Mayan Trail: Belize Adventure Travel - 2

Barton Creek Cave

Naturally, families might get bored seeing one Maya ruin after another. To mix things up, head to Barton Creek Cave for a Maya caving and canoe/inner tube expedition. We got to Barton Creek Cave in the early afternoon and had lunch at its outdoor café (beans, rice, chicken, fruit juice, all for US$4), before hopping into a long canoe with our guide, Borris Arevelo. Tours are in English and last about two hours ($30 per person). At the dock of the cave’s blue lagoon entrance, vines and tree roots hung over the water, and butterflies rested on alien-like orchids. We were each given a high-power flash light as Borris pushed us off, paddling into the mouth of the cave.

The Maya believed their rain god, Chac, lived in caves. When drought hit, the Maya made offerings and even human sacrifices in Barton Creek Cave. The cave is large and impressive, and as we floated along we were startled by bats and dripping water. The rock formations are dramatic, and taking a look at ancient Maya sacrificial skulls and pottery is, as one 15-year old visitor said, “Pretty cool.”

While Barton Creek Cave is amazing, adventurous, interesting and fun, it is not for young kids or kids who can’t swim. All visitors to the cave need to be able to remain still in the canoe and quiet in certain bat-filled sections. That said, there were lots of kids at the caves, and the owner, Canadian Kristina Bogart, has four children herself, (plus a monkey named Mango), so it’s definitely family-friendly. Because of road conditions, it is best to go to Barton Caves with a guide or in a heavy-duty four-wheel drive vehicle. Visitors should be cautious in the rainy season.

 

• A group paddles out of Barton Creek Cave.

Tom Eppenberger Jr.

Mexico’s Maya Trail

The Maya trail in Belize continues south to ruins Nim Li Punit, Lubaantun and many others, but the rest of our trip was spent on the Maya trail in Mexico. There are hundreds of ruins and thousands of caves throughout the Maya world, which makes choosing where to go a difficult task. Belize is an excellent country to start exploring the Maya trail because it’s safe, accepts U.S. dollars, has many English-speakers and offers lots in the way of tourist services. If you’re looking for history, culture, the Caribbean and animal sightseeing, Belize is a five-star choice for an adventurous and unique family vacation.

Additional Information

Tours: Hunchi’ik Tours

 

• Tourists wander through the ballcourt of Nim Li Punit.

Image Copyright 2008-Demian Solano Photography

Getting there and around: By air—American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Taca Airlines, US Airways. Within Belize—Maya Island Air. By car—Matus Car Rental.

When to Go: Rainy season/hurricane season lasts from June to November. The is the cheapest time to go as it’s low season in Central America. However, your vacation could be ruined by a hurricane or torrential rain storms. We went in hurricane season and only had one day of rain. Dry season lasts from December to May. This is clearly the best time to visit, but also expect higher prices and more tourist.

Don’t Forget: A raincoat, a flashlight and insect repellent.