.Witheverrisinggasprices,itis
becomingmoreandmoredifficultforpeoplefromnorthernBelizetoparticipateinthecount,andwestilldo
nothaveenoughlocalbirderstosustainthecount.Additionally,someofthelocalstalwartsofprevious
countsarefindingitharderandhardereachyeartojuggleworkcommitmentswithanentiredayafield.
But,forme,themostfrustratingaspectofthisyearscountwasmyvehiclebreakingdownoutsideofLaguna
Villagelateinthemorningandhavingtobetowedintotown.Thatrelegatedmetoanafternoonofcounting
birdsatmyfeederbut,hey,IdidgettheSpotbreastedOrioles!
Spot-Breasted Orioles
14
TH
Annual Punta Gorda Christmas Bird Count
Summer Tanager
Bird Feeder
Baltimore Oriole
3


Continue from page 1
TheCalandChiacfamiliesofTheLivingMaya
Experienceofferfascinatingandfuncultural
experienceswhile,betweenSanMiguelandSan
PedroColumbia,FlorencioMeskeepsaliveMa
yanmusicaltraditionsandinstrumentmaking
andispleasedtowelcomeguests.
LisaWhiteKileofColumbiaRiverCooperative
offerstheonlybutterflyfarmopentothegen
eralpublicinToledoandvisitorscanwalk
amongtheBlueMorphobutterflyandother
speciesandlearnabouttheirlifehistory.Look
fortheirsignclosetotheturnofftoLubaantun
Mayansite.BirderscancontacttheLodgeatBig
FallstogobirdingwithStevenChocotheirlocalKekchi
MayanguidewhosemembershipoftheBelizeBird
RecordsCommitteeistestamenttohisexpertise.
Thetrailincludesplacestoeat.TherearefourinBig
Fallsitself.Callandmakeanappointmenttovisitthe
CalsLivingMayaExperienceandyoucanhelpinthe
preparationofadeliciousMayanvegetarianmeal.
FurtheralongtheroadColemansrestaurantoffersa
Belizeanbuffetfrommiddayuntilaroundfiveinthe
afternoon.BigFallsExtremeAdventuresisanother
spottofindatraditionalBelizeanlunch.Otherwisecall
TheLodgeatBigFallsandvisitthemforalunchmenu
withafocusonsaladsandsandwiches,pizzasand
burgers.
IfyouarelookingforaccommodationthentryThe
LodgeatBigFalls,BakaBushguesthouseand
theToledoEcotourismAssociationguest
houseinSanMiguelvillage.Theseareallalong
theHeartofToledotrail.Outsidetheareaof
theecotrailyoucanalsofindroomsatthe
FarmInnanothertwelvemilesfurtherwest
nearSanAntoniovillageoratTranquility
LodgeinJacintovilleclosertoPuntaGorda.
ManyBelizeansarestillsurprisedbythe
wealthofopportunitiesexistingdownin
ToledoandtheHeartofToledoAdventure
Trailbringsmanyofthesetogetherinoneac
cessiblesixteenmilecircularloop.Sogetin
yourvehicles,makeaphonecallortwoand
setupanexcitingtriptoBelizesundiscovered
south.Thereisstilltimetomakearrangementsfor
Easter.
ContacttheTourismInformationCenterinP.G.(722
2531)formoreinformationandtogetindividual
phonenumbersforbusinessesalongthetrail.The
brochurewillbepublishedverysoonandbeavailable
fromtheinformationcentre.
Guests with Florencio Mes in San Pedro Columbia
Heart of Toledo Adventure Trail
BTIAwelcomesnewInformationOfficer
StephanieParhamisBTIAsnewTourism
InformationOfficerappointedintheautumnof
2013.SheisToledobornandbred.Shegrewupin
MafrediattendingtheMethodistPrimarySchoolin
thevillagebeforegoingontoToledoCommunity
Collegewhereshegraduatedin2005.
Atthattimeshedidnothaveanyclearcareerpath
aheadofherandspentthenextfewyearsin
Belmopan,BelizeCityandPlacencia.InBelmopan
sheranasmallinternetcafandstationerystore;
inPlacenciasheranthePiratesGrillbefore
movingontotheFrenchConnectionrestaurant.
Afterthatshebecameofficeadministratorfor
RemaxrealestateagentsinPlacenciawhereshe
workedforeighteenmonths.
Soafterallthis,shestillhadnochosencareer
pathwayuntilreturningtoPuntaGordaandjoin
ingthefrontdeskstaffatBelcampoLodge.She
workedthereforthreeyearsbeforejoiningBTIA
asTourismInformationOfficer.ItwasatBelcampo
shediscoveredherpassionforserviceintourism
andpromotingtheattractionsoftheToledothat
sheknowsandlovessowell.
Shehaswastednotimeinmakinghermark.On
February14,sheorganizedBTIAsfirstSt
ValentinesDaybashmentatGarbuttsFishing
LodgeonJoeTaylorCreek.Shegatheredagroup
ofvolunteersfromamongherfriendsandother
membersofBTIA.Theeveningwasgreatsuccess
withmusicbyDJFreshandaboutseventy
people,mainlycouplesofcourse,inattendance.
WelookforwardtonextyearwhenIamsure
Stephaniewillbelookingtomakeitbiggerand
better.
WhenaskedabouttourisminBelizeshereplied,
Thereshouldnotbeanyreason,thiscountry
cannotsustainitselfontourism,butwehavetogo
aboutdoingittherightway.Andweallknowthe
rightwaysometimesentailsstruggleand
hardships,butwearebuildingthiscountryforour
children.I'mbuildingitformychild.Weshouldnot
waitforforeignerstocomehereandbeatourist,
let'sstartwithusBelizeans.Thisismyphilosophy
BeaTouristinYourOwnCountry:It'sTheEle
mentofSurprise!
Stephanieisthatrareselfmotivatedand
wellorganizedindividualandwelookforwardto
workingwithheranddevelopingherleadership
fortourismintheyearsahead.
4

