This is not just a tour—it’s an intimate journey through time, geology, and living culture. Barton Creek Cave Canoe Tour offers a rare fusion of natural beauty, archaeological discovery, and cultural storytelling, all accessible via a gentle canoe ride into the Maya Mountains.

Explore nearly one kilometer deep into the cave on a private, guided tour. Glide along a crystal-clear subterranean river, past towering cathedral chambers, glittering stalactites and stalagmites, and hidden ledges where Maya artifacts, pottery, and skeletal remains rest untouched for centuries.

It’s an immersive experience that opens your eyes to the spiritual and ceremonial life of the ancient Maya, told through stone, water, and expert interpretation.

Your Barton Creek Cave Canoe Tour begins with a scenic drive through the tranquil farmland of the Cayo District, passing through the Mennonite community of Upper Barton Creek and into the lush foothills of the Maya Mountains. Upon arrival, your guide will outfit you with life jackets and headlamps before you board a canoe and gently paddle into the shadowy entrance of the cave.

As you glide deeper into the limestone passages, the cool air and mineral-scented atmosphere create a sensory shift into another world. Dramatic stalactites hang above the water, while the cave walls open into soaring cathedral-like chambers. Light beams from your headlamp reveal shimmering rock formations and hidden alcoves where ancient Maya artifacts and skeletal remains still rest undisturbed.

Your expert guide will illuminate the deeper significance of these sacred spaces, explaining how the Maya used Barton Creek for rituals connected to fertility, agriculture, and spiritual offerings. You’ll learn about the cave’s archaeological importance, the discoveries made along its ledges, and how ongoing research continues to reveal its ceremonial past.

This is a peaceful, low-impact adventure, ideal for travelers seeking quiet wonder, cultural depth, and natural beauty, all delivered with personalized interpretation and care.

Wear:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Water shoes or secure sandals
• Swimsuit underneath (optional for splash zones)

Pack:

• Change of clothes and towel (if doing picnic or swim add-on)
• Reusable water bottle
• Insect repellent & sunscreen
• Waterproof pouch for phone or camera
• Curiosity and a sense of wonder

• Suitable for ages 5+ and most fitness levels
• Not recommended for individuals with severe claustrophobia
• The tour may be altered during the rainy season due to river levels
• Family-friendly, with adaptable pacing and content based on guest age and interests