Exploring Ixchel Farm: A Belizean Adventure

Ix Chel Farms is an herbal-cure research centre in Belize, set up by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, an American doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. The farm is named after the Maya Goddess of Healing and is located in the western part of the country. Visitors can walk along the Don Elijio Panti Medicinal Trail, where they can learn about the various medicinal plants and their uses. The trail also features a recreation of Don Panti's home. Ix Chel Farms also offers accommodation in the form of luxury villas, which provide spectacular views of the surrounding jungle habitat.

Ix Chel Farms is an herbal-cure research centre

The 35-acre farm, located in western Belize, is dedicated to growing food and healing herbs. Dr. Rosita's work at Ix Chel Farms led to the creation of the Belize Ethnobotany Project, which has sent over 2,000 plants to the National Cancer Institute for study and testing for potential cures for AIDS and cancer. The farm is also home to the Ix Chel Tropical Research Centre, where visitors can walk along the Don Elijio Panti Medicinal Trail and learn about the medicinal plants that were used in Mayan healing traditions.

In addition to her work at Ix Chel Farms, Dr. Rosita teaches herbal medicine at the Belize College of Agriculture and holds seminars for healthcare professionals and students at the University of Belize. She has also written books about medicinal plants, including a children's book, to preserve and spread the knowledge of traditional Mayan herbal healing.

Ix Chel Farms is committed to preserving the rainforest and its incredible biodiversity. The farm is located near the Chaa Creek Resort, and visitors can reach it by canoeing along the river. The Panti Medicinal Trail, where Don Elijio Panti taught Dr. Rosita about medicinal plants, is a major attraction for tourists visiting the Cayo District.

The farm is named after the Maya Goddess of Healing

Ix Chel Farms in Belize is named after the Maya Goddess of Healing. The farm was established in 1981 by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, an American doctor of naturopathic medicine, and her family. Dr. Rosita Arvigo, fondly known as "Dr. Rosita" in Belize, had studied herbal medicine in Mexico and moved to Belize with her family to start a farm in the jungles of Western Belize and establish a natural healing clinic.

The 35-acre farm, located 8 miles southwest of San Ignacio up Chial Rd, is named Ix Chel Farms in honour of the Maya Goddess of Healing. The name pays homage to the ancient Maya culture and their traditional healing practices. Ix Chel, the Maya moon goddess, was one of the most revered deities in the ancient Maya pantheon.

Dr. Rosita Arvigo studied and learned the art of traditional Maya natural healing from Don Elijio Panti, an old Maya traditional healer known for his ability to cure hopelessly ill patients. For ten years, Dr. Rosita immersed herself in Don Elijio's teachings, including the spiritual traditions integral to his practice.

The farm served as a space for Dr. Rosita to grow her food and cultivate the healing herbs she learned about from Don Elijio. Her dedication to preserving Don Elijio's knowledge and the science and art of traditional Mayan herbal healing led to the establishment of the Ix Chel Tropical Research Foundation. The foundation holds conferences and educational initiatives to spread the wisdom of traditional healing methods and protect the rainforest habitats that harbour a diverse range of plant species.

The Don Elijio Panti Medicinal Trail at Ix Chel Farms is a significant attraction for tourists visiting the Cayo District. Visitors can walk along the trail, learning about the medicinal plants and their uses, and experience the recreation of Don Panti's home.

Visitors can walk the Don Elijio Panti Medicinal Trail

Ix Chel Farms in Belize is an herbal-cure research centre set up by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, an American doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, and her family in 1981. The farm is named after the Maya Goddess of Healing, Ix Chel, and is located in the Cayo District of Western Belize.

The Don Elijio Panti Medicinal Trail is a major attraction for tourists visiting the Cayo District. Visitors can walk the trail and learn about the various medicinal plants and trees that were studied by Dr. Rosita and her teacher, Don Elijio Panti, a traditional Maya healer. Don Elijio Panti was renowned for his ability to cure hopelessly ill patients using traditional Maya natural healing methods.

