Geologically, the hilly regions on the western flanks of the Maya Mountains are made up of cretaceous limestone which lends itself to the creation of immense underground caves and labyrinth-like passageways carved by underground streams and rivers. Most of those known today have been recently re-discovered, but to the ancient Maya the caves held a special significance and played a vital role in their religious belief system; caves were the entrances to the underworld, Xibalba. Mayan knowledge and use of the cave systems is evidenced by the pottery, cave paintings and burials often encountered upon discovery. Caves in Belize, like those found in similar limestone formations are characterized by beautiful and intricate patterns of stalagmites and stalactites. Caves, often, are also the homes for bats which dart in and out of sight while you are visiting.
Rio Frio Cave is the largest - a half mile long, with a breathtaking arched entry way - and often visited cave in Belize. Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the cavern is easily accessible and can be explored from end to end on foot by wading and climbing along the Rio Frio.
Barton Creek Caves are located east of San Ignacio, near the Tapir Mountain Nature Preserve. The scenery along the one-hour winding drive through the foothills and the Mennonite village of Upper Barton Creek is beautiful. Shrouded by shadow and dense vegetation the entrance to Barton Creek Cave belies the mysteries within. The canoe trip into Barton Creek Cave is a mile long, and at times the height of the ceiling requires that you lie down in the canoe. Leaving the cool surroundings of the Mayan underworld the brilliant colors and warmth of the sun encourage visitors to swim in the pools at the entrance.
Che Chem Hah Cave south of Benque Viejo on the Vaca Plateau, was used by the Mayan for storage and ritual. Toured on foot a trip through the cave, some 820 feet in depth, involves accessing ledges and passageways by ladder and rope assisted climbing. A significant collection of Mayan pottery reflecting the centuries old use of the cave have been left as originally discovered and provides another window on the Mayan underworld of Xibalba.
Caves Branch, on Caves Branch River, combines cave exploration on foot with tubing. Visitors are guided along a trail that parallels the Cave Branch River to a point where the river enters one in a series of caves that the river then passes through on its course back to a take out point and swimming area. Headlamps are provided and portions of selected caves are explored on foot.
Actun Tunich Muknal "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher," combines hiking, wading and in some cases swimming. Located southeast of San Ignacio, and north of the Tapir Mountain Nature Preserve on Roaring Creek, a limited number of guides are permitted to lead tours through Tunich Muknal. Efforts are being made to limit the number of people that comprise a tour. The tour is demanding, beginning with a 3 kilometer hike; and traversing the underground some 2 miles requires a moderate level of fitness. A remarkable assemblage of pottery and related artifacts encountered on discovery has been left in Tunich Muknal along with the remains of numerous sacrificial victims. More than a cave tour, Tunich Muknal is truly a visit to an archaeological site of religious significance.