Calendar of Events
Date Event Venue/Time OtherInfo
April18th21st
EasterWeekend
Fri,Sat&MonBankHolidays

May1st LabourDay

May23rd
ChocolateFestivalofBelize
Openingnight
Wine&ChocolateGala
GarbuttsMarine,JoeTaylorCreek,PG
6pm10pm
Ticketsinadvance$50.Nosalesat
door.
May24th
ChocolateFestivalofBelize
TasteofToledo
FrontStreet,PuntaGordatownCultural
foodandentertainmentfrom9am6pm
Moreinfocontactbtia
toledo@btl.netorcall7222531
May25th
ChocolateFestivalofBelize
LubaantunFinale
SanPedroColumbiaVillage,Lubaantun
MayaSitefrom10am4pm
Moreinfocontactbtia
toledo@btl.netorcall7222531
October10th
TIDEFishFest
SeafoodGala

Venuetobedecided
TideToursinfo@tidetours.orgor
call7222129 October11th
TIDEFishFest
YouthConservationCompetition
Venuetobedecided
October12th TIDEFishFest TIDEHeadquarters,CattleLandingVillage
September21st IndependenceDay
5

Eladios Chocolate Adventure
Eladio Pop was born into a family of fifteen chil
dren in San Pedro Columbia Village in the Toledo
District. His father was a farmer and his mother
was a housewife who also helped with the farm
ing.Attheageofseventeenhemetandfellinlove
with his wife, Virginia, a resident of San Pedro
Columbia.Notlongafter theyhadtheirfirstchild,
Adalia. Eladio continues to farm and has a great
loveforplantingandembracingthenaturalriches
oftheearth.Heisanorganicfarmerwhodoesnot
use any machinery or pesticides to farm and reap
hisproducts.Hismacheteishisbestfriend.
Eight years ago, after growing and reaping cacao,
Eladio decided he would bring back the value of
cacaofromhisancestors,notonlyinhishomebut
for the public as well. Slowly but surely, lots of
people started hearing about and visiting the ca
cao farm, the roasting of cacao beans, grinding it
and making it into a paste to drink as hot choco
late. It is prepared in the same way the Mayans,
many years ago, use to do it. He is proud of his
accomplishment in introducing and
sharing this wonderful part of his heri
tagewithhisfamilyandtheworld.
Eladio became well known and his
chocolate farm and demonstration
blossomedthreeyearsagowhendirec
tor Rohan Fernando, an awardwinning
director and cinematographer, a Sri
LankannativeandCanadianimmigrant,
was introduced to Eladio Pops cacao
farming through the National Film
Board of Canada. Rohan produced a
documentary called The Chocolate
Farmer. It illustrates the life of Eladio
and his family, his farm and chocolate
demonstration, his values, what he be
lievesinandhowhehasseentheworld
changeinmanydifferentways.
Eladiosaid,Ilove
Belize and I be
lieve it is a
blessed country. I
want tourists to
not only come to
my place and do
the tour I offer; I
want them to
cometothecoun
try and see the country as
well. I want my community
to be a part of the cacao
planting too. I want to share
myheartwiththeworld.
Visiting Agouti cacao Farm is
by far one the most exciting
experiences you can have
while visiting Toledo. If you are staying in Punta
Gorda Town, you could hop on Cals Village bus
thatgoestoSilverCreekviaSanPedroColumbiaat
11:00. This bus is always parked on Jose Maria
Street in Punta Gorda Town. The trip involves a
fortyfiveminuteridefromthetowntoSanPedro
ColumbiaVillage.
It is always best to contact them before going, so
astohavesomeonewaitingatthebusstopinthe
village for you. Feliciano Pop, also a tour guide
with the Toledo Tour Guide Association, works
directlywithhisfather.Hegenerallywouldbethe
one you would meet at the bus stop and would
take you on a short Mayan Village tour before
arrivingatthehouse.
Youarethengreeted bythefamilyandgetavery
smallintroductionbeforeheadingouttothefarm.
Eladio will walk and talk about his farm and you
will feel the love flowing from his words and the
passionthathehasforwhathedoes.Youwillthen
get to see the cacao pods, break them open and
have a taste of that sweet creamy coated bean.
Trust me; once you have tried it you will get
hooked.
Youarethenescortedbacktothehousewherehis
wifeanddaughterwillshowyouhowtheyfirstdry
and then roast the bean and tell you how to
determine the right time for the roasting to be
complete. You will get to try the roasted bean in
tiny pieces, which are called nibs after which you
will be shown the process of grinding it on the
traditional Mayanvolcanicrockcalledametate.
Ofcourse,youwillget to dipyourhandinanddo
your part in grinding that paste. After the paste is
made you get to mix it in hot water and drink it
withorwithoutsugar.Thisisyourhotchocolate!
Leavingthefarm,houseandthefamilyissad.You
want to stay and hear more and see more. But
thereisaserenityyouencounteronthistourthat
stays with you, wherever you go. It gives you that
warmthandcomfortthatchocolategives.Indeed,
this chocolate farm and demonstration is a must
seewhenvisitingToledo!
6

