Crystal Cave, also known as Mountain Cow Cave, is one of the largest cave systems in Belize. Located within Blue Hole National Park (not to be confused with the Great Blue Hole), the area allows you to explore amazing caverns where evidence of the ancient Maya—as well as many natural wonders—can be found.
After hotel pickup in San Ignacio at 7am, it’s an approximate 1.5-hour drive to Blue Hole National Park. When you arrive, your guide will provide any necessary equipment, such as helmets and headlamps, and offer safety instructions along with a history of the park. Then, embark on a 1.5-hour hike through the rugged terrain of the lush forest until you get to the cave entrance, located in the mountain.
After checking your gear, your guide lowers a piece of rope into the cave—making your descent down the cave wall even safer. As the slope is not too steep, the rope isn’t necessary but can be used for extra support. Once you’ve moved into the first section of the cave, stop for lunch before venturing on. Here, your guide offers several options for continuing deeper into the challenging cave, including rappelling and methods of climbing up or down rocks. You’ll see a demonstration of the crab walk, a favorite technique necessary for traversing small passageways.
As you emerge into the crystal chamber of Crystal Cave, marvel at the sparkling formations everywhere. You’ll see beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, flow stones and rock columns, as well as an interesting array of cultural remains. Listen as your guide talks about the 1,000-year-old Mayan belief system, and points out ritual and ceremonial artifacts. Keep an eye out for shards of pottery, obsidian, beads and fire pits with charcoal ash, as well as evidence of human remains calcified into the limestone floor.
After exploring the first section of Crystal Cave, you’ll have the option of continuing your loop or venturing onward. If you choose to continue on, you’ll have two more hours inside the caverns, as your guide leads you to a place called Wonderland—one of the cave’s most impressive spots with glimmering formations everywhere. If you choose to return, a guide accompany you back and you’ll have more free time to spend at the Blue Hole.
After your cave exploration, hike back downhill for an hour and then drive just five minutes to the Blue Hole for which the national park is named. Dip into the gorgeous aquamarine watering hole for a well-deserved and refreshing swim before heading back to San Ignacio with drop-off at your hotel.
Points of Interest
- 6 Far W St
- Local guide
- Bottled water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio town limits
- Use of necessary equipment
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and drop off outside of San Ignacio town
If you’re seeking a thrilling escapade in Belize, make your way to the Crystal Cave situated in Blue Hole National Park. A professional guide will lead you on a spelunking (cave exploration) adventure following a trek through the dense tropical forest surrounded by coarse limestone geography. You will discover caverns embellished with crystal formations, and unmask relics - like pottery, beads, and obsidian blades - left behind by the ancient Maya civilization, who deemed the cave a hallowed route to the underworld (referred to as Xibalba). This day-long expedition from San Ignacio comprises of a meal, a refreshing swim in the inland Blue Hole, and two-way hotel transfer.
- Minimum age is 8 years old
- It is recommended you bring comfortable clothing, long pants is mandatory, close-toed shoes, bug spray and a change of clothes. The pick up and drop off included is for hotels within San Ignacio town limits only. For other hotels, outside of San Ignacio, a surcharge applies.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
