Belize Caves: Fascinating History, Unique Archaeological Experience, and Soft and Hardcore Adventures

The country of Belize, like Guatemala and the Yucatan peninsula, have areas with topography called karst (areas that are made up of a limestone platform that is riddled with depressions, holes, and rivers). As a result of this geological phenomenon, thousands of caves have been produced. These caves were sacred to the ancient (and modern) Maya, areas where they performed rituals and sacrifices archaeologically evident through the discovery of large ceramic jars, fire hearths, human bone material from adults and children, and other significant artifacts.

The Maya believed these caves were portals to the underworld, an underworld known as (pronounced Shi-BAHL-bah) and Mayan death deities were believed to run these areas. Traditionally, the entrance to Xibalba was an entrance to a specific cave in Guatemala, but it is now believed that all caves were sacred and offered access to Xibalba.

In Belize, archaeologists have discovered through radiocarbon dating that the use of these caves dates back to 1000 BC. C. (Preclassic) and continues until 800 – 1000 d. C. (Terminal Classic). It is also noted that there is a significant increase in ceremonial activity during the Terminal Classic, possibly due to the impending decline of the major lowland Maya city-states that occurred during this period. This increase in ceremonial activity in various caves occurs just before and during what is known as the Maya decline or collapse, a social and economic collapse in lowland Maya society, which caused the virtual abandonment of major cities 800 – 1000 AD (Terminal Classic Mayan period).

Numerous caves throughout Belize offer high-impact, gentle archeological adventures. There is tubing in the cave river, hiking and canoeing. These cave sites are typically only accessible by licensed guides and several are managed and protected by the Institute of Archeology (IoA) and the Belize Audubon Society. Many caves are considered archaeological sites and their protection falls under Belizean antiquities laws and all possible care should be taken during your visit. One of the leading cave researchers in Belize is Dr. Jaime Awe, director of the Institute of Archaeology. Much of the information in this article comes from Mayan Cities and Sacred Caves: A Guide to Belize’s Mayan Sites by Jaime Awe published in 2006 by Cubola Productions, Belize CA

BARTON CREEK CAVE, BELIZE

Located in the central Cayo district of present-day Belize, archaeological remains indicate that Barton Creek Cave was used by the Maya for rituals and ceremonial activities typical of other caves in the area from the Early Classic (AD 250) to the Late Classic (250 AD). 900). Artifacts and other materials include large ceramic jars, human skeletal material, hearths, and modified cave formations. Many chambers, as well as narrow areas, within Barton Creek Cave contain ledges on which important ritual (ceremonial) material was placed.

Activities and Access
Canoeing is available for a few hours or half a day, the stopping point is a mile from the cave, and you can swim in the indoor pools. Licensed guides provide tours, and restrooms and changing areas are provided. Located approximately 25 minutes from milepost 64 on Western Highway (Georgeville).

ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL CAVE, BELIZE

Located in the Roaring Creek Valley in the Cayo District of Belize, this cave was not reported in detail until the late 1980s. Significant archaeological finds include upright stelae (ancient Mayan stone monuments) and ceramic vessels including a pot of chocolate from an elite Maya who likely entered the cave to perform a ritual bloodletting ceremony. Other remains include human skeletal material from both adults and children, stone implements made of both flint and obsidian, carved stone tools such as bifacial points, and polished stone tools including manes and metates. Actun Tunichil Muknal was occupied by the Maya from the Early Classic to the Terminal Classic (300 – 900 AD), as with other caves in this region, the Maya used this cave for ritual activities such as bloodletting, breaking ritual of vessels and sacrifices to appease various gods. deities and rulers. Not surprisingly, when Tunich Muknal was first occupied, the Maya used more of the open areas and did not penetrate the interior until later.

Activities and access
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is accessed south of Teakettle Village in the Cayo District; it is a somewhat difficult journey as visitors must walk the last two miles across Roaring Creek several times. To enter the cave, visitors must swim through a pool of water. Only licensed guides are allowed in the cave and you can make arrangements through your hotel or lodge, your tour operator, or in the town of San Ignacio.

CHE CHEM HA CAVE, BELIZE

Formerly known as Cueva de las Cataratas de Vaca, located in the Cayo district about eight miles southeast of the town of Benque Viejo, this cave contains many tunnels and chambers. The cave is located on the property of the Morales family. As was the case with Actun Tunichil Muknal, Che Chem Ha Cave was not discovered until the 1980s. Archaeologists believe that this cave was used from approximately the Middle Preclassic (900 – 300 BC) to the Late Classic Period. (850 AD). Located within the deepest area of ​​the cave is the Stela Chamber which houses an uncarved upright stela ritually placed there by the ancient Maya, also of note is the fact that unlike other caves within the area, it does not human bone material was recovered. A significant number of large ceramic jars were found in association with plant remains indicating the importance of rituals and agricultural practices among the Maya who resided near this cave. Another interesting finding is that of a very well preserved hardwood torch that would have been used to illuminate the chambers and activities carried out in the cave by the Mayans.

Activities and access
Located approximately 8 miles from the town of Benque Viejo in the Cay District of Belize, Che Chem Ha Cave can only be visited by licensed Belizean guides and the Morales family, who own the property, provide restrooms, food, lodging and excursions. There is a 45 minute uphill walk to access the cave and inside the cave there are stairs to access various chambers.

CAVES OF THE BRANCH CAVE SYSTEM, BELIZE

Located off Hummingbird Highway in the Cayo District, caves that are part of this system include Footprint, Waterfall, Big Drop, and Petroglyph. The ancient Maya used these caves approximately between AD 300 and 900. C. for various rituals and ceremonies, as evidenced by the archaeological remains recovered within the cave system that include ceramic material (including large jars), stone tools, hearths, and skeletal remains of both humans. and animals Presumably, these remains are remains of important rituals carried out from the Preclassic to the Classic Maya.

Activities and access
The Institute of Archeology now manages a part of Cave’s Branch, and in doing so collects an entrance fee, maintains the cave, and provides a caretaker. Caves Branch offers an easily flowing water system whose water temperatures average between 65 and 75 degrees year round. All tours are guided and often include headlamps and tubes. As you make your way through the water system, you pass through cave chambers and open outdoor areas that provide an incredible contrast between temperature, environment, and landscape. Caves Branch is easily accessible from the Hummingbird Highway and can be done as a day trip from Belize City or as a 1/2 day trip from San Ignacio or some of the many jungle lodges like Pook’s Hill , Hidden Valley or Maya Mountain Lodge.

Access
You can also learn more about all the above activities here: http://www.beyondtouring.com