Barton Creek Cave is a unique Maya archaeological site located in the Cayo District of western Belize. It is both a natural and cultural treasure, used by the ancient Maya as a ceremonial cave from the Late Classic period (AD 600–900). The cave system winds through limestone cliffs for over 4 miles, with about a mile accessible by canoe.

As a sacred space in Maya cosmology, caves were seen as entrances to the underworld, or Xibalba. Barton Creek Cave served as a site for rituals, including offerings, burials, and possibly human sacrifices. Archaeologists have discovered pottery shards, artifacts, and even skeletal remains within the cave chambers, all indicating its ceremonial use.

The experience of visiting Barton Creek Cave is both adventurous and educational. Visitors paddle through the dark, serene waters by headlamp, passing through chambers adorned with stalactites and flowstone formations. The eerie beauty of the cave, combined with its cultural significance, makes it one of the most immersive Maya experiences in Belize.

Barton Creek Cave is also a valuable ecological site, supporting a variety of cave-dwelling wildlife and contributing to the hydrology of the region. It remains protected and is only accessible with a licensed guide.