There are estimated to be thousands of caves in Belize. This is due to the fact that much of Belize's land surface is underlined by limestone. This creates extensive underground cave networks and sinkholes. Therein lie many relics of Belize's rich ancient Maya past. Many caves prove a challenge to the experienced spelunker, but there are a few which beginners can access and enjoy.

Caves in Belize have varying degrees of accessibility. Exploration often require hiking, wading through water, floating on an inner tube, swimming, canoeing, climbing over, under, or through rock formations, using ropes and "bush" ladders, rappelling, and squeezing through narrow openings.

In most caves you will find extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations and pottery shards, while others house secrets of the past including intact pottery (Che Chem Ha) and human remains (sometimes intact skeletons, such as in ATM Cave) and other natural formation such as underground waterfalls (Blue Creek).

Proper equipment in the form of headlamps, spare batteries, proper footwear, drinking water, and light snacks are essential--along with the services of an experienced caving guide.

Rio Frio Cave - This cave is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of the Cayo District. It boasts the largest cave mouth in the country with a 65 ft. gap. Is also the most accessible of all caves.

The (in-land) Blue Hole - A cenote in the middle of the jungle -- great place for a swim and a picnic. Is a part of St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park.

Che Chem Ha cave - This cave is located in the Vaca Plateau, just outside of Benque Viejo del Carmen Town. It contains the largest collection of in-tact pottery storage jars. Sections of the cave remain unexplored.

Ben Loman's Cave - Located near the village of Gales Point, the cave is accessible by boat from the Manatee lagoon with a short hike across the savanna.

Blue Creek Cave - Up the river from Blue Creek Village in Toledo. There is an extensive wet cave with a high ceiling. A swim upstream through a series of small falls will lead to an impressive room with a feeder flow gushing (most of the year) out of a sidewall. There are also extensive dry caves with intriguing limestone configurations.

Advanced Caving should only be attempted by experienced spelunkers. Permission from the Institute of Archaeology is necessary to explore some of these caves.

Caves Branch Cave System -This cave system is located along the Hummingbird Highway in the Cayo District. Caves include Footprint, Waterfall, Big Drop, and Petroglyph (the latter so named because of ancient rock drawings left by the Mayas).

Cebeda - This is believed to be the largest cave in Belize and all of Central America and is located along the Guatemala/Belize border in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. It is part of the larger Chiquibul Cave System which spans a known 25 miles, though much of the caverns remain unexplored.

Aktun Tunichil Muknal Cave - This cave is located in the Cayo District and contains many skeletal remains.

Manatee Cave System - This cave system, which is largely unexplored, is located along Manatee Lagoon.

Institute of Archaeology Belmopan, Belize Telephone: 011-501-822-2227 Fax: 011-501-822-3345

Many tourist providers offer cave tubing opportunities. Most are within the Caves Branch Cave system

Tour companies and jungle lodges also cater to canoe adventurers. Best areas to canoe are on the Mopan and Macal Rivers in the Cayo District.

Barton Creek Cave - This cave is located near Barton Creek Village in the Cayo District. It contains pottery and skeletal remains.

The cost of visiting a cave with a tour operator or tour guide depends on the accessibility of the cave and the number of people in your tour.

1. If you are claustrophobic, know your limits. Rio Frio is an open cave but most caves tend to have no natural lighting permeating.



2. Caving can be dangerous with many caves prone to flash floods during extended rainy periods.



3. Ask about the lighting being used on your tour. An extra flashlight (preferably waterproof) with spare batteries is always a good idea.



4. Know the accessibility and physical endurance required for each cave before your journey.



5. Use experienced guides and tour operators for all remote caves even well traveled caves.



6. Pack lightly, especially for the wilder less-known caves where you have to travel for long distances.

If you have additional questions or wish to receive information directly from providers of caving tours, please fill in our contact form.

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