Cave Exploration in Belize

Barton Creek Cave is a dynamic, living cave, continually expanding with 10 feet of water flowing through it. The ancient Mayans believed that their gods dwelled in such sacred places, particularly Barton Creek Cave because of its abundant water. They revered the cave as the dwelling of Chaac, the Mayan God of Water. During times of drought or when rain was needed for their crops, the Mayans would enter Barton Creek Cave to offer sacrifices, believing that young virgins were the most suitable gifts to appease the gods. The cave was deeply respected and feared, seen as a gateway to the underworld. Nearby, Big Rock Falls, a magnificent 150-foot waterfall on the Privassion River, cascades within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Belize's Cayo District.

Step into the mesmerizing world of Actun Tunichil Muknal, famously known as the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre, and uncover the secrets of the ancient Maya. This extraordinary cave is home to numerous skeletal remains, including the renowned “Crystal Maiden,” an 18-year-old sacrifice victim whose calcified bones sparkle like crystals. Ranked as one of the Top Ten Caves in the World by National Geographic, ATM is a breathtaking journey into the Maya underworld, "Xibalba." The cave has been featured in documentaries by National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, and History, making it a must-see for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike. Important Notes: Difficulty Level: Active This tour is suitable for physically fit individuals comfortable with hiking for 4+ hours, walking in water, and navigating small spaces. It is not recommended for those with disabilities, heart conditions, back or leg problems, or claustrophobia.

The Barton Creek Tour is good for people of all ages. You’ll get go caving in a canoe and see Mennonites, Maya ruins, and some stunning Belize jungle. It also includes a visit to Green Hills Butterfly Farm, which is research orientated. The main flight area makes it possible to study interactions between different butterfly species.

On this tour, you’ll get to see two very different Maya sites. The first, Xuanantinuch, is the ruins of a compact but impressive Maya city. Here visitors can stroll around multiple plazas and temples. At the nearby Barton Creek Cave, you’ll see a cave that served as an entrance to Xibalba, the Maya underworld.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Barton Creek Tour Operator, your gateway to the hidden treasures of Belize. Dive into the heart of adventure as we guide you through the untamed beauty of this tropical paradise. Traverse ancient caves adorned with mesmerizing stalactites, paddle through tranquil waters surrounded by lush jungles, and discover the rich cultural tapestry woven into every corner of Belize.

This is a canoe tour that takes you through the dark passageway of the Barton Creek Cave. The Maya believed that this cave served as a home for their water god, Chaac. It also served as an entranceway to the underworld, and is the final resting place for some Maya. Experts believe that these skeletons may have belonged to sacrifice victim.

Embark on an adventure like no other as you delve into the heart of Belize's lush rainforest with our Cave Tubing and Jaguar Paw experience. Traverse through ancient underground caverns adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, all while floating gently along the crystal-clear waters of the mysterious caves.

This tour takes you to one of Belize’s most well-known and thoroughly studied Maya sites in Belize, before continuing to a cave tubing adventure – splashing around in an inner tube is a great way to cool off after exploring a fascinating site. First, you’ll spend 3 to 4 hours exploring the site of Xunantunich. In the afternoon, you’ll leave on a 5-hour tubing trip down the swift moving water that passes through Jaguar Paw Cave. For cave tubing, there is no maximum weight limit. Participants just need to be able to complete the trail hike, which takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes.