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Nelson Maya Adventures

Alluring Mayan Site Tours and Outstanding Transfers Service for the Insightful Traveler.

"Explore More, Worry Less!"

Belize Cave Adventure Tour

With our team of expert travel agents and tour operators, we ensure your experience is truly unforgettable.

Crystal
Cave

Price

Price varies by location - Can be done during a transfer.

Difficulty / Requirement

Difficult - Walking and Climbing

What's included

Guide, Entrance Fee, Round Trip Transportation, Water, Lunch, Gears, and (full day tour).

What to bring

Bug spray, Hat and Sunglasses.

Crystal Cave

Hidden deep within St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, Crystal Cave (also known as Mountain Cow Cave) is one of Belize’s most spectacular and challenging cave systems. This extensive underground labyrinth is filled with glittering crystal formations, massive caverns, and ancient Maya artifacts, making it a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts. Used by the ancient Maya for ceremonial rituals and sacrifices, Crystal Cave offers an unforgettable journey into the mystical underworld of Xibalba.

Things to Do at Crystal Cave

  • Experience an Intense Spelunking Adventure: Unlike more accessible caves, Crystal Cave requires rappelling, crawling, and climbing through narrow passageways before reaching its breathtaking chambers.
 
  • Marvel at Sparkling Crystal Formations: The cave gets its name from the shimmering stalactites, stalagmites, and mineral-coated walls that create a mesmerizing effect under the light.
 
  • See Ancient Maya Artifacts and Skeletal Remains: Inside, visitors can view ceremonial pottery, altars, and human skeletons, remnants of the cave’s use for ritual sacrifices and bloodletting ceremonies.
 
  • Explore Giant Cathedral-Like Chambers: The deeper sections of the cave feature massive underground rooms, where the Maya once performed sacred rituals.
 
  • Visit the Inland Blue Hole: After an intense cave exploration, take a refreshing swim in the nearby Blue Hole cenote, a natural limestone sinkhole with crystal-clear waters.

The Journey to Crystal Cave

  • From Belize City: Around 1.5 hours via the Hummingbird Highway.
  • From Belmopan: Just 20 minutes away, making it one of the best cave adventures near Belize’s capital.
  • From San Ignacio: Approximately 1 hour by car.

To reach the cave entrance, visitors must hike for about 1 hour through the jungle before beginning the descent into the cave. Due to its challenging terrain and historical importance, Crystal Cave can only be explored with a licensed guide.

History and Significance

Crystal Cave was a highly sacred site for the ancient Maya, who believed it was a direct portal to Xibalba, the underworld. Archaeologists have discovered ceremonial artifacts, obsidian blades, and skeletal remains inside, indicating that the Maya conducted offerings, bloodletting rituals, and even human sacrifices in the cave’s depths. The mineral-rich walls and the presence of fire pits and altars suggest it was used for mystical ceremonies to communicate with the gods.

Nearby Attractions

  • St. Herman’s Cave – Another sacred Maya cave in Blue Hole National Park, featuring a more accessible cave tour.

Location to your destination

Special Request

Want to Visit Crystal Cave?
Contact us in advance to request an exclusive visit, and we’ll arrange your unforgettable adventure!

Testimonials

Good Service, Happy Clients!

  • star rating  My husband Joe & I had a great tour with Josh as our guide. He took us to the Community Baboon Santuary to see the Black Howler Monkeys, the Belize... read more

    avatar thumb Tara S
    February 2, 2023
  • star rating  While visiting Caye Caulker with friends we decided to visit the Xunantunich ruins. Booking was seamless and our guide Auner met us at the water taxi. ... read more

    McGregor4
    October 25, 2022
  • star rating  We did a day trip from Belize City to Xunantunich with Auner as our guide and it was amazing experience with such a knowledgeable guide who provided so much information.

    44isballn
    October 25, 2022
  • star rating  We decided to arrange a private tour for a family of four to Tikal with Nelson Maya Adventures after reading a couple of reviews here and on a couple of... read more

    ViajeroIndiana
    August 8, 2022
  • star rating  We decided to arrange a private tour for a family of four to Tikal with Nelson Maya Adventures after reading a couple of reviews here and on a couple of... read more

    ViajeroIndiana
    August 4, 2022
5/5