Belize Caving
Human sacrifice
In religious ceremonies of the ancient Mayans, humans were often sacrificed and dismembered, and the various parts were doled out to priests, who found their own private nook or cranny in a cave and engaged in unknown rituals, usually involving blood-letting on the part of the priest. All the blood has long since been washed away, but human bones and teeth are still to be found.
Skull from Mayan sacrificial ceremony
Rivers and pits
Archaeology aside, many caves are worth exploring because of their magnificent formations. Some caves offer unique adventures.
The Caves Branch River disappears into a black hole and continues underground for miles, occasionally reappearing into daylight filtered through the rain forest canopy in brief sections where the roof of the cave has collapsed. It is possible to float in an inner tube for seven miles through this cave system. Rappelling into a 300-foot deep pit is another adventure.
Formations in Crystal Cave
Logistics
Exploring wild caves independently in Belize requires a permit from the government. Many cave systems are located on private property or in remote areas, and require vertical skills. A good option is Caves Branch Estate, near Belmopan. Trained guides are available to accompany guests to a wide variety of nearby caves, explore the rain forest, or even join in explorations for new caves.
Tubing the Caves Branch River
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Interactive map of Belize
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