Journey into the Maya Underworld

Belizean's joke that on every property there's a cave,
and in every cave there are Maya artifacts ....

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.

Enlarged View

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 dank and claustrophobic passageways, but you are more likely to find enormous chambers and a subterranean world that is fast becoming one of Belize's most popular attractions. Underground rivers flow through a number of caves: Some can be explored by kayak, canoe or rubber boat - Others are popular for tubing or wading with head lamps.

CAVES AND THE MAYA

Caves are inextricably bound up with the history of Belize, having been fundamental to the religion of the Maya. Vapor clouds forming at the mouth of caves suggested to the Maya that these were the places where wind and clouds were born. Here dwelled the gods of nature and caves were the portal between the tangible human world and the invisible world of gods - a place called Xibalba. It was here at the mouth of caves as well as deep within the recesses that the Maya performed their most sacred rituals.

Few caves do not have some visible sign of their past visitation and evidence of their activities can often be found for substantial distances inside these caves. Relics, principally in the form of shards of pottery, are very common.

In deference to their achievement it has now become standard practice among modern caver's in Belize to name newly discovered caves from the Maya language. "Ac-tun" or hollow-stone is the Maya word for cave.

Cayo Area Caves

	Actun Tunichil Muknal - Cayo's newest jungle cave attraction. Discovered in 1989, today this water cave boasts a large and diverse collection of preserved Maya artifacts. Good physical fitness is required to visit this one.
	Caves Branch - Guided cave tubing - Float in rubber tubes deep within the Caves Branch River system.
	Black Hole Drop - A Rush like no other! Stretch your comfort zone as you rappel down into a jungle sink hole deep in the rainforest.
	Chechem Hah Cave - Near the Guatemalan border this cave is impressive for it's mother lode of huge intact Maya storage jars called "ollas".
	Barton Creek Cave - Canoeing is the way to experience this cave. Featuring natural bridges, skeletal remains and Maya artifacts.
	Rio Frio Cave - With the largest cave opening in Belize, this cave is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge. It has its own parking lot and steps for easy walking.
	St. Herman's Cave - Part of Blue Hole National Park. This cave is easy to hike to and explore on your own.
	Flour Camp Cave - A dry cave located on the Upper Macal River. You can visit this cave by hiking (2-3 hours) or on horseback (2 hours riding + 40 minutes hiking) or after a short drive, plus a 40 minute hike, from duPlooy's Jungle Lodge.

Caves in Belize offers the opportunity for a wide range of activities
from moderate to adventurous excursions to suit nearly any age and
fitness level. You can enjoy Cave Exploring as part of a personalized "Create Your Own" CAYO Vacation Package.

Also see Vacation Packages for a complete listing of our
Create Your Own, All-Inclusive and Fixed-Rate packages.

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