The Maya Underworld
CAVE ATTRACTIONS IN CAYO DISTRICT
Begin your journey back through time as you enter the amazing realm of Belize's cave systems, with a chance to learn more about a mysterious ancient Maya civilization and the geological processes that shaped the region. Millions of years ago, seeping rainwater and underground rivers began etching through soft bedrock and outcrops. Today caves are to Belize like Swiss is to cheese. The lime-rock matrix that makes up much of the country's landmass is riddled with caves and beneath the surface can be found some of the most spectacular and extensive cave systems on the planet. Now you might be expecting dark and claustrophobic passageways, however you are more likely to find enormous chambers and a subterranean world that is fast becoming one of Belize's most popular attractions.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) is most famous as an ancient archaeological site, containing the skeletal remains of Maya human sacrifices, pottery, and other ancient artifacts. Visitors go bananas over the fully intact skeleton from around 700-900 AD that literally sparkles, thanks to time and science. You’ll hike to the location, wade across rushing rivers in waist-deep water, climb wet ladders inside a cave in just your socks, then enter a deep, dark hole in the side of a mountain because a tour guide told you to (and maybe pee yourself a little – but that’s okay!). This is one of the more difficult tours offered in Belize, but the effort is well-worth the experience.
Warning: This is not a cave for young children, those not physically fit, with knee, hip or ankle problems or with problems with claustrophobia and or heights.
Full Day
Barton Creek CAVE CANOEING
This is a great cave to explore for first time spelunkers, active seniors, and junior travelers to get a glimpse into the sacred Maya underworld. Board a canoe at the cave entrance and use the provided spotlight to look while your guide tells the cave’s story through its natural rock formations and the significance of this unique space held for Maya rituals. Some evidence of Maya visitation has been cataloged by archaeologists. Another highlight about Barton Creek is that you’ll drive through farm houses on rolling hills owned by the Amish. Their community was established in the 1970’s by members from Shipyard in Northern Belize. They grow various tropical fruits and are often seen on their horse-drawn buggies transporting produce to sell at the market in town. Note they prefer a smile and wave than to have cameras pointed towards them.
Half Day
Cave Tubing & Zip lining
Located 37 miles up the Western Highway brings you to the Nohoch Chen Archaeological Park. The zip-line tour features an intricate harness system of pulleys on horizontal traverse cables which lets you glide 100 – 750 feet between platforms up to 120 feet high in the trees at canopy level. Clients will be zipping through a series of 7 zip-line runs from 10 jungle platforms! Cave tube through the ancient Maya underworld –Xibalba. You will see intricate crystalline formations line the cave and stalagmites and stalactites magically appear out of the darkness. On several occasions they will emerge into the sunlight only to enter into another cave system.
Full Day