Float into Barton Creek Cave by canoe and watch crystal formations glow beneath your headlamp. Pair the half-day cave trip with a jungle zipline, a butterfly garden visit, or a hike to Big Rock Falls for a complete San Ignacio adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You slide into the canoe and the jungle closes behind you like a curtain. Headlamps punch cones of light into the cool black of Barton Creek Cave, and the world becomes one of dripping rock, fossilized ripples and suspended crystals that glitter when your guide trains a beam across them. Noise narrows to the whisper of paddle blades and the low murmur of the river as it dares you deeper into passages the Maya once navigated as a route to the underworld.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness — comfortable paddling for short periods and short hikes required
Wildlife
History
Local Maya used Barton Creek caves for ritual offerings and as symbolic passages to the underworld; artifacts and ceramics have been found in chambers.
Conservation
The cave and surrounding habitats are sensitive—stay on guided routes, avoid touching formations, and use reef- and earth-friendly products to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the Half-Day Barton Creek Cave with Optional Zipline, Butterfly Farm Or Rock Falls today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a dry bag
Phones and wallets will get damp—stow them in a small dry bag to keep them safe during the canoe and waterfall sections.
Wear quick-dry shoes
Sturdy sandals or trail shoes that can get wet are best for the canoe launch and optional waterfall hike.
Pack insect repellent
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk; apply DEET or picaridin before the hike and after swims.
Tell guides about mobility issues
Sections of the cave and the waterfall hike have low ceilings and uneven footing—guides can adapt the route or assist with transfers.
Quick-dry clothing
Dries fast after getting splashed during the canoe ride or waterfall swim.
Sturdy water-friendly shoes
Protects feet on slippery river banks and rocky hiking paths.
Insect repellent
Keeps mosquitoes and biting insects at bay in the jungle and near water.
summer
Small dry bag
Keeps electronics and documents dry during canoeing and waterfall visits.