A Day with the Mayan Matriarch

Morning: Your day begins in the vibrant Maya village of San Antonio, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by the women of the cooperative. These skilled artisans will guide you through the ancient art of pottery-making, teaching techniques passed down through generations. As you shape the clay into a vessel inspired by Maya ceramics, you’ll gain insight into the cultural significance of these creations and the stories they tell.

Midday: Step into an open-air Maya kitchen to learn the art of making traditional corn tortillas. From rolling to flattening and cooking on a wood-burning stove, this hands-on activity connects you to centuries-old culinary traditions. As your tortilla comes to life, you’ll also prepare and sip on sweet corn porridge, a beloved Maya comfort drink.

Lunch: After your culinary lesson, sit down to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal crafted by the cooperative’s women. Your feast includes corn tamales, a fresh green salad, and zesty chips with salsa—all prepared with fresh, local ingredients and served with love. More than a meal, this dining experience celebrates the warmth of Maya hospitality and the strength of community.

Afternoon: Following lunch, spend time learning about the cooperative’s impact on the community and its role in preserving Maya heritage. Stroll through the village, meet other artisans, and take in the serene beauty of San Antonio’s surroundings before saying your goodbyes to these remarkable women.

This unforgettable journey goes beyond the surface, connecting you to the heart of marine conservation in Belize. By participating, you directly support the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association’s efforts to preserve and protect the atoll’s ecological integrity.

Your involvement helps ensure sustainable fisheries, protects vital marine habitats, and fosters long-term stewardship of this remarkable reserve. Whether monitoring marine species, removing invasive Lionfish, or simply exploring the atoll’s wonders, you contribute to the preservation of one of the world’s most extraordinary marine ecosystems for future generations.