National Geographic Showcases Belize’s Eerie Caves and their Maya Underworld Mystique

October 30, 2023
by Larry Waight +

In her latest piece for National Geographic, titled “Take a tour of the Maya underworld—if you dare”, Ali Wunderman invites readers on a mesmerizing exploration of Belize’s caves, believed by the Maya to be the entrance to Xibalba, their fabled underworld. Filled with ancient relics, ceremonial sites, and tales of sacrifice, these caves offer a unique glimpse into the beliefs and rituals of an ancient civilization.

Belize boasts of countless caves which not only attract tourists for cave tubing but serve as an embodiment of Belize’s rich Maya heritage. Xibalba, translated to “place of fear,” played a crucial role in Maya culture. As described in the Popol Vuh, the creation book of the Q’eqchi’ people, Xibalba is seen as a realm beneath the Earth where the Maya death gods held dominion.

Holley Moyes, an archaeology professor from the University of California, Merced, and National Geographic Explorer, shares insights on why ancient civilizations perceived caves as entrances to the underworld. Citing practices from Neanderthal times to the rituals of the Maya, Moyes underscores the intertwining of caves with death, resurrection, and spirituality.

Advertisment

Actun Tunichil Muknal, colloquially known as ATM, stands out as one of Belize’s most iconic cave attractions. Located near San Ignacio, it is regarded by the Maya as a sacred space, holding within its depths the remains of the famed “Crystal Maiden” and other sacrificed souls, alongside an array of other invaluable Maya artifacts.

Miguel Choco, a Q’eqchi’ Maya tour guide, emphasizes the importance of these caves in understanding the ceremonial context and history of the ancient Maya. Through his tours, Choco hopes to bridge the past with the present, illustrating the continued significance of Maya culture in today’s Belize. Over 11% of Belize’s populace identify as Indigenous Mopan, Yucatec, and Q’eqchi’ Maya, maintaining many of their ancestral traditions and languages.

Whether through canoeing into the Barton Creek Cave, tubing through the Nohoch Che’en, or simply wandering through any of Belize’s numerous cave sites, visitors are sure to encounter an aura of profound antiquity. With vast portions still unexplored and countless secrets yet to be unveiled, these caves remain a testament to the timeless allure of Belize’s Maya heritage.