Sketch map of PG Town
TOURISM INFORMATION
CENTRE
Garbutts Marine & Fishing Lodge
+(501) 722-0070 or 604-3548 garbuttsmarineandfishinglodge@gmail.com
7

TourOperator LocalPhoneNumber Location
BigFallsExtremeAdventures 6346979 BigFalls
BlueCreekRainforestLodge 6634665 BlueCreek
CottonTreeLodge 6700557 SanFelipe
TheFarmInn 7324781 SanAntonio
GarbuttsMarineInvestmentCo. 7220070 PuntaGorda
TheLodgeatBigFalls 7324444 BigFalls
NaturalAdventureTours 5333028 MonkeyRiver
ReefConservationInternational 7020229 PuntaGorda
TIDETours 7222129 PuntaGorda
ToledoCave&AdventureTours 6042124 SunCreek
WildEncountours 6361028 PuntaGorda
RegisteredTourOperatorsinToledoDistrict2014
Alwaysbookyourtripwitharegisteredtouroperatortoensureyourguidehasbeentrained
&licensedandvehiclesareproperlyinsured
RestaurantGuide
Asha's Culture Kitchen 74 Front Street, south of market Creole/Seafood/BBQ and
Vegetarian
632-8025 Open Wed-Sun from 12pm to 12am
Belcampo Wilsons Road Pan Central American and
International
722-0050 Lunch: noon-14:30. Dinner: 19:30-22:00.
(Reservations preferred)
Colemans Cafe Big Falls Village, near the rice mill Belizean 720-2017 Daily: 11:30-16:00 & 18:00-21:00
(Reservations Preferred)
Da Lazy Fish Front Street, where the Old Fish Co-op was Seafood/Belizean food
Drift Wood Cafe Front Street, next to James Bus Line Vegetarian
Fajina Firehearth Food Front St, PG Local Mayan Food 666-6144 Mon-Sat: 07:00-19:30. Closed on Sundays
Gomiers Restaurant and Soy Centre Alejandro Vernon St, near PG Welcome sign Local & international vegetarian /
Seafood
722-2929 Mon-Sat: 08:00-14:00 & 18:00-21:00. Closed
Sundays
Graces Restaurant Main St. PG Belizean/ International 702-2414 Daily: 06:00-22:00, including holidays
Hang Cheong Main St, PG Chinese 722-2064 Daily: 10:00-14:00 & 17:00 -midnight
Mangrove Restaurant Cattle Landing, by the curve Belizean / International 623-0497 Daily: 17:00-22:00. (Reservations preferred)
Marians Bay View Restaurant Front St, south of the market by the sea East Indian/ Belizean/Catering 722-0129 Mon-Sat: 11:00-14:00 & 18:00-22:00 Sun &
Hols: noon 14:00 & 19:00-21:00
Martinas Kitchen Main Street, beside tortilla factory Belizean 623-3330 Mon-Sat: 07:00-15:00. Closed on Sundays
Moms Restaurant Queen St, PG, by the park Belizean 620-1607/661-1359 Mon-Sat: 06:00-14:00 & 16:00-21:00 Closed
on Sundays
Rainbow Cafe Queen St, PG, by the park Belizean 631-2309 Mon-Sat: 70:00-14:00. Closed on Sundays
Rainforest Cafe Big Falls Village, just south of the bridge Belizean 669-0080 Daily: 10:00-22:00
Reef Bar & Restaurant Front St, upstairs by the market International/Belizean 625-8652 Daily: 10:00-14:00 & 16:00-midnight. Closed
on Tuesdays
Shos Local Restaurant Entrance to Blue Creek Village Belizean/ Catering 668-6540 Mon-Sat: 07:0020:00. Closed Sundays.
Group reservations required
Starz Dinner BTL parking lot, PG Belizean Mon. to Sat. 7:00 to 15:00 Closed on Sundays
The Lodge at Big Falls Big Falls Village, near the rice mill International/ Belizean/
Middle Eastern
732-4444 Daily: 11:3014:00 & 18:3021:00
(Reservations Required)
The Snack Shack BTL parking lot, PG Breakfast & lunch/ Snacks,
shakes, juices & pastries
702-0020 Mon-Sat: 07:0015:00. Closed Sundays
Walucos Opposite TIDE pier in Hopeville Belizean/East Indian/Seafood/
Catering
670-3672 Mon-Thurs: 07:00-14:00 & 17:00-22. Week-
ends: 07:00-late
8

