Westworld Magazine Experiences The Adventurous Side Of Belize

Travel Writer, Mr. Ken Hagen and photographer, Mr. Jeremy McCormack, both from Westworld Magazine, visited Belize on June 15th-23rd, 2009 to experience the adventures that await visitors to Belize.

The concept of the visit was a Belizean "Bro-trip", a spin-off the current travel trend called "Mancations", where groups of male friends take adventurous vacations together.  Their article will be a fun and inspiring tale of manly competitors in Belize.  As a feature-length first person article, it will feature a showdown between two ferociously competitive male friends incorporating cultural aspects that are uniquely Belizean.

Westworld Magazine is the largest circulation publication in Western Canada, with 550,000 subscribers in B.C., 515,000 in Alberta and 350,000 in Saskatchewan.  The magazine showcases local, regional, and international travel stories along with articles on travel trends, the technical and practical aspects of travel and travel-related issues.

Their itinerary began in the southern part of Belize where they toured the Cacao Trail which showcases Maya chocolate making; this was followed by a visit to the Maya Village of Santa Cruz, where their adventure included basket weaving lessons and the experience of the traditional Maya way of life. After experiencing the Maya culture, they visited Blue Creek Village for a rugged but scenic hike through the forest and river to Hokeb Ha Cave.

Other challenges included a kayaking competition at the end of the Placencia peninsula; touring Waterfall Cave with a hike and the challenge of climbing the waterfall; a zip line tour and the Jungle Tumble adventure. A visit to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye was highlighted with snorkeling at Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Ken and Jeremy's adventure culminated in the Stann Creek district where they enjoyed a day of football with Dangriga residents and then visited South Water Caye for fishing and coconut husking.

Participating private sector partners included Machaca Hill Rainforest Canopy Lodge, Blancaneaux's Turtle Inn, Toadal Adventure Belize, Ian Anderson's Caves Branch, Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Tropic Air, and the Pelican Beach Resorts - Dangriga and South Water Caye.