Imagine navigating a dark, mysterious cave that was once considered the gateway to the underworld, where ancient rituals were held and sacrifices took place. In Belize, a country known for its beautiful landscapes, these caves offer a rare and eerie opportunity to immerse yourself in Mayan history, mythology, and spirituality. If you’re seeking an adventure that combines history with a touch of the supernatural, the Mayan underworld awaits—just don’t expect to leave unchanged.
Discover the Mayan Kingdom of the Dead
Belize is home to numerous caves that, according to Mayan belief, were the entrances to Xibalba—the realm of death. Xibalba was not only the domain of the gods of death but also a crossing point between the world of the living and the dead. These sacred and mysterious caves were places of intense ceremonial rituals, including burials, bloodletting, and human sacrifices—practices that archaeologists are still uncovering today.
One of the most accessible caves for visitors is Barton Creek Cave, nestled in the Cayo District of western Belize. To reach this remarkable site, you must paddle through the cave by kayak or canoe, making the experience feel like a journey into the unknown. While exploring, you’ll encounter stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites, relics of Mayan civilization, and, perhaps most chillingly, evidence of the ancient rituals that once took place there.
Xibalba: A Realm of Terror and Spiritual Significance
In the Mayan language, Xibalba (pronounced chi-bal-ba) translates to “place of terror,” and it was a central feature in their mythology. The Popol Vuh, a key text in Mayan myth, describes Xibalba as a court located beneath the earth, ruled by the gods of death, where the living could travel to confront their fate. According to Holley Moyes, a professor of archaeology at the University of California, Merced, the Mayans weren’t the only ancient civilization to view caves as portals to the underworld.
Moyes explains that the ancient belief in caves as sacred spaces might stem from early human observations of hibernating animals like bears, which seem to die and be reborn when they emerge in the spring. “The ancient people might have seen this behavior as a form of resurrection,” Moyes speculates.
For the Mayans, gods controlled all aspects of life, from rain (Chac) to harvests (Hun Hunahpu), and even partners (Ixchel). As a result, the caves were often used for rituals and offerings to appease these powerful deities. Even today, traces of these long-forgotten practices can be found in the ruins.
A Sacred Burial Ground: Actun Tunichil Muknal
One of the most famous caves in Belize is Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), which means “cave of the stone sepulcher.” Located near the town of San Ignacio, ATM was a sacred site for the Mayans. It is home to the Crystal Maiden, the remains of a young woman who is believed to have been sacrificed. Over time, the minerals in the cave have crystallized her skeleton, giving it a glowing, gem-like appearance, which is how she earned her name.
In addition to this haunting figure, the cave houses the bones of 13 other individuals—men, women, and children—offering a stark reminder of the Mayans’ reverence for their gods. These remains, along with other Mayan artifacts, have been preserved in the cave, creating a living archaeological site. Due to the site’s significance, photography and videography have been banned in the area to protect its fragile history.
Understanding the Maya Through the Caves
Tour guide Miguel Choco, a Mayan Q’eqchi’ guide for The Lodge at Chaa Creek, emphasizes how important it is to visit these caves to understand the Mayan people and their culture. “To truly appreciate the Maya, you must learn about their ceremonial practices in these caves,” says Choco. These ceremonies, which often ended in human sacrifice, were conducted in times of crisis, such as during droughts or famines.
Choco goes on to explain that the history of the Mayan people isn’t just a thing of the past; it’s something that lives on today. “We are doing everything we can to preserve this culture, and the world must know that,” he adds.
The indigenous peoples of Belize, including the Mopan, Yucatec, and Q’eqchi’ Maya, make up over 11% of the country’s population and continue to practice many of their ancient traditions. Many still speak Mayan languages and adhere to the rich mythology passed down through generations.
Visiting the Underworld: An Adventure Like No Other
Stepping into a Belizean cave can feel like stepping into another world. The stillness and mysterious atmosphere evoke a deep sense of connection to ancient rituals, even if no bones are visible. For those willing to venture into the unknown, a guided canoe ride or swim through Barton Creek Cave offers a chance to explore one of the longest underground caves in Belize. Inside, you’ll find pottery shards, jewelry, and the remains of at least 28 individuals, including children—evidence of the site’s once sacred status.
Though not all caves in Belize are as dark and ominous as the ceremonial ones, they still offer their own thrills. For example, the Caves Branch River, located just an hour from the capital, Belmopan, winds through 19 caves in Nohoch Che’en, a popular destination for tubing. As you float through the gothic stalactites and marvel at the Mayan paintings adorning the cave ceilings, you’ll get a unique look at the fascinating mix of natural beauty and ancient cultural artifacts.
However, be prepared to enter complete darkness at some points during the exploration. While headlamps are provided, the intimidating darkness offers a true sense of what it might have been like for the ancient Maya to enter these sacred spaces.
Conclusion: A Journey Into the Past
Exploring the Mayan underworld through the caves of Belize is more than just an adventure; it’s a journey through time, connecting you with the culture and mythology of an ancient civilization. Whether you’re visiting the haunted halls of Actun Tunichil Muknal, drifting through the eerie Barton Creek, or tubing through the caves of Nohoch Che’en, the experience is sure to leave you in awe of the Maya’s complex and deeply spiritual world.
If you’re looking to dive deep into the mysteries of the Mayan world—and if you’re brave enough to face the underworld—Belize offers an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this ancient culture firsthand.