T O L E D O V I L L A G E B U S E S
Service DepartPG Destination Callingat... Days ReturntoPG
Kan 11:30 Aguacate Dump,Mafredi,BlueCreek MontoSat 05:20
JnL 12:00 Barranco SanFelipe(forIxcacao),SantaAna,Midway Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 06:00
Garcia 11:00 BigFalls Dump,Jacintoville, Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 08:00
Chub 11:30 CriqueSarco SanFelipe,SantaAna,Midway,Conejo,SundayWood Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 05:15
Ack 12:00 Dolores
Dump,Mafredi,Jordon,SantaTeresa,Mabilha,SanLucas,
CorazonCreek,Otoxha
Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 03:00
Pop 10:30 GoldenStream Dump,BigFalls,IndianCreek Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 06:45
Pop 13:00 GoldenStream Dump,BigFalls,Hicatee,IndianCreek(forNimLiPunit) MontoSat 07:30
Pop 17:00 IndianCreek Dump,BigFalls,Hicatee MontoSat 12:00
Pop 21:00 IndianCreek Dump,BigFalls,Hicatee MontoThurs 15:30
Bol 06:00 Jalacte
Dump,Mafredi,SanAntonio,SantaCruz,SantaElena,
PuebloViejo
MontoSun 05:00
Chunny 11:30 Jalacte
Dump,Mafredi,SanAntonio,SantaCruz(forRioBlanco),
SantaElena,PuebloViejo,Jalacte
MontoSat 03:00
Bol 16:00 Jalacte
Dump,Mafredi,SanAntonio,SantaCruz(forRioBlanco),
SantaElena,PuebloViejo,Jalacte
Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 15:00
Shol 12:00 Laguna Elridgeville Wed/Fri/Sat
Pop 11:30 MedinaBank Dump,BigFalls,Hicatee,IndianCreek(forNimLiPunit) MontoSat 05:30
Chunny 11:30 SanAntonio Dump,Mafredi MontoSat 06:00
Coc 12:00 SanAntonio Dump,Mafredi MontoSat 06:30
Coc 12:00 SanAntonio Dump,Mafredi MontoSat 13:30
Teck 12:00 SanBenitoPoite Dump,Mafredi,BlueCreek(forHokebHa),SantaTeresa Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 04:30
Sho 11:30 SanJose Jacintoville,Dump,Mafredi,CriqueJute,NahLumCa Wed/Sat 04:00
Choc 12:00 SanJose Dump,Mafredi,CriqueJute,NahLumCah Mon/Fri 05:00
Chen 11:30 SanVicente
Dump,Mafredi,SanAntonio,SantaCruz(forRioBlanco),
SantaElena,PuebloViejo,Jalacte
Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 02:00
Chen 05:30 SanVicente
Dump,Mafredi,SanAntonio,SantaCruz,SantaElena,
PuebloViejo,Jalacte
Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 14:00
Bobby 11:00 SantaAna SanFelipe(forIxcacao) Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 07:15
Cal 04:30 SilverCreek Dump,SanPedroColumbia,SanMiguel MontoSat 13:00
Cal 11:00 SilverCreek Dump,SanPedroColumbia(forLubaantun),SanMiguel MontoSat 06:00
Cucul 11:30 SilverCreek Dump,SanPedroColumbia(forLubaantun),SanMiguel MontoSat 07:00
Cucul 16:00 SilverCreek Dump,SanPedroColumbia,SanMiguel MontoSat 12:30
Cucul 21:00 SilverCreek SanPedroColumbia,SanMiguel MontoThurs 16:00
EmergencyNumbers
PGPolicestation:7222022
PGHospital:7222026/7222161/722
2145
PGFireDepartment:7222032
NationalEmergencies(NEMO):8220153
BelizeTourismBoard:2272420/2272417
BTIAMainOfficeBelizeCity:2271144
Gray-necked Wood Rail
9

