Caving

Belize is home to the largest cave system in all of Central America. Visitors never cease to be amazed by the awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites inside the caves, though the ancient Maya took a very different view of these magnificent structures. The Maya believed the caves or actuns as they were known, were a portal to Xibalba, the underworld, and used them for religious ceremonies. The Maya offered sacrifices to these “gods of death” in these very caves. As a result, nearly every cave in Belize has some evidence of Mayan occupation. Findings have ranged from gifts such as carved jade, storage vessels, and decorative pottery to embedded footprints and human skeletal remains.

One should only explore caves with experienced tour guides that have explored the location you wish to visit.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

To appreciate the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, you’ll need to devote a full day to its exploration. Deep within the forests lays a wonder of both ancient and natural beauty. Following a 45-minute drive from San Ignacio and a 45-minute hike through the beautiful Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, with numerous jungle stream crossings, visitors find a crystal-clear stream flowing from the cave opening. A short swim into the cave and a guided hike through the underground realm is rewarded by one of the most impressive Maya sites in Belize, including massive pots, ceremonial chambers, and human skeletal remains cemented in limestone. Amazingly, while valuable artifacts are always in danger of being taken from inside any cave, at Actun Tunichil Muknal, nearly all of the culturally significant artifacts remain in place just as they were when they were discovered in 1989. Belize’s Department of Archaeology has granted permission for only a handful of approved guides to lead tourists through the terrain in order to control the loss of valuable artifacts while giving the public access to this superb piece of Belize’s culture and heritage.

Exploring this cave requires strenuous activity and confident swimming skills.

Caves Branch Caves

Located conveniently along the Hummingbird Highway, the Caves Branch cave system actually consists of three caves:
Footprint - Waterfall - Petroglyph
These caves take their names quite literally from what you will see inside their walls–from embedded footprints to as many as six waterfalls and a host of ancient rock drawings left by the Mayas when they used these caves between 300 A.D. and 900 A.D. Flowing west of the Sibun River, the Caves Branch River has carved into limestone walls deposited by ancient reefs to form this massive cave system. The river dips in and out of these caves, allowing visitors to float through the filtered light of the jungle foliage above. However, don’t let the gentle flowing water fool you – there are some tight squeezes that make for some extreme adventure. Archaeological studies suggest these caves were mainly used for ceremonial purposes; inside, you will see ancient altars and 1,000-year-old pottery shards statues of fertility gods along the way.

This cave tour is considered moderate; some physical exertion will be required, as will some nerve and determination as you navigate tight spots along the way.

Che Chem Ha Cave

In the Cayo District located 16 miles from San Ignacio near Vaca Falls, is the 180-degree opposite of Barton Creek’s peaceful caving experience. This is a full-power adrenaline rush, from the 45-minute uphill trek to witnessing the most amazing collection of Mayan pottery discovered.

Discovered by a local farmer, this cave is most notable for its unique collection of Mayan artwork and artifacts. Visitors with an interest in archaeology will appreciate the cave’s entrance, which is decorated with Mayan motifs and the extensive assortment of ancient storage jars, called “ollas,” that line the walls of its chambers.
Inside Che Chem Ha, there are many ladders, each leading to chambers high within the cave, places where many ollas still contain maize and other staples of the ancient Maya diet. Because these antiquities are so distinctly representative of Mayan life, the cave is carefully monitored to prevent looting, visitors are only allowed to enter when escorted by an experienced resident guide. This cave tour is suitable for guests in good physical condition.

Information and most images obtained from the Official Website of the Belize Tourism Board. Please visit their website for more information on additional cave tours.

Private caving expeditions and adventure excursions during the years of the Wildman Family’s “Adventure Inn”, Consejo Shores, Belize 1985-1994.

Information obtained per various sources including websites and advertising.