Caving in the Cayo District of Belize

While the United States may have its own share of well-reknown caves, few Americans are familiar with the country of Belize, much less the beautiful and bountifully-numbered caverns present in the jungle-covered landscape of that Central American nation. A large number of these underground lairs remain unexplored, and many appear to be nearly-unaccessible, providing a sense of adventure that is almost impossible to find while spelunking in the contiguous forty-eight states.

Belize has such an abundance of caves due to its wet climate and limestone geography, and some caverns even have subterranean waterfalls! However, visiting most requires a local guide, and the will to hike through hours of jungle in order to access the entrances of many caves.

The premiere caving spot in the western Cayo district is Blue Hole National Park, which features one of only ten known crystal caves in the entire world. Entering the cave requires rappeling down many feet after a moderate hike through the jungle. Visitors must also be accompanied by a guide, because the cave is home to many artifacts, such as pottery, cutlery, and skeletal remains. All entering Blue Hole National Park must register at the Visitor Center before entering the park, in order to pay the required fee.

Also located nearby is St. Herman's Cave, where amateur spelunkers are allowed to venture slightly under a quarter-mile into the darkness, unattended. Entering the cave with a guide allows an extensive tour, including a visit to Mayan ceremonial sites located within that feature many artifacts found in Crystal Cave.

Outside of Blue Hole is Barton Creek Cave, located near the Mennonite settlement by Cahal Pech. The cave is quite full of water, and also extremely large, allowing canoe tours to be conducted inside! Like many Belizean caverns, it was also used for Mayan ritual. Canoers enter the cave and paddle back almost a quarter-mile before returning to the entrance.

Finally, Rio Frio cave is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge area, and can be explored without a guide! The two entryways are about twenty yards in diameter, connected by a cave less than a half-mile long. A trail at the end diverges into the rainforest, one leading to the parking lot, and the other leading to Cuevas Gemelas Cave.

For unusual caves to explore and unchartered adventures, Belize is the place to go. It's inexpensive, wondrous, and stunningly beautiful - and located on the Central American mainland, it's closer to America than you think.