Flights
DepartPuntaGorda ArrivesBelizeCity ServiceProvider DepartBelizeIntl. ArriveInPuntaGorda ServiceProvider
06:45 07:55 MayaIslandAir 08:10 09:15 MayaIslandAir
06:30 07:30 TropicAir 07:50 09:00 TropicAir
09:30 10:35 MayaIslandAir 10:10 11:15 MayaIslandAir
09:20 10:20 TropicAir 10:20 11:30 TropicAir
11:30 12:35 MayaIslandAir 12:20 13:30 TropicAir
11:35 12:35 TropicAir 14:20 15:30 TropicAir
13:35 14:35 TropicAir 14:40 15:45 MayaIslandAir
16:00 17:05 MayaIslandAir 16:40 17:45 MayaIslandAir
16:00 17:10 TropicAir 16:40 17:40 TropicAir
JamesBusLineSchedule
DepartsP.G. ArrivesBelizeCity DepartsBelizeCity ArrivesP.G.
03:50am 10:30am 05:15amExpress(exceptSun) 10:30am
04:50am 11:30am 06:15am 12:45pm
06:00am(express) 10:45am 07:15am 01:45pm
05:50am 12:30pm 08:15am 02:45pm
07:50am 02:30pm 09:15am 03:45pm
09:50am 04:30pm 10:15am 04:45pm
11:50am 06:30pm 12:15pm 06:45pm
01:50pm 08:00pm 01:45pm 07:45pm
02:50pm 08:30pm 03:15pm 09:45pm
03:50pm 09:30pm 03:45pmExpress 08:45pm
BoatsTo&FromPuertoBarrios,Guatemala
ServiceProvider DepPuntaGorda ArrivePuertoBarrios DepartPuertoBarrios ArrivePuntaGorda
RequenasCharterService 09:30 10:30 14:00 15:00
TekDat 01:00 14:00 03:00 04:00
Sharkboy 16:00 17:00 13:00 14:00
BoatstoLivingstondepartonTuesdaysandFridaysat10a.m.
Pichilingo 14:00 15:00 10:00 11:00
T R A N S P O R T S C H E D U L E S
WheretogetyourcopyofTheToledoHowler
Distributionpointsinclude:
TourismInformationCentresthroughoutBelize
TropicAirandMayaIslandAirterminals
BTIAToledomembers
RequenasCharters,PuertoBarrios
Majorgasstations
Aswellasawideonlinepresenceinelectronicformat

PleasecontacttheToledoHowlerteamat7222531ifyouwouldliketobecomea
distributorforthevoiceoftourismdevelopmentinBelizesdeepsouth!
ToledoTourismInformationCentre
FrontStreet,PuntaGordaTown
MontoFri8amto5pm
Tel:7222531
Email:BTIAtoledo@btl.net
Trip Advisor Awards for Toledo
EachyearTripAdvisorawardstheirTravellersChoiceawardsfordestinations,beaches,restaurants
andhotels.AmbergrisCayetooktophonoursagainthisyear,beingvotedtheNumber1islandin
theworld,whichisgreatnewsforthem,verywelldeserved,andalsofantasticnewsforBelize!
WeredelightedtoreportthattwoToledohotelswerealsoawardedTravellersChoiceawards,so
manycongratulationstoTheFarmInn,nearSanAntonioVillageandtoHickateeCottagesjustout
sidePGTown.
IfyouveenjoyedyourToledoexperience,thendontforgettotellpeopleaboutit,andhelpraisethe
profileofthisunforgettabledistrict!YoucansubmitreviewstoTripAdvisorforyouractivities,restau
rants,andaccommodationbyvisitingwww.tripadvisor.com/UserReview
10

The Sapodilla Cayes at a Glance
TomOwensCayeisleasedbyGayleandDonaScafeofCuxlinHaRe
sortinEldridgeville,Toledo.ItisusedbyReefCIfordivinggroupsfromMonday
toFridayeachweekapartfromthemonthofOctoberandtwoweeksinFebru
ary.AttheweekendsguestscanmakearrangementswithCuxlinHatogooutfor
aweekendstayingonthetiny1acrecayeonSaturdaynight.
ReefCI+5016294266info@reefci.com
CuxlinHA+5017324747Cuxlinha@gmail.com
Right Sunrise on Tom Owens Caye

NorthEastSapodillaCayeisuninhabitedandunused.Itisthe
northernmostpointoftheNoCatchZonethatextendsdowntoLimeCayeat
thesouthernendoftheSapodillas.

FranksCayeisforsale.Itisnotopentothepublic.Thebuildingsonit
aredilapidated.

NicholasCayeisprivatelyownedbyBelcampoLodge.

HuntingCayeishometovariousbranchesoftheBelizegovern
ment.TheBelizeCoastguardhasabasethereaswellastheBelizePort
Authoritythatisresponsibleforthelighthouse.TheImmigrationDepart
menthasaunitthereandsailingboatsandothercraftcandotheirentry
andexitproceduresatHuntingCaye.TheFisheriesDepartmentisre
sponsiblefortheenforcementofthemarineparklawsandmarinere
search.Thisincludesmonitoringwaterqualityandthehealthofthereef
monitoringNassaugrouper,lionfishandtheseaturtles.
TheUniversityofBelizehasastudentdormitorythatcanaccommodate
upto30andalsoreceivessomeinternationalstudentgroups.VicotrJa
cobsfromPuntaGordaistheFieldManagerandcanbecontactedon
7422801
TheToledoTourGuideAssociationoffersdrinksandfoodattheHawks

LimeCayeisownedbytheGarbuttfamily.TheGarbuttsoffersaltwater
flyfishing,snorkelingandscubadivingwithacompletediveshop/Kayakingis
alsoavailablewithanadvancedbooking.Thereisarestaurantandbarservinga
buffetwithcreolestylefreshfish,conchandlobsterwithvegetables,riceand
plantainalonmgwithfrshfruitjuices.
Thereisaccommodationin4cabanas(twowithensuitebathroom)andone
bunkhousethatcanaccommodatesixteen.Theyallhaveflushingtoiletsandrun
ningwater.
Thoselookingforanauthenticdesertislandexperienceshouldavoidcertain
datesintheyearswhenLimeCayeistakenoverbylargegroupsofvisitorsfrom
GuatemalaandHonduras.TheseperiodsincludeEasterWeek,thefirstofMay
andNewYear.VisitorscanobservethenestinghabitsoftheHawksbillandLog
gerheadTurtlebetweenthebeginningofJuneandendofOctober.Whaleshark
canbeseenyearroundbutthebestchanceisaroundtheperiodofthefullmoon
sfromMarchtoJune.

