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San Ignacio · Cayo · Belize
Barton Creek Cave Canoeing
Starting From
From $95.00 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Experience the essence of a meditative ambiance as you glide on a canoe through an underground cave system as the sound of the paddle on the peaceful waters harmonizes with your heartbeat. While canoeing through the cave, see large crystalline formations, skeletal remains and other cultural artifacts. A visit to Barton Creek Cave involves paddling canoes along an ancient Mayan waterway inside the mountain. It is believed that the Mayas once used Barton Creek cave as a center for ritualistic activities including human sacrifices, bloodletting rituals, agricultural rituals and possibly fertility rites. While canoeing through the cave, see large and colorful formations, skeletal remains and other cultural artifacts left behind by the Mayas centuries ago. Speleothems, or cave formations, further compliment the Barton Creek Caves experience. This once sacred Maya cave awaits visitors who are looking to experience the magical Mayan realm of Xibalba (the underworld).
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Experience seeing a cave by canoe
- See crystalline formations, skeletal remains and cultural artifacts
- Learn about Mayan history and culture
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
Barton Creek is for those who want to see a cave but you don’t want to hike, swim or climb around. We drive from San Ignacio around 45 min to an hour, passing through a traditional Mennonite village. The drive is an adventure by itself, it is very scenic and passing through the village we can see and learn about how Mennonites survive without any modern technology. Shortly after the village, we drive through the Barton Creek River getting to the cave entrance. Then, walking after three minutes, the guide will get the canoes ready. The canoes are three seaters, and the guide will turn on your spotlight and you will paddle into the cave. As we gently paddle through the cave, the guide will discuss the Mayan history and the important rituals and ceremonies that took place in ancient times. As we continue paddling we will encounter challenges like ducking or bending to the sides, but anyone can do this adventure. The total time we spend in the cave is around two hours. Paddling in, to a certain point, then back out again.
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
San Ignacio
Canoeing at Barton Creek Cave.
Continued
San Ignacio
Caving at Barton Creek Cave.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
PFD, helmet, canoes
Not Included
Tips for the tour guides
What to Bring
Comfortable clothes Cameras Mosquito repellant Snacks
Meeting & Pickup
Free pick up with in San Ignacio Town, out of San Ignacio town for an additional cost or meet at Hun Chi'ik Tours office, Burnes Avenue, San Ignacio Town.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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