Underground river
Calm paddling.
Tom Eppenberger Jr. — CC BY 2.0 · Wilson, Rebecca — CC BY 2.0
A river cave visited by boat: visitors paddle canoes through a wide opening in a green rock face onto a calm, clear river in the dark, their lamps lighting walls and ceilings hung with stalactites, stalagmites and huge stone columns. The ancient Maya used the cave for rituals, and pottery from that era still sits on its upper ledges, so the cave is a protected archaeological site, and tours go with a licensed guide, paddling about a kilometre and a half in and back. The way in passes a quiet farming village, and the experience itself is gentle, with no swimming or climbing, suiting those who want to skip the harder cave adventures. The silence inside and the sound of paddles in the water are its charm. Tours leave from San Ignacio, or canoes with a guide can be hired at the cave entrance. Do not touch the formations or artefacts. Heat and humidity are high and mosquitoes plentiful, so carry water, repellent and a hat.
Calm paddling.
Huge columns.
A green rock face.
Near Barton Creek village, about 45 minutes east of San Ignacio
No, it is a calm canoe trip with no swimming or climbing, suitable for most visitors.