Above: looking north towards Hunting Caye from Lime Caye

Above: a bottlenose dolphin surfaces to greet a tour boat
Left: heading back to P.G. from the Sapodilla Cayes
11

Word on the Street: A Visitors Perspective
AnnekefromPennsylvaniavisitedToledoand
Hopkinswithherparentsandtwobrothersdur
ingChristmas2013.Wethoughtitwouldbein
terestingtogetateenagevisitorsperspectiveon
afamilyholidaytoBelize,andtrackedherdown
duringhertravels.

WhatattractedyoutoToledo?
Myparentswantedustovisitsomewherenewin
CentralAmerica,andthoughtBelizewouldbea
greattrip.Soaftersomeresearch,especiallyfrom
theLonelyPlanet,theythoughtToledowouldbea
greatfirstspottovisitinBelize,andthenmoveto
Hopkinsforthebeach.
HowdoesToledocomparewithotherplacesin
Belize?
WestayedonlyinPuntaGordaandHopkinssoI
didn'tgettovisittoomuchofthecountry,but
Hopkinsdefinitelygaveusmoreofthebeachas
pectofBelizeandwehadanamazingsnorkeltrip
whilewewerethere.IthoughttheToledoarea
wasverybeautiful,especiallythecavesandwater
falls,andgoingkayakinginthemangroveswas
oneofthemostamazingthingsI'veeverexperi
enced.Justtobesurroundedbyvastamountsof
naturewithallsortsofcreaturesaroundyouthat
youdon'tevenrealizearethereisjustsimplyas
tounding.
HowdidyoutraveltoToledo?Whatwasgood
andbadaboutthejourney?
WeflewfromWashingtonD.C.viaSanSalvador,
andthendrovedowntoPuntaGordaItwasa5
hourcarridetoPuntaGordaandthatwasa
crampedandtiringride.Withholesintheroad
andspeedbumpspoppingupoutofnowhereI
sometimesfeltlikeIwasstuckonarollercoaster
ride,butthenatsomepointsduringthejourney
whenIwokeupitwasabeautifulsighttojustsee
themoonthroughthejungletrees.
Howlongareyoustaying?
Westayedforabout10daysbutIdefinitelywish
wehadstayedlonger.
Whatwasthemostsurprisingthingaboutyour
visit?
IlovedthebughuntsatourhotelinToledoit
wasntactuallyasterrifyingasIexpectedandI
overcamemyfearofgiantspidersforabriefpe
riod.AlsoswimmingintheBlueCreekCave,while
slightlyterrifying,wasjustabeautifulexperience
andIlovedit,andkayakingalongtheriverand
seeingcrocodilesandiguanaswassocool.Visiting
thechocolatefarmwasveryinterestingtoo,espe
ciallyseeinghowchocolateismade.Belizetruly
givesyouanappreciationforthenaturalworld
whichpeopletakeforgrantedeveryday.
Whatdidyouliketheleast?
IfIhadtothinkofsomethingIguessitwouldbe
theGIGANTICSPIDERS!!!Ihaveahugefearofspi
dersandseeingthesizeofthemwasabsolutely
terrifyingatfirst.Alsoseeingthenumberofstray
dogsupsetme.
Favouritefood?
Calaloo!
Reeforrainforest,cayesorculture?
Thereefandrainforestaretwoverydifferentenvi
ronmentswithequalamountsofbeautysoIbe
lievebothareworthvisiting.Ilovedoursnorkel
trip,andIdefinitelyenjoyedthenatureandthe
cultureinToledo.PeopleinBelizeseemedtobea
lotfriendlierthansomepeoplehereintheU.S.
Favouriteactivitiesandtours?
SwimmingatRioBlanco,andalsohikinginthedif
ferentsanctuariesandtrailitwasamazingtosee
animaltracksandbeimmersedinthenature,and
wasabeautifulexperienceforthesenses.Snorkel
ingatthereefwasbeautiful,andalsovisitingthe
BelizeZoowasverycoolandIsawalotoftheani
malswhichwerebrandnewtome.
Traveltips?
Ibelieveifyouhavetherightmindsetandtotally
immerseyourselfinthenature,youwillcomeout
withanew,moreopen,changedviewoftheworld
andthetruebeautythatitholds.Thisexperience
definitelygavemeanewfoundrespectandpas
sionforMotherNature.
Idefinitelysuggestpeoplebepolitetoeveryone,
berespectfulofpeoplesculture,andrespectfulof
nature.AlsoIsuggestifyougoinwithanopenand
clearmindandarereadyforadventurelikeIwas,
youwilldefinitelycomeoutofBelizewithanew
worldview.
Willyoubecomingback?
BTIA presents From Your Valentine
BTIAhelditsfirstStValentinesDayPartyat
GarbuttsFishingLodgeonJoeTaylorCreek
onFriday14thFebruary.BTIAwaspleased
towelcomeitsmembersandguestsfrom
thecommunityin
cludingMsCeliaMa
hung,DirectorofTIDEand
MsChristinaGarciaof
theYaaxcheConserva
tionTrust.WilMaheia,
wellknownBelizeanactiv
ist,wasthereaswellas
LoveFMssoutherncorre
spondentMrPaulMa
hung.Musicwasprovided
byDJFresh.Ifyoumissed
ourfirstStValentines
Daythenmakesureyoudontmissnext
years.LookoutfornewsonBTIAs
Facebookpageatwww.facebook.com/
btia.toledo
BTIAthanksStephanie
Parhamandherteam
ofvolunteersfortheir
effortsinmakingthe
eveningasuccess.
Othermembersofthe
teamwereNannette
Nunez,KerenRecinos,
EleanorJackson,
AminaCal,Chantelle
HalvorsonandHenry
Guerra.Picturesare
reproducedwiththe
kindpermissionofDannyHunPhotography.
ContactDannyon6029400oremailhun
dannyp@gmail.com