The trail features signs in front of each medicinal tree and plant, describing its history and uses. Near the end of the walk, visitors can view a recreation of Don Panti's home. The trail offers a unique opportunity to learn about the traditional healing practices of the Maya and to discover the power of medicinal plants.

There are two options for walking the trail: a self-guided walk for a small fee of $5 US, or a guided walk and presentation for $30, led by an expert. For an additional fee, visitors can request a guided walk with Dr. Rosita herself, who shares her extensive knowledge of herbal medicine and Maya spiritual traditions.

The Ix Chel Tropical Research Foundation, located along the trail, holds conferences and seminars to educate local practitioners and community healthcare volunteers about herbal medicine. Dr. Rosita's dedication to preserving and spreading the wisdom of traditional Mayan herbal healing has had a significant impact on the local community and beyond.

Ix Chel Villas offer luxurious accommodation

Ix Chel Farm in Belize is a herbal-cure research centre and natural healing clinic. It was founded by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, an American doctor of naturopathic medicine, and her family in 1981. The farm is named after the Maya Goddess of Healing, Ix Chel.

The Ix Chel Villas, on the other hand, are a luxurious new addition to the Lodge at Chaa Creek, an accommodation catering to travellers seeking the highest level of comfort in an unspoiled natural setting. The villas are situated on a forested bank overlooking the Macal River Valley and offer spectacular 180-degree views of the surrounding jungle habitat through floor-to-ceiling glass walls and doors.

Each of the two Villa plazas contains two suites: a master bedroom suite with a sitting room lounge that can accommodate up to four people, and a junior bedroom suite with a king-sized bed, accommodating two people. The villas feature private pools, jacuzzis, and verandas with al fresco showers, providing a luxurious and relaxing experience for guests.

Ix Chel guests can also enjoy the services of a personal butler who will take care of their room service, housekeeping, food, beverage, and laundry needs. In-room massages and treatments from the Hilltop Spa are available, and experienced babysitters are on hand for child-minding services.

The Ix Chel Villas provide an ideal combination of luxurious accommodations and easy access to the natural beauty and cultural richness of Belize, making them a perfect choice for couples, larger groups, and families seeking a unique and memorable travel experience.

The farm is located in the jungle in western Belize

Ix Chel Farms is nestled in the lush jungle of western Belize, providing a serene backdrop for its herbal-cure research centre. Set amidst the verdant landscape, the farm spans 35 acres of land, once serving as a haven for growing food and healing herbs. The farm's namesake, Ix Chel, pays homage to the Maya moon goddess, revered in ancient Maya culture.

The journey to Ix Chel Farms is an adventure in itself. Located 8 miles southwest of San Ignacio, visitors can opt for a canoe ride along the river, organised by most Cayo resorts and hotels. This river journey offers a unique perspective of the surrounding jungle and is a popular choice for those seeking an immersive natural experience.

The farm itself is a testament to the preservation of traditional Mayan herbal healing practices. Founded by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, an American doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, and her mentor, Don Elijio Panti, an esteemed Maya traditional healer, the farm embodies their shared passion for natural healing. Dr. Rosita, having studied herbal medicine in Mexico, was drawn to Belize by stories of Don Elijio's remarkable healing abilities. Their collaboration resulted in the establishment of Ix Chel Farms, a sanctuary for learning and preserving Mayan natural healing traditions.

The farm's location in the western Belize jungle is integral to its purpose. The lush surroundings provide a wealth of medicinal plants and herbs, offering a natural apothecary for Dr. Rosita and Don Elijio's work. The nearby Panti Medicinal Trail further enhances the farm's appeal, attracting tourists interested in exploring the trail and learning about the medicinal plants along the path. This trail, once walked by Don Elijio and Dr. Rosita, has been carefully preserved, allowing visitors to discover the healing powers of each tree and plant, with signs describing their historical and medicinal uses.

Ix Chel Farms, nestled in the heart of the Belizean jungle, stands as a testament to the power of nature and traditional healing. Its location in western Belize provides a serene and inspiring setting for those seeking to explore the world of herbal remedies and the preservation of ancient Mayan traditions.

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