Overview:

is a vast underground river system that is located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains of western Belize. It is the largest cave system in the country and is made up of several kilometers of interconnected galleries and passages. Its primary river runs roughly 10 kilometers through the Mayan Mountains, and is accessible via a series of interconnected tunnels and caverns. The cave also contains many archaeological sites and is an important part of the Mayan underworld which was believed to house gods and provide an avenue to the afterlife. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

Barton Creek Cave is a fascinating system of limestone cave tunnels located in Belize and is the longest cave system in Central America. It is part of the Barton Creek Cave Reserve, which is a protected area managed by the Belize Audubon Society, since it is home to endangered animals and critical habitats. The Reserve covers 567 hectares (1,400 acres). The cave system itself is over 8.5 kilometers (about 5 miles) long and features, large galleries, stalactites, stalagmites, and dramatic Mayan artifacts and carvings. However, the most unique feature of Barton Creek Cave is its unique aquatic environment: its cave rivers! These waterways are biologically diverse and are fed by underground spring water. The caves are very dark and visitors can only enter with professional guides. Guided tours offer an opportunity to explore the caves deeply as well as observe the numerous Mayan artefacts. There are various caving courses which offer an opportunity to learn about the environment and explore further through advanced techniques such as rope climbing and wading. Barton Creek Canyon is a popular destination for both adventure seekers and nature lovers and is a special place due to its rich Mayan history, unique ecological environment, and wide selection of limestone cave tours. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Barton Creek Cave is a cave system in Belize located within the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and operated by the Belize Cave Research Foundation. The Barton Creek Cave System is the longest system in Belize, and contains the deepest skeleton-filled Mayan ceremonial chamber on the mainland. The cave system is estimated to be approximately 8 km long and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Belize. This cave system has been used by humans for a long time. Evidence of human activities in the area has been found such as fragments of tools and pottery dating back to the Middle and Late Preclassic periods (300 BC - 250 AD). Several stelae (carved monuments) found at the entrances of the cave suggest that the caves were also used for ceremonial purposes by the ancient Maya civilization. The caves of Barton Creek first attracted attention in the early 1980s, when cave explorer Alan Raabe, together with paleontologist James Quinn, began exploring the system. Their first exploration revealed a number of artifacts, including the remains of ceramic vessels, animal remains, and a number of human remains. Subsequent archaeological expeditions have revealed more remains, including an assortment of stonework, beads and jade carvings. Barton Creek Cave was declared a national monument in 1990, and has been open to the general public since the establishment of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in 1992. The cave system continues to be a popular destination for both tourists and archaeologists alike, and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Belize. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

• The Barton Creek Cave System is located in the Cayo District of Belize. • It is the longest subterranean river in Central America. • The cave system is over 6 miles (10 kilometers) long and a popular cave tubing destination. • The limestone formations along the walls and ceilings of the caves are spectacular. • The entrance to the cave system is the opening of a sinkhole. • The cave is sacred to the ancient Maya and was used for rituals. • The cave was used as a base by guerrillas during the civil war in neighboring Guatemala in the 1950s. • The Barton Creek Cave System is a popular destination for cave divers and spelunkers. • Many species of bats inhabit the caves and can be seen at dusk. • The crystal-clear water of the cave system is home to a variety of fish, crayfish and other aquatic life. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.