L to R Eleanor Jackson, Amina Cal and Stephanie Parham
12

13

B T I A T O L E D O M E M B E R S 2 0 1 4
Business ContactPerson Phone Email
Belcampo ShirelymaeParham 7220050 info@belcampobz.com
BeyaSuites LisaAvila 7222188 info@beyasuites.com
CatarinaChoco CatarinaChoco 6346772 catarinachoco@gmail.com
Coleman'sCaf Thomas&PearleenColeman 6304069/6304432 belizetom@yahoo.com
CoralHouseInn AleCho 7222878 coralhousebelize@yahoo.com
CuxlinHaResort DonaScafe 7324747 cuxlinha@gmail.com
Garbutt'sFishingLodge DennisGarbutt 7220070/6043548 garbuttsmarineandfishinglodge@gmail.com
GoldenStreamPlantation Thomas&TessyMathew 7324014/6701338 goldenstreamspicefarm@gmail.com
HickateeCottages Ian&KateMorton 6624475 www.hickatee.com
IxcacaoMayaBelizeanChocolates JuanCho 7424050/6602840 ixcacaochocolate@gmail.com
IxchelWomen'sGroup TeclaAcal 6262338/6327938 IndianCreekVillage
LivingMayaExperience AnitaCal&MartaChiac 6277408/6324585 livingmayaexperience@gmail.com
MaroonCreoleDrumSchool Emmeth&JillYoung 6687733/6327841 methosdrums@hotmail.com
MayaBagsBelizeCraftsLtd. DesireeArnold 7222175 belizeexecutivedirector@mayabags.org
MountainSpiritWellnessCommunity Dr.AnaArzu 6003873 arzu@arzumountainspirit.com
ProWorldBelize NicoleAndrewin 6101063 nicole@proworldvolunteers.org
ReefCI PollyAlford 6294266 info@reefci.com
Requena'sCharterService JulioRequena 7222070 watertaxi@btl.net
TheFarmInn ReneeBrown 7324781 info@thefarminbelize.com
TheLodgeatBigFalls RobHirons 7324444/6100126 info@thelodgeatbigfalls.com
TideTours DelonieForman 7222129 info@tidetours.org
ToledoTourGuideAssociation BTIAOffice 6372000 ttgabze@gmail.com
WarasaGarifunaDrummingSchool Ruth&RonaldMcDonald 6327701 warasadrumschool@gmail.com
YumKaxWomen'sGroup ConcepcionaCoc 6628539/6369586 cocconcepciona@yahoo.com
ToledoCaveandAdventureTours BrunoKuppinger 6042124 ibtm@gmx.net
AgoutiCacaoFarm EladioPop
14

BelizeanBlueCrabs!
Afewmonthsfromnowshouldseethestartofthe
rainyseason,bringingwelcomerespitefromthehot
andhumidweatherleadinguptoit,butalsogiving
risetoawonderfulnaturalphenomenontherun
ningofthecrabs!

Thelargebluelandcrabsemergefromtheunder
growthintheirthousandsforthestartoftheirmating
season,andyoulllikelycomeacrossfamilygroups
withsticksandbagslookingtocatchthecraband
cookupatastystew.

Eachfamilyhastheirfavourite
seasonings,butmanyversionsof
thestewincludecoconutmilk
andplantain,alongwithmatilda
footplantaindumplings!

