'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' Sparks Interest in Las Terrazas' Excursions to Ancient Mayan Ruins in Belize

SAN PEDRO, Belize - July 31, 2008 - Las Terrazas Resort and Residences (http://www.lasterrazasbelize.com) is now offering excursions to local Mayan temples and ruins. Las Terrazas is an island community of 78 fully-furnished Belize villas and condominiums on 4.8 acres of private beachfront and is located on the popular island destination of Ambergris Caye, Belize. Guests of Las Terrazas are now offered Mayan excursions through its sister resort Journey's End Resort and can embark on trips to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai and Xunatunich, the Tikal Pyramids or the caverns and burial chambers of Actun Tunicihl Mucknal.

General Manager of Las Terrazas, Chris Roberts said, "Because of movies like Mel Gibson's 'Apocalypto' and this summer's Indian Jones movie the public's interest in the Mayan culture and ancient civilization has increased like never before." As a result of this demand, "We are happy to announce that our sister resort Journey's End Resort can now provide these quality tours to all the residents and guests of Las Terrazas", said Mr. Roberts.

After so far grossing over $306 million the debate continues on whether "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" was the best of the "Indiana Jones" movie series. But no matter what end of the cinematic spectrum viewers fall, one thing remains certain: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has created a groundswell of interest in the lore and wonder surrounding the real life crystal skulls that have been discovered in and around the central American country of Belize.

One thing that is no longer being debated is the exceptional vacation value that Belize has to offer adventure-seekers and tropical vacation goers from all over the world. Belize is an English speaking Caribbean nation that boasts the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, has 40 percent of its country protected as parkland and natural reserves, and has a rich history of preserving ancient Mayan ruins and pyramids.

No stranger to mystery, the ancient Mayan civilization, which occupied what is now Belize and the surrounding areas of Central America, was the pinnacle of the era's mathematical, scientific, artistic and agricultural pursuits. Until the arrival of the Spanish near the end of the post-classic period, the Mayan civilization dominated the landscape; building monuments and creating artworks which, though subjected to centuries of decay, continue to exist and inspire today. One such inspirational and mysterious artwork is the Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull on which the newest Indiana Jones movie is loosely based upon.

Purportedly discovered by explorer F.A. Mitchell-Hedges' daughter Anna, the skull was unearthed from beneath a collapsed altar in Lubaantn, Belize in 1924. Since then the artifact has remained an enigma to archeologists and scientists alike. A 1970 study by Hewlett-Packard Laboratories concluded that the enormous single piece of crystal was carved against the grain, a method that, even using modern lasers and cutting technology, should have shattered the crystal. Even more mysterious, researchers could find no traces or markings left by metallic tools. It was hypothesized that the skull must have been formed by rubbing the crystal with a combination of diamonds and sand; a job that should have taken upwards of 300 years. As one researcher is reported to have said, "The damned thing simply shouldn't be."

Regardless of how the Crystal Skull was formed or whether any more exist, intrigue and mystery await visitors who explore the vast untamed jungles and ancient ruins within Belize. From the towering "El Castillo" at Xunatunich to the still unearthed artifacts and chambers in Actun Tunicihl Mucknal to the unique masks of Lumanai - any modern day explorer is sure to find ample adventure in Belize - even without the luck of Anna Mitchel-Hedges.

For more information on how you can gain ownership within the exclusive beachfront community of Las Terrazas or for information on setting up a visit and Mayan ruins adventure, please contact us at 1-800-399-6768 or enquire on our website at http://www.lasterrazasbelize.com.

About Las Terrazas Villas and Condominiums

Las Terrazas (http://www.lasterrazasbelize.com) is an island community of 74 fully furnished villas, condominiums and two private beach houses on 4.8 acres of private beachfront on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. The units are fully furnished and are handsomely appointed with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize and has made popular the phrase, "no shirt, no shoes, no problem." Only minutes north of the main island town of San Pedro, residents and vacationers can enjoy an array of restaurants, bars and shops. At Las Terrazas residents will enjoy the laid back island living along with the convenience of reaching Ambergris Caye from Belize City either by a short flight or by the numerous high-speed sea ferries.

About Journey's End Resort

Journey's End Resort (http://www.journeysendresort.com) is an escape from the daily rat race to an island paradise in Belize. Just a few minutes from the shops and restaurants of San Pedro, this exotic destination will allow you to experience what most people only dream about. At Journey's End guests can choose to climb atop an ancient temple, dive into one of the world's seven underwater wonders, or hike the paths of numerous wildlife preserves. At the end of the day you return to your tropical boutique resort with comfortable island accommodations surrounded by the picturesque setting of Caribbean turquoise waters.

Contact:

Nancy Cardone
Email: info@lasterrazasbelize.com
Tel: 1-800-399-6768