CRYSTAL CAVE

This is the adventure to talk about when you get back home!!

On this day we will journey into the past and follow in the footsteps of the ancient shamans. We will follow the same paths that they traversed to arrive in the underworld (Xibalba).

The Mayas believe that the underworld has nine layers. Each layer has a separate malevolent god and the most evil of the gods is named Xibalba. According to the Tzolkin Calendar, the Mayas have to keep these evil gods content, and to do so the Mayas have to journey into these dark caverns to offer food, blood from rulers and sometimes human sacrifices.

The day starts when we pick you up at your hotel/resort followed by a 2 hour drive on the scenic Hummingbird Highway. Upon arrival at the Blue Hole, we will check in with the park rangers and a brief orientation follows. At this point, we will hand out water bottles and cave gear to our guests. Then, follow your Exotic Belize Tour guide, as he leads you on a 45 minute hike through the rain forest, bringing you to the cave entrance. At the entrance there will be a brief discussion regarding the safety equipment in our back packs. Entrance to the cave is achieved by rappelling downward for 30 feet into the cave. Our guests are relayed one at a time for safety. Welcome to the dark depths of the Maya Underworld!

As we continue in the original steps of the ancient Mayas over 2,000 years ago, we will witness some of the most beautiful polychromatic potteries. Ahead, we will see gigantic limestone formations, such as flowstone, jellyfish, stalactites, stalagmites, and Helectites. All sparkling as if someone pasted millions of diamonds all over these ancient formations. For a moment, just stop and listen. Listen as the cave comes alive. You will hear water dripping from the ceiling above to pools of water below. Take a moment to observe the human skeletal remains found here. Listen to your guide as he interprets what took place in these dark chambers over a thousand years ago. It’s no wonder that the NSS (National Speleological Society) names this as one of the top 10 best crystal caves in the entire world!

Lunch will be served inside the cave. We never forget the mayonnaise. We will tell you about this story on the trip! After four hours of cave exploration, it will be time to go back home. But before we depart, we will stop for a refreshing swim in the blue water of Blue Hole National Park.