Barton Creek Cave Reserve

Barton Creek Cave Reserve: Our most recommended tours and activities

San Ignacio: Half-Day Cave Canoeing Adventure

San Ignacio: Half-Day Cave Canoeing Adventure

Depart in the afternoon from San Ignacio Town and drive through a small, traditional Mennonite community called Barton Creek. Continue on until arriving at the remnants of an ancient Mayan civilization, waiting to be explored in the cool, watery underground caverns. Soak up the mediative energy as you paddle on a canoe through an underground cave system. Relax as the sound of paddle on the peaceful waters harmonizes with your heartbeat. Float along the ancient Maya waterway inside the mountain while your local guide sheds light on the significance of the cave to the Mayas. Learn about the different rituals and ceremonies which were conducted inside of the cave, among them human sacrifices, bloodletting rituals, agricultural rituals, and possible fertility rites. Hear also about the geology of the cave. Conclude the tour with a one-hour drive back to San Ignacio.

Xunantunich Archaeological Site & Barton Creek Cave COMBO

Xunantunich Archaeological Site & Barton Creek Cave COMBO

First, you will discover one of the jewels of Belize: the Maya Ruins of Xunantunich, know under the name of "Maiden of rock". From the top of its pyramid "El Castillo" you will enjoy a breathtaking view 360° of the jungle Then, You will drive for one hour to reach Barton Creek caves You will take a canoe and go inside the cave. The tour travels approximately 1 mile along a winding river that passes through the magnificent cathedral-like chambers and wide passageways of Barton Creek Cave. Discover one of the natural and cultural wonders of the Mayan people. The site was dedicated to ceremonies and sacrifices, offerings to the gods. In the cave, you can observe artifacts from this era An educational yet highly enjoyable experience where you can also enjoy waterfalls and a refreshing swim or relax amidst tropical beauty.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Barton Creek Cave Reserve

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What people are saying about Barton Creek Cave Reserve

Overall rating

5 out of 5 stars
5
5 out of 5 stars
(2 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

I will give a candid review. I truly wanted to give this tour ONE star. My initial experience left a rancid taste. I tried cancelling the tour at 7:55pm but as told the 8pm cut-off time had passed and i couldn't be refunded and my partner was under the weather. Nevertheless I tried again and spoke to their reps and nothing could be done. Suffice to say i was EXTREMELY frustrated. Fast forward the following day I checked in on my partner to see if she was up for the tour since we couldn't cancel and she obliged. Our tour guide was Valentino, a local resident of the Cayo district and trained in the archeological process. Having someone ancestrally tied to the land and versed in the historic element evaluated our experience so much. Val was incredibly patient, insightful and kind. We were lucky enough to have a solo tour through Barton Creek which was an experience in itself. All in all as much I wanted to write a seething review, the actual EXPERIENCE was immaculate. 5 stars

5 out of 5 stars

Our guide Cisco met us exactly at 1 P.M. as planned, which was a great start to the trip. He was very knowledgeable and shared regional information as we drove to the cave. The canoeing experience itself was phenomenal! We had on life preservers and helmets with lights, though the batteries on a couple of the lights ran out during the trip. Cisco had a laser pointer that he used to show specific formations and points of interest, while Darwin, the driver and paddler, kept their canoe in place. After we emerged from the cave, we had an opportunity to swim, before having a snack, then heading back to town where we were dropped off at our lodging. The adventure is definitely something worth doing!

5 out of 5 stars

Our guide was fantastic, he went out of the way to explain both the site and general Belizean life to us. He helped make our experience in Belize memorable. When the weather, rain and related flooding, impacted our plans later in the day he offered alternative, and very interesting and informative, options we hadn’t expected to experience. All in all, a memorable and great experience!

5 out of 5 stars

Leo was our tour guide and he was so knowledgeable that our activity not only was very fun but also educational

5 out of 5 stars

“Romeo” (forgot his actual name) was such a great guide and so informative about the area!