Overview:

Barton Creek Cave River in Belize is an underground river system located within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. This area of Belize has recently been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caverns that make up the Barton Creek Cave are approximately seven miles long and offer a unique experience for exploration. Visitors can canoe along the river, which gently winds through a variety of ancient Maya tunnels, steep narrows and crevasses. The varied environment of the Barton Creek Cave River allows visitors to explore and observe a variety of exclusive wildlife species like bats and cavefish. Limestone formations can be seen from the river as well. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

• One of the longest river caves in Central America: Measuring over 7 miles (11 km) in length, the Barton Creek Cave River is one of the longest river cave systems in Central America. The cave is located in the Cayo District of Belize and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. • Underground waterway: The Barton Creek Cave River has two distinct sections, both of which are accessible to visitors.The upper section is mostly a dry cave, which has a few subterranean pools and an underground river flowing through it.The lower section is mainly an underground waterway, where visitors can enjoy a leisurely boat ride to explore the ravine and numerous galleries of the cave. • Subterranean Life: Home to a unique and diverse range of plant and animal life, the Barton Creek Cave River is an important ecological site in Belize. The subterranean river houses a variety of species including turtles, bats, fish, crayfish and snails. • Ancient Mayan sites: As well as providing habitat for a range of species, the Barton Creek Cave River is also home to several ancient Mayan sites. These ancient sites include ceremonial offerings, stone monuments and structures, as well as the remains of human artifacts. • Crystal Formations: The water of the Barton Creek Cave River carries a high mineral content which leads to the formation of beautiful crystal formations on the walls of the cave. These unique crystal formations can be 300 feet (90 m) tall in some sections and are one of the most memorable features of the site. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Barton Creek Cave is located in the Cayo District, Belize, and is believed to have been in use for over 6,000 years by Mayans. This system of caves is a labyrinth of winding passages up to 300 feet high and 1200 feet wide. It is the longest explored underground river system in Central America. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Mayans used the cave as a burial site and for conducting religious ceremonies. Excavations in the 1990s revealed artifacts such as pottery fragment, clay pipes, and other pottery, cultural and ritual remains. Spanish artifacts from the 1500s were also recovered from the cave. In recent years, the waterways of Barton Creek Cave have become a popular destination for tourists and cave explorers. Tourists kayak, swim, and explore the cave along the crystal clear rivers and among the impressive limestone formations. The cave remains relatively undeveloped as there are few facilities or services available. Even still, activities such as whitewater rafting, spelunking, and nature hikes can be arranged for those interested. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Barton Creek Cave was discovered in 1990 by Gary Witherspoon during a cave-mapping expedition. 2. The area was only accessible by Lamanai Outpost’s long dugout canoes, and early visitors had to wade through chest-deep water with headlamps. 3. The cave is situated in the foothills of the Maya Mountains and is part of a system of over 5,300 caves in the Chiquibul Karst System in Central America, opened up by the Barton Creek River. 4. It is a nature reserve and archaeological site under the stewardship of the Belize Audubon Society, and visitors can explore the entrance of the cave on guided tours from National Geographic Expeditions. 5. The cave features a spectacular array of stalagmites and stalactites and is home to a variety of wildlife, including five species of bats, a giant centipede and snakes. 6. Its Mayan name is Tapir Mountain Cave and its deepest chambers contain Mayan artifacts, including pottery and carvings that date back to 900 AD. It is estimated to contain well over one million artifacts. 7. While the cave is now a protected archaeological site, mass graves were found in 2011 during the investigation of the murder of three men who had entered the cave looking for crystal deposits. 8. There are regular whale sightings in the West Indian Ocean just off the coast of Belize, including occasional visits from humpback and pilot whales, making it a popular place for whale watching. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.