BelizeanCrabStewRecipe
(serves6)
Ingredients:
810mediumtolargecrabs
2greenplantain(cutintosmall
pieces)
1smallpig'stail(cutoffexcess
fat)
1largeonion
23teaspoonsLeaandPerrins
Sauce
1teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonpepper
1smallroundredrecardo
1/2teaspoonthyme
1/2teaspoonanyofyourfavoriteseasoning
23clovesgarlic,crushed
12cupsthickcoconutmilk
Matildafoot(seetherecipebelow)

HowtocookBelizeanCrabStew:
Boilpigtailandgreenplantainuntiltender,and
meanwhilegrateandsqueezethecoconutmilk,re
serving2tablespoonsfortheMatildaFoot.
Addcrabmeatandseasoningstothepot,andthen
dropinthetheMatildaFootdumplingsandcookfor
1520minutes
Lastly,addcoconutmilkandtaste.ServetheBelizean
CrabStewhotwithsteamedrice.

MatildaFootRecipe
Ingredients:
2greenplantains
1turnorhalfripeplantain
3tablespoonsflour
1/2teaspoonsalt
2tablespoonscoconutmilk
2teaspoonsbakingpowder
1/2tablespoonmargarine

HowtocookMatildaFoot:
Peelandgrateplantains.
Mixflour,salt,andbakingpowder
together.
Meltmargarine(lowheat).
Addmargarineandmilktograted
plantain,mixwell.
Dropbyteaspoonintoboiling
stew.

AdaptedfromarecipebyErleen
Godfrey,BelizeanFavouriteFoods.
WatsCookin?
BlueCrab
BattleoftheDrumsLastyearsBattleoftheDrumswaswonbythegroupacrossthebayfrom
LivingstoncallingthemselvesLufuluriGulfuIyumoun.GrupoJuchelo(picturedabove)fromHondurascame
insecondinaneveningdistinguishedbyfineperformancesfromallparticipatingdrumminggroups.
The Chocolate Festival at Lubaantun Mayan site 2013. More than five
hundred visitors thronged the grand plaza for performances by the Bak-
tun 13 Maya dance group from Maya Centre in Stann Creek district. And
other performers from around Belize.
15

BTIA Welcomes New Members
Toledo Cave and Adventure Tours

ToledoCaveandAdventureToursformerlyknown
asIBTMTours,startedmorethan10yearsagoby
BrunoKuppinger.HemovedtoBelizemorethan
15yearsagoandgotinvolvedratherquicklyasa
touroperatornamedIBTMTours.
InOctober2010thenamewasthenchangedto
TCAT(ToledoCaveandAdventureTours).Bruno
hasbeenalicensedTourOperatorandalicensed
TourGuideformorethan12years.
TCAToffersspecifictourseachday.Toursinclude
snorkellingatthebeautifulSnakeCayes,hikingto
the30ftRioBlancoWaterfalls,swimminginBlue
CreekCave,touringtheBelizeSpiceFarm,visiting
boththeLubantuunandNimLiPunitMayansites,
culturaltoursandmuchmore.Thesetoursall
startat8:30amatyourhotelwithaminimumof2
persons.
Contact:
BrunoKuppinger,J.P.
Phone:6042124or6643559
Email:ibtm@gmx.net
www.tcatours.com


Eladios Chocolate Ad-
venture

EladiosChocolateAdventureisa
familybusinessoperatedintheMa
yanvillageofSanPedroColumbia.
Theyofferdailyfarmtours,tradi
tionalchocolatemaking,andcamp
ingona30acrefarmsituatedjusta
sightsviewfromhistorical
LubaantunMayaRuin.

EladioPop,hiswifeVirginiaandchildrenstarted
theirjourneyoncultivatingtheland25yearsago
whenhediscoveredthatCacaowasahistoric
plantthatwouldbesoughtbytherestofthe
worldoneday.Likecacaoinancienttimes;re
mindsMr.Pophowvaluableitwastocontinue
farmingthistreethatproducesaluxuriousprod
uctcalledChocolate.
Therefore,EladiosChocolateAdventurewel
comeseveryonetocomeandexperienceCHOCO
LATEINITSREALFORM!!
Offeringdailyfarmtours,traditionalchocolate
makingandlunch!

Seetheplantsthatproducethespicesyoumaybe
usingeveryday.Spendtimeinourvanillaplanta
tionandseehowvanillaplanifolia
BTIA Toledo and The Toledo Howler
Togetherwerestronger!Becomea
partofBTIAandmakeapracticalcon
tributiontotheeconomicdevelopment
ofToledoDistrict,andbenefitfromour
promotionalwork.Wemeetmonthlyat
theTourisminformationCentreon
FrontStreet.
HowDoIJoinBTIA?
Visit www.btia.org to read about BTIA
andallthemembershipbenefitsandto
download an application form. Com
plete the form and hand it in at the
Tourism Information Center on Front
St.
BTIAToledoofficers
Chair:DennisGarbutt
Vicechair:DelonieFor
man
Secretary:KateMorton
Treasurer:DonaScafe
Councilor:PlacidaRe
quena
MarketingOfficer:Dilma
YolandaCano

TheHowleriswritten,editedandpro
ducedby:
DilmaCano:btiatoledo@btl.net,722
2531
RobHirons:
rob@thelodgeatbigfalls.com
MartaHirons:
marta@thelodgeatbigfalls.com
KateMorton:cottages@hickatee.com
16