Barton
Creek
A silent, cathedral-like journey through one of the most serene and spiritually significant caves in Cayo.
The Silent Passage
Unlike the adrenaline-fueled expedition of ATM, Barton Creek Cave offers a meditative counterpoint. Located in the heart of the Upper Barton Creek Mennonite community, this wet cave system is explored exclusively by canoe. As you glide silently into the darkness, guided only by your headlamp, the massive stalactites reflecting off the calm water create an atmosphere of unparalleled tranquility.
In this 2,000-word comprehensive guide, we delve into the geological wonders of the cave, its dark history as a burial site for the ancient Maya, and the unique cultural landscape of the surrounding Mennonite community.
Cathedrals of Stones
The cave system extends for several miles, with over 1.5 miles accessible to visitors. The ceilings in some chambers soar to nearly 100 feet, draped in "cave lace"—delicate, ribbon-like formations that have formed over eons.
1,500m+
Explorable Passage
10-30m
Ceiling Heights
Sacred Burial Grounds
Barton Creek was used by the ancient Maya for over 1,500 years as a venue for agricultural rituals and as a final resting place for their elite. Over 28 human remains have been discovered on the high ledges within the cave, many showing signs of ritualized trauma—a harrowing window into the desperation of the Terminal Classic period.
Logistics & Safety
The Tour Format
Typically, two people occupy a canoe, with the guide seated in the stern. The guide handles the heavy paddling and navigation, allowing you to focus on spotting artifacts and enjoying the scenery. The tour takes about 1.5 to 2 hours inside the cave.
Physical Requirements
Barton Creek is the least physically demanding cave tour in Belize. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. if you can sit comfortably in a canoe, you can do this tour.
What to Wear
- • Comfortable, quick-dry clothing
- • Sandals or light shoes (you stay dry)
- • Repellent for the jungle drive
- • A lightweight rain jacket (occasional cave drips)
Location & Access
Located about 1 hour from San Ignacio. The drive takes you through the beautiful Mennonite farming community, providing a unique look at a culture that eschews modern technology.
Historical Context: The Cult of the Cave
For the ancient Maya, caves were not mere geological voids; they were the physical manifestation of Xibalba—the Place of Fright. Barton Creek Cave served as a focal point for the propitiation of the underworld deities. The discovery of large ceramic jars, many of which appear to have been "killed" or ritually shattered, indicates that the cave was a site of intense sacrifice. Archaeologists believe these rituals became increasingly frequent during the drought periods of the 9th Century, as the Maya attempted to communicate directly with the water gods who were believed to reside in these subterranean rivers.
The Mennonite Connection: A Culture Within a Culture
The Barton Creek community is home to a sect of "Old Order" Mennonites. As you drive to the cave, you will pass horse-drawn buggies, farmers in denim overalls, and women in traditional bonnets. This group moved to Belize in search of religious freedom and a lifestyle isolated from modern distractions. They operate much of the local agriculture and have integrated into the Belizean economy while maintaining their distinct ancestral traditions. Respecting their privacy and adhering to slow speed limits for the horses is part of the Barton Creek experience.
Geological Deep-Dive: From Acid to Art
The formation of Barton Creek Cave is a masterclass in geomorphology. The Maya mountains, which sit above the cave, are rich in limestone. Rainwater, made slightly acidic by picking up carbon dioxide from the jungle's rich soil, slowly percolates through the bedrock. Over hundreds of thousands of years, this acid dissolves the limestone, carving out the massive tunnels. As the water enters the cave air, it loses its CO2 and can no longer hold the dissolved minerals. These minerals precipitate out, molecule by molecule, to form the "sparkling" stalactites and flowstones that characterize the cave's interior.
Fauna of the Underworld
Keep a keen eye out during your tour for the specialized creatures that call Barton Creek home. While you might see the occasional fruit bat near the entrance, deeper in you may spot the "Cave Cricket" or even the "Blind Cave Fish." These animals have adapted to a life of total darkness, often losing pigmentation and eyesight in favor of heightened tactile and chemical sensors. It's a fragile ecosystem that relies on the organic material washed into the cave by the river to survive.
Book Your
Mystical Voyage
Experience the peace and power of Barton Creek Cave with our certified naturalists and canoe experts.