Owner
Anita Cal
Anita is the owner of Living Maya Experience and is passionate about preserving and sharing the traditions of the Maya people. She welcomes guests with warmth and ensures every visitor enjoys an authentic cultural experience.
About Living Maya
Meet the family behind Living Maya.
A family-run cultural tourism experience in Big Falls Village where travelers spend real time with Maya hosts in their home, kitchen, and village landscape.
Why this exists
A visit rooted in family, food, and everyday Maya life.
Living Maya Experience is a family-run cultural tourism business based in Big Falls Village, Toledo District. Guests spend time with the people who cook on the fire hearth, grind cacao by hand, prepare food by memory, and share stories of a living culture.
Guests meet both Kekchi and Mopan Maya traditions through local hosts. The mission is to preserve and share Maya heritage in a respectful, meaningful way — with income from each visit staying in the village and helping cultural knowledge remain active for younger generations.
Based in
Big Falls Village
Hosted by
Local families
Experiences
Tour & meal
How this works
Why travelers trust this experience.
Every visit is grounded in the same three principles that shape how the Cal family welcomes guests.
Hosted in a real family setting
Guests spend time in the home, kitchen, and village spaces where these traditions actually happen.
Hands-on and personal
Visitors grind cacao, cook, prepare food by hand, and listen to stories directly with their hosts.
Booking supports local families
Income stays with the community members who host and helps cultural knowledge stay active for younger generations.
The people you may meet
A small team with a family rhythm.
Owner & Founder
Cristobal Cal
Cristobal is the founder of Living Maya Experience and oversees its daily operations, helping to ensure each tour runs smoothly. He is dedicated to providing guests with genuine insight into Maya culture and traditions.
Manager
Edwardo Cal
Edwardo manages bookings, guest communications, and the day-to-day coordination of the business. He works closely with the team to ensure every visitor has a memorable and well-organized experience.
Tour Operations Assistant & Local Host
Alva
Alva assists with tour operations and welcomes guests throughout their cultural journey. As a local host, she shares traditional knowledge and helps visitors connect with everyday Maya life.
Before you visit
Getting to Big Falls is straightforward.
The village is about 30 minutes from Punta Gorda. If you are staying in the south, the team can help you plan the final leg of the trip after you book.
Fly to Punta Gorda
Take a domestic flight to PND from Belize City, then arrange the last leg to Big Falls.
Take the bus south
James Bus Line runs from Belize City to Punta Gorda. From there, the village is a short drive away.
Drive on the Southern Highway
Big Falls is north of Punta Gorda and signposted near the Rio Grande crossing.