Barton Creek Cave Reserve
Barton Creek Cave Reserve things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
Barton Creek Cave is a natural cave in Belize, known as both an archaeological site and as a tourist destination. It is located in the upper Barton Creek area near San Ignacio in the Cayo District.
attractions: Mike's Place, restaurants:
Ratings
Description
Barton Creek Cave is a natural cave in Belize, known as both an archaeological site and as a tourist destination. It is located in the upper Barton Creek area near San Ignacio in the Cayo District.
Posts
Our party of 8 arrived with our guide after about a 2 hour shuttle from Placencia. This was our final stop after hiking Xunantunich and lunch at Benny’s. The hike to our site was pleasant and easy- my 70 year old father did it without difficulty- lots of shade and relatively flat. Please wear water shoes with thicker soles! If you don’t have any they do sell them at the site for $25USD. Not tennis shoes or pool shoes but something more like strapped hiking sandals or crocs with sports mode strap. You will have to walk through many streams and they are super rocky with large smooth stones. Comfortable shoes are a must. You will have to walk about 30 mins and even though it’s a very gentle hike you wouldn’t want to do it in pool shoes. The caves themselves are amazing. I did another cave tour closer to little blue hole and it was extremely dark and very narrow. The vaulted ceilings and stalactite formations are truly marvelous here. Very peaceful. All 8 of us tubed through with only 1 or 2 head lights on. I do recommend tubing instead of kayaking. The kayakers seemed to go through very quickly while we floated slowly and really enjoyed our surroundings. There are other places to kayak in my opinion. I would definitely do it again. Also, try to avoid weekdays if possible. Cruise ships port and it’s an excursion for them. We had the caves to ourselves for the most part. But if cruise ships are there as well there could easily be 100 people in caves at a time. In my opinion that would ruin the experience.
Kendra RichardsonKendra Richardson
00
We came here during the dry season (March) and had to drive on dirt roads (not bad ones) and through two small rivers (you'll want an all whee drivel SUV) to get to Mike's Place. We didn't have a guide booked in advance so we had to wait around for a half hour or so. There's a little walk to wander and a restaurant. Our guide was great! He had lots of information to share, kept it PG for the kids and answered all our questions. We canoed about 1 km into the cave and saw some nice formations and Mayan artifacts (not too many). Lights were provided although we did have our own headlamps too. There were maybe two other groups we passed, which was nice and kept the experience quiet. Our guide said it is busier on a weekend. And he said if you want to see bigger bats - not just insect bats - try to be on one of the first two tours. You can swim in the water outside the cave after (there are little fish in there and both shallow and deep areas), so bring a towel and swimsuit. Swimming could be a good idea to do after you've ordered food as it takes a while. We had fresh coconuts chopped off a tree just for us!
Donella HeldDonella Held
30
This is the most disappointing activity I did in Belize. I drove to Barton Creek myself - the road is pretty okay to drive in the dry season - upon arrival they charged $50 per person. The tour took about 45mins to an hour canoeing 🛶 into the cave, hearing about the Mayan rituals & blood sacrifice for about 15mins (all of these you will hear at any other Mayan site), the remaining minutes was of unnecessary jokes and rants by the tour guide. The cave itself is not as impressive as I anticipated but the color of the water makes it picturesque (For caves, Rio Frio Cave is my favorite in Belize). If you’re considering doing this, it’s better to do it with a combined activity in the area - tubing & visiting big rock waterfalls. That
Joshua AmponsemJoshua Amponsem
40
Visited Oct 2021 with local guide from our ecolodge, Black Rock Lodge. Rented canoes on site. Tropical plants give way to idyllic swimming hole with water that is constantly refreshed by the stream from the cave. From outside paradise, you slowly paddle into what the Mayans thought was the entrance to hell (think River Styx in Greek mythology). Luminous colors, natural bridges and archaeological finds augment the stalagmites and stalactites. The water level determines how far you can paddle in before turning around. Upon returning to daylight, enjoy a refreshing dip in the water. The site we rented from had basic bathroom facilities that can be used as changing areas.
Darci WorthDarci Worth
20
Surreal and magical. If you've seen caves before (for instance in Belgium) - you will want to see this one. If you've never seen caves before - you will want to see this one. We were so lucky with the low water conditions, the low season (us and the guide where the only people in the entire cave) and the enthusiasm of the guide.... We got the full experience! The swim near the entrance afterwards, with fish everywhere was just the cherry on the cave (pun intended). I booked with Cayo Inland adventures and had a great, great time. Downside: very hobbly bumpy road to get there, and in this season, forest fires.
Mirjam DMirjam D
10
Barton creek is definitely worth a visit if you’re traveling in Belize. Many tour companies can take you out here for a day, and it can cost upwards of 100 usd per person depending on the activities you do. However, I would recommend getting a car and driving out there yourself. Mikes place is the jumping off point for the cave canoeing, and the canoes and local guides can be found at Mikes. The normal rate once you’re at the creek is $65, but you may be able to negotiate a bit. At the creek you can also swim, cliff jump, and relax with a beer. If you drive, there are plenty more stops in the park
Nico MarcecaNico Marceca
60
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