Seven Miles El Progresso | Spelunking in Belize | Belize has hundreds of caves across the country. Located in Maya mountain, Barton Creek Cave extends

mayan - Fernwayer Travel Stories & Experiences

Belize

Belize has hundreds of caves across the country. Located in Maya mountain, Barton Creek Cave extends 2 miles through stalactites and stalagmites and various other limestone formations with a river running through its length.

Mayans used the cave for religious ceremonies with more than 28 human remains found buried in the cave with food offerings, cooking pots, tools and hearths. Mayans believed the caves connected the living world and the underworld. 

Canoeing through the darkness guided by our headlamp and guide, we spotted skulls and pottery cemented Into the limestone. A solemn but exciting experience!

Spelunking in Belize

United States

El Salvador

A great, cheap and quiet place to relax in nature!  Easy to get to by car from Chalchuapa after visiting the Mayan ruins.

Hot Falls

Guatemala

The spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal overrun by miles of  unspoiled jungle are extraordinarily rich in wildlife incl. the elusive jaguar. 🐆 

It’s one of the few UNESCO World Heritage sites that combines both cultural and natural richness and the 500+ sq km contains numerous remains of the Mayan civilization scattered across wetlands, savannah and tropical jungles teaming with birds and monkeys.

It was a thrilling experience to wander in a place that was one of the great cities of the world around 700 AD and wonder how people lived at that time. 

We went late afternoon to take advantage of the magical light falling on the structures and our guide, Daveed, was very helpful in highlighting the important sites and the life at that time. We enjoyed watching the sunset from the top of Temple IV. A perfect filming location for Yavin 4 in Star Wars.

After the sunset, we walked in the fading light to the spectacular Grand Plaza, relieved in Daveed’s assurance that the 🐆 is shy of humans.

Pyramids of Tikal

Smoke spewing volcano 🌋 that one can climb, tree blanketed mountains, pastel buildings, cobbled streets and quintessential garden courtyards with fountains give picture postcard views on every corner we turn.

The town Is made for walking with stone arches In bold colors, baroque architecture, churches from Spain and vibrant markets bursting with colorful woven garments like ponchos, hats & table cloth and handicrafts.

It’s the birthplace of chocolate 🍫 and there are several museums that teach how the Mayans made ‘the food of the gods’. Adjoining chocolate cafes serve decadent treats and chocolate liqueur.

The coffee ☕️ is divine too and apart from sampling the local shops, we visited a local plantation to learn about coffee making.

Antigua is one of our favorite Central American cities.

Colorful Markets

Mexico

The Mayan culture is one of the most important indigenous cultures in Southern Mexico. Artifacts from bygone times stretch far across the jungles of Quintana Roos and Chiapas. 

If you want to learn more about how indigenous peoples lived before colonization, don't miss the ruins of Palenque. Arguably the largest Mayan ruins on the continent, they're tucked away, deeply hidden in the Mexican jungle. The highlights of the actual ruins are the numerous temples, a palace and aqueducts, and of course, a guided tour where you can learn all about Mexico's history. If you venture out into the jungle, you'll encounter rare wildlife like monkeys, colorful birds, and giant snakes.

Take sunscreen, plenty of water, and some snacks, as the tour takes at least half a day.

Belize

Cayo District

Spelunking in Belize

El Salvador

Ahuachapán Department

Hot Falls

Guatemala

Petén Department

Pyramids of Tikal

Sacatepéquez Department

Colorful Markets

Mexico

Chiapas

Visit Ancient Mayan Ruins