Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EXPLORING THE UNDERWORLD
For the ancient Maya, the
caves
that riddle the porous karst limestone of Belize were sacred.
Approached via by dark, yawning holes deep in the rainforest, they were considered entrances
to the underworld -
Xibalba
, the “place of fright”. Despite their fearsome aspect, however,
they also provided privileged access to the dwelling places of gods, ancestors and spirits.
Almost every cave in Belize has revealed remarkable discoveries, including wall paintings,
pottery shards and the remains of fires. Because the Maya gods had to be appeased with
sacrifices, visitors who brave the likes of the
AT M
cave (see p.125) may see weapons, altars and
skeletons, typically left as archeologists first discovered them.
The great majority of Belize's caves can only be explored on
guided tours
, available from
operators all over the country. Many also serve as venues for
adventure activities
that range
from abseiling (or rappelling) and floating on inner tubes to canoeing along underground rivers.
passageways to the underworld, conceal remarkable relics. Although only a few sites have
been as extensively restored as the great Maya cities of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, many
are at least as large, and in their forest settings you'll see more wildlife and fewer tour buses.
Culturally, Belize is a cosmopolitan blend of races and cultures that includes Caribbean,
Central American, Maya, mestizo, African and European. English is the o
cial language
- Belize only gained full independence from Britain in 1981 - and Spanish is equally
common, but it's the rich, lilting
Kriol
, based on English but essentially Caribbean, that's
spoken and understood by almost every Belizean.
Where to go
Belize is an ideal country to explore independently; even a short visit can include trips
both to the cayes and to the heartland of the ancient Maya. Almost every visitor will have
to spend at least some time in chaotic
Belize City
, even if only passing through, as it's the
