BARTON CREEK TOURS

Belize Barton Creek Cave Tours

overview

Barton Creek is a remote cave which, like many of the subterranean caverns of Belize, was used by the ancient Mayan people for ceremonial purposes.  This is a relaxed, but exciting canoe trip inside a mountain on an ancient waterway where you can observe grand cathedral ceilings in the cave, as well as numerous formations and stalactites and stalagmites.

We begin our journey through farmland where you can observe the Mennonite community of Upper Barton Creek and experience their traditional lifestyle. We then reach Barton Creek Cave, much of which is still to be explored and which stretches for 4.5 miles. We canoe in for one mile exploring the amazing history and geology of this massive cave. At the entrance of the cave we board our canoes, switch on our headlights and start to slowly paddle into the cave passage. While floating deeper into the passage we learn about the geology, archaeology, and Mayan history of these caves.; Our lights will bring to life sparkling crystal formations that are millions of years old. After exploring the caves, we turn our canoes around and float back to park our canoes and complete our half day tour with a refreshing swim.

Optional Add-ons:

Why end the fun there? Book an additional tour and extend your half-day canoe tour to a fun-filled day exploring Belize that you won’t soon forget. Our reservations team can help you to book an additional adventure that will make this day an Un-Belizable one. Activities recommended include Jungle Ziplining, Butterfly Farm visit, or exploring one of the most famous waterfalls in the country, Big Rock Waterf

After the relaxing canoe paddle at Barton Creek, you can opt to pump up the adventure and take a stop at our longest aerial canopy zip-lining tour Ultimo Explorer which is more than 2,700 feet. It is comprised of 9 runs and 15 platforms, that take you over and through the jungle. This is a safe and exhilarating way to see the jungle like never before. Since we haven’t figured out a way to grow feathers yet, a trip through the jungle on a zipline is a terrific way to get that fix.

Tour: 1-1.5 Hours

The Butterfly Farm is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and those interested in butterfly conservation. Located near the town of San Ignacio in western Belize, this butterfly farm offers visitors the opportunity to observe various species of butterflies in a natural and educational setting. See at least 20 native species in a large flight area and learn more about the interesting lifecycle of several species of butterflies. Apart from our butterflies, the 250-acre (101-hectare) property is also home to a rich biodiversity of Flora and Fauna such as ardency flowers, bromeliads, heliconias, orchids, hummingbirds, agoutis, margays, jaguars and gibnuts. 

Tour: 45 mins- 1 Hour

Big Rock Falls is a breathtaking 150-foot waterfall that flows over granite boulders in Privassion Creek. To reach this hidden gem, you’ll need to hike down a long and steep slope deep in the Mountain Pine Ridge. Once you arrive, you’ll be awed by the stunning waterfall that spills into two large and refreshing pools before making its way down the river. This hidden paradise is a must-see for your tour, where you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of splashing water, birds singing, and wind rustling through the trees.

Tour: 1 HourBelize Mountain Pine Ridge Tour

General information

Start time 9:00 AM

Tour Duration 4-5 hours

Amenities: Restrooms at parking lot

Meeting point

MayaWalk Office at #19 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio, Belize

Check In

15 minutes before tour departure.

Endpoint

MayaWalk Office at #19 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio, Belize

The Tour departs from our headquarters in San Ignacio at 9:00 a.m. We begin our journey through farmland where you can observe the Mennonite community of Upper Barton Creek and learn more about their traditional lifestyle. After a short drive offroad we arrive at the parking lot of the Barton Creek Cave. We have a short break to put on our gear (Life Jackets, Helmets, and Headlamps are mandatory) and use the restroom if needed before heading to our canoe. We board our canoe at the dock, no more than 3 persons per canoe, and led by our tour guide we begin our journey through the entrance of the cave. A few strokes in and you are already in complete darkness. Your guide instructs you to turn on your headlamps and you begin to explore the massive cave system with crystal formations millions of years old. After exploring the caves, we turn our canoes around and float back to the park to complete our half-day tour with a refreshing swim.

Intensity:

 
Easy

Minimal physical exertion, mostly walking on even terrain with little to no obstacles. Life jackets are required and provided for all participants, who will also be escorted by our highly trained guides.

1 Easy – Minimal physical exertion, mostly walking on even terrain with little to no obstacles.
2 Moderate – Some walking on uneven surfaces, navigating through occasional obstacles or rocky terrain.
3 Intermediate – Significant physical activity involving hiking, climbing, and maneuvering through uneven and slippery terrain.
4 Difficult – Demanding physical activity, including climbing over rocks, wading through water, and tight spaces.
5 Challenging – Extremely strenuous activity, requiring advanced physical fitness, agility, and endurance. May involve swimming, advanced climbing, and confined spaces.

Minimum Height:

 
40 in.

Duration:

 
5-8 Hours

What to Bring/Wear:

  • bathing suit
  • towel
  • bug spray
  • hat
  • sturdy walking shoes
  • camera
  • Bring reusable water bottles
tour information

Maya Walk Tours recommends bringing reusable cups and bottles when coming in, to ensure responsible travel and consideration for our beautiful country’s environment.

Min. # of Persons:

 
2

Starting Price:

US

$95

/per person

The cave tour was excellent, fun and exciting. Our guide, Patrick, knew everything given his bushman experience. Would definitely recommend Maya Walk!

– Tripadvisor review

The cave tour was excellent, fun and exciting. Our guide, Patrick, knew everything given his bushman experience. Would definitely recommend Maya Walk!

– Tripadvisor review