Belize's Best Caving Spots

Belize is known for its spectacular caving, with limestone caves, sinkholes and caverns riddling the landscape beneath its forests and mountains. The country's caves are famous for their intricate stalactites, stalagmites, crystal columns and veils, as well as ancient Maya artefacts, including sacrificial remains.

Some of the most popular caves in Belize include Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), Barton Creek Cave, Rio Frio Cave, Che Chem Ha Cave, St. Herman's Cave, Crystal Cave, Hokeb Ha Cave, and Cave World Adventures.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

Belize is known for its spectacular caving, with limestone caves riddled beneath forests and mountains. One of the most popular caving destinations in Belize is the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, located deep within the Belizean rainforest. Here is some essential information about this cave:

Location and Accessibility

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is situated in western Belize, just a short drive from San Ignacio. To reach the cave, visitors must embark on a 45-minute hike through the picturesque Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. The hike offers a glimpse of the diverse flora and fauna found in this tropical ecosystem.

Cave Exploration

Once at the cave's entrance, visitors will need to take a short swim to enter. Inside, a guided hike awaits, leading through a subterranean creek bed almost a mile underground. The cave is several kilometres long and features multiple chambers to explore. Be prepared to spend several hours swimming, climbing, and navigating your way through this ancient cave system.

Historical Significance

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is renowned for its archaeological significance, containing evidence of ancient Maya civilisation. As you venture through the cave, you will discover skeletons, ceramics, stoneware, and other artefacts left behind by the Maya. One of the most notable findings is the skeleton of a young girl, whose bones have been naturally covered by sparkling mineral deposits.

The Maya considered caves as entrances to the mythical underworld, "Xibalba," where their gods resided. During times of hardship, they would descend into these caves with offerings and sacrifices. Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave serves as a ceremonial centre and holds a deep spiritual significance for the Maya.

Tour Recommendations

Due to the delicate nature of the site and the challenging conditions, it is highly recommended to visit Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave with a reputable tour company and experienced guides. Mayawalk Tours and Belize Caving Expeditions are two well-regarded companies that provide informative and safe caving experiences.

Barton Creek Cave

Belize is famous for its caves, which often feature in international documentaries and articles. Barton Creek Cave, in particular, is a popular destination for tourists and archaeologists alike. Located in the upper Barton Creek area near San Ignacio in the Cayo District, this natural cave is hidden in the small Mennonite community of Barton Creek, along the Chiquibul Road. It is a primarily single-passage resurging stream cave.

The cave is known for its archaeological significance, with evidence of use by the ancient Maya for rituals, human sacrifices, bloodletting, and fertility rites. Pottery shards indicate that the cave was used between the Early Classic (200 to 600 CE) and the Late Classic (600 to 900 CE) periods. The remains of at least 28 humans have been discovered within the cave, along with ancient Maya pottery.

To explore the cave, visitors must go by canoe, travelling about a mile along a meandering river that flows through the beautiful cathedral-like chambers and wide passages. Licensed guides are available to accompany visitors, providing insights into the natural history and Maya cultural heritage of the site. The cave is accessible by road, although the journey can be bumpy and may require crossing a stream. It is recommended to hire a driver if you are unsure about navigating the roads.

Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch

Located 30 minutes southeast of Belmopan City, Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch is an extensive network of limestone caves surrounded by dense rainforest. The Caves Branch River flows through some of these caves, making it a popular destination for cave tubing and spelunking. The site also offers a zip-line canopy tour, often added as a 2-in-1 adventure.

Cave tubing at Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch is a refreshing adventure that combines river tubing and Maya cave exploration. Guests are provided with a tour guide, a river tube, and headlamps to explore the caves. The tour begins with a hike through the jungle, leading to the river where guests can jump on their tubes and float downstream through a series of caves. Along the way, the guide will share insights about the historical significance of the caves.

The zip-line adventure at Nohoch Che'en offers a bird's-eye view of the Belizean jungle canopy. Riders are safely attached to a pulley and harness as they fly from tree to tree. While there are better zip-line tours in Belize, the convenience of having it on-site makes it a popular addition to the cave tubing experience.

Crystal Cave

Belize is known for its world-famous caves, many of which contain ancient Maya artefacts, including sacrificial remains. One of these caves is the Crystal Cave, also known as Mountain Cow Cave, located in the Blue Hole National Park. The cave is for more established cavers who are seeking a little more adventure. The tour involves a 1.5- to 2-hour guided hike in rugged terrain to the mouth of the cave, where visitors are repelled down into the cave. Inside, visitors will find huge caverns adorned with crystalline formations, pottery shards, and skeletal remains.

The drive to Crystal Cave takes approximately 1.5 hours on fully paved roads from San Ignacio. After a 50-minute hike through the tropical forest, visitors will reach the cave entrance, where they will climb down 15 feet into the cavernous entrance. The cave is challenging to descend and physically demanding, requiring advanced physical fitness, agility, and endurance. Inside the cave, visitors will traverse through large chambers, sliding down mud ramps and scrambling along rocks. Visitors will also encounter shimmering formations, artefacts, and skeletal remains from the time of the ancient Maya.

The Crystal Cave tour is an extremely strenuous activity and is not recommended for individuals with claustrophobia, heart complaints, or other serious medical conditions. Visitors should wear closed-toed shoes with strong ankle support, bring reusable water bottles, and wear long pants and a t-shirt.

The Crystal Cave is considered one of the best things to do from San Ignacio, taking visitors deep into an amazing cave system with true wonders. The actual climbing to explore the caverns is not particularly difficult, but the clay on the ground can make it slippery, and the darkness can make it tense. The cave is kilometres into a cave complex and far underground.

The Crystal Cave is a perfect representation of the Ancient Maya's increasingly desperate series of offerings to the divine. As visitors climb down through the cave, they will first find pottery that was used to offer food, then small shrines where blood-letting ceremonies took place, and finally, the skull of a human who was sacrificed in an attempt to bring rain.

Cave World Adventures

With over 30 different tours available, you can tailor your adventure to your interests. Their most popular cave, Actun Chapat, also known as San Miguel Cave, offers a fascinating insight into the diverse Toledo rainforest and the ancient Maya village of San Miguel. The nature hike to this cave provides a unique opportunity to learn about Maya farming practices and explore the surrounding ecosystem.

But Cave World Adventures offers more than just caving. You can explore three lakes, immerse yourself in Mayan Shamanic experiences, stroll along the medicinal trail, or indulge in bird watching. The property also features Mayan motifs, guarding hundreds of fully intact ancient Maya pots, providing a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Cave World Adventures offers events and activities to cater to your preferences. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or a history enthusiast, Cave World Adventures has something for everyone.

If you're an adventure seeker, Cave World Adventures is the place to be. With numerous caving options, you can explore underground waterways, climb waterfalls, and discover ancient artefacts. So, get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and excitement at Cave World Adventures!

Frequently asked questions