Barton Creek Cave

6 Hours

Tour Duration

Easy

Tour Intensity

Min of 2

Number of persons for the tour

What to bring/wear

  • Bathing Suit
  • Bug repellent 
  • Extra pair of dry clothing
  • Towel
  •  Extra water
  • Snacks
  • Camera

What we provide

  • Transportation
  • Entrance fee
  • Lunch
  • Gear

Brief information

This tour starts at 8 a.m. with a 45 minutes’ drive from San Ignacio Town and into George Ville village, passing through the Mennonite community (Amish). Upon reaching the entrance of the cave, we board our canoes and slowly paddle into the cave passage.  

In addition to the natural beauty of the area, Barton Creek Cave contains many cultural remains left in the cave by the ancient Maya, centuries ago. Artifacts, Hearths, modified cave formations and human skeletons were deposited on stone ledges as part of the ritual activities of the ancient inhabitants of the Barton creek valley.

Barton Creek Cave is part of a large riverine system and one of the longest subterranean sites in the country of Belize.  Cultural remains, however, it has only been found within the first kilometer from the downstream entrance.  This kilometer-long space contains ten ledges above the river with evidence of ancient Maya activity.  The first ledge is located on the left just inside the entrance to the cave, and continues to roughly 30 meters beyond the Maya Bridge that straddles the river.

Approximately 1800 years ago the Maya began utilizing the cave ledges for ritual activity.  The ceramics that has been found suggest that the Maya were using Barton Creek Cave from the Early Classic (A.D 200 to 600) to the Late Classic Period (A.D. 600 to 900). This is typical of caves in this area, however at this site Early Classic material is found farther into the cave than at other sites.  The reason for this may simply be that the Maya moved into the Barton Creek Valley earlier than into other areas such as the Roaring Creek Valley.

Map

Our Clients Reviews

  • star rating  The most memorable experience in Belize - Just came back from our ATM cave tour with Orlando from Kaatz Witz Tours . Pick up from the guest house where we are staying, nice air-conditioned van with lunch... read more

    avatar thumb Tedi932
    April 24, 2024

    star rating  The best tour for ATM and Xunantunich!!  - Absolutely amazing day with Orlando guiding my husband and I through the ATM Cave and Xunantunich! He’s been guiding for 20 years and is truly an expert with so much... read more

    avatar thumb Amy H
    January 27, 2024

    star rating  Orlando was our guide for the ATM caves. He was an excellent guide and the tour was a really fun and interesting experience. Would highly recommend booking.
    - He... read more

    Anna F
    August 2, 2023
  • star rating  We had Orlando as our ATM cave guide. He was a wonderful guide, and happily answered all my questions, made sure the group was doing ok at every turn, and... read more

    avatar thumb RebeccaB375
    August 22, 2022

    star rating  Orlando took us on an amazing trip to the ATM caves!! We enjoyed the day with him learning about the jungle, caves and history of the Mayan people. Orlando was... read more

    K8599TEkatiee
    June 14, 2022

    star rating  Have you ever walked away from something and said to yourself "WOW!! that experience could not have been any better and it's all because of the person who was gracious... read more

    joellenandjoe
    April 16, 2022
  • star rating  Excellent! Orlando explained the history and cultural relevance of the site! Highly recommend this personalized tour of this Underground Maya Ruin

    Curiosity34833282414
    January 23, 2022

    star rating  We went on this adventure with an expert on the ATM cave who told us a lot of interesting facts and stories about its magical history. Any question we asked... read more

    ScaniaSt
    December 25, 2021

    star rating  Our trip to the ATM cave with Orlando from Katz Witz Maya Tours was nothing short of mind blowing!

    Orlando’s knowledge of every detail in the ATM cave,... read more

    Jbrosious
    November 26, 2021
  • star rating  The ATM cave tour was the highlight of our week in Belize! Our guide, Orlando, was very patient and informative, giving us direction on where to place our hands... read more

    Roving731607
    November 11, 2021

    star rating  We had an excellent time with Orlando exploring the ATM caves. He is a very knowledgeable tour guide and we felt extremely comfortable exploring the caves with him!! ... read more

    343karah
    November 2, 2021

    star rating  My 18yo son and I were guided by our new friend Orlando into an experience we will remember for the rest of our lives. We learned and experienced so... read more

    Jackie M
    September 7, 2021