Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve Cayo District Belize
Float through ancient Mayan ceremonial caves, marveling at stunning formations and underground wonders on a thrilling adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve Cayo District Belize
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Float through ancient Mayan ceremonial caves, marveling at stunning formations and underground wonders on a thrilling adventure.
"This tour is a must. The cave is so beautiful and our tour guide was extremely informative and super nice."
Water Shoes are a Must! :athletic_shoe:
Essential for walking through the jungle and river. Many find them crucial for comfort and safety.
Book with a Reputable Guide :busts_in_silhouette:
A good guide enhances the experience with historical insights and ensures a smooth adventure.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cave Tubing Adventure
Caves Branch River
Float through ancient Mayan ceremonial caves, marveling at stunning formations and underground wonders.
Mayan History & Rituals
Barton Creek Caves
Explore sacred caves where Mayan rituals took place, learning about their history and significance.
Jungle Zip-lining
Above the jungle canopy
Soar through the Belizean rainforest on thrilling zip lines for breathtaking aerial views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Jungle Trek
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Water Shoes are a Must! :athletic_shoe:
Essential for walking through the jungle and river. Many find them crucial for comfort and safety.
Book with a Reputable Guide :busts_in_silhouette:
A good guide enhances the experience with historical insights and ensures a smooth adventure. +1
Waterproof Phone Case :iphone:
Protect your phone for photos and videos, as you'll be in and around water.
Listen for Howler Monkeys :monkey:
Keep an ear out for these distinctive jungle sounds during your trek.
Tips
from all over the internet
Water Shoes are a Must! :athletic_shoe:
Essential for walking through the jungle and river. Many find them crucial for comfort and safety.
Book with a Reputable Guide :busts_in_silhouette:
A good guide enhances the experience with historical insights and ensures a smooth adventure. +1
Waterproof Phone Case :iphone:
Protect your phone for photos and videos, as you'll be in and around water.
Listen for Howler Monkeys :monkey:
Keep an ear out for these distinctive jungle sounds during your trek.
Hydrate Well :droplet:
Belize can be hot and humid; carry water and stay hydrated throughout your excursions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the cave tubing experience for its unique blend of adventure and natural beauty, with many highlighting the historical significance of the Mayan caves. Guides are frequently commended for their knowledge and friendliness, significantly enhancing the overall trip. Some wish the tubing portion was longer, and a few mention the travel time can be extensive.
"Our first time zip lining and it was so liberating and scary at the same time! Lol everyone there was very helpful and made each run better than the last! WE LOVED IT ‼️"
Janella Christopher-Bradley
"We booked our cave tubing tour over the website with WhatsApp. Very fast and friendly reply from mr. Rivera. He picked us up at 10am the next day with a very nice van. The tour was amazing!! We asked him a tausend questions and he could answer all of them with very interesting information 😃 thank you so much for this great tour, the tubing was fun and relaxing! The swimming in the cave by the waterfall was refreshing and exciting. He even went with us to the market in Belmopan and bought us oranges after the tour. We highly recommend to book with this company!!"
simone sonja Meier
"Amazing experience hiking through the rainforest learning about the flora and fauna. Saw several howler monkeys, and then floated through the caves on tubes learning about the history of the Wayans and the caves. Beautiful throughout."
Brett Lytle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is located in the Cayo District of Belize. Many visitors access it via guided tours from San Ignacio or as part of a cruise excursion. If driving yourself, follow signs for the Caves Branch River area. Some tours involve a significant travel time, with one mentioning a 1.5-hour ride each way. +1
It can be busy with many tour companies. Using WhatsApp to communicate with your chosen tour operator is highly recommended. They can provide a pin drop and arrange for your guide to meet you with a sign.
Travel times can vary significantly depending on your starting point and tour operator. Some tours involve a 1.5-hour ride each way, while others might be shorter.
Yes, you can drive to the reserve. There is a parking lot available, and some facilities like gift shops and bathrooms are on-site.
While some gift shops accept cards, it's advisable to have cash on hand, as some only take cash. ATMs might not be readily available at the immediate site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices can vary. One visitor reported paying $55 USD per person for just the cave tubing tour. Be aware that card payments may incur an additional transaction fee.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you have a specific tour company or guide in mind. This also helps with coordination.
Most tours provide a life jacket and a helmet with a light. Some companies offer tubes on-site, so you don't have to carry them far.
Yes, the reserve offers various tours, including cave tubing, zip-lining, and ATV rides. You can often mix and match these activities.
Operating hours can vary by tour operator. It's best to confirm with your booked tour company for specific start times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and sturdy water shoes. Avoid flip-flops. A swimsuit is also recommended.
The hike is generally considered moderate, about a 20-30 minute walk through the jungle. Guides often assist with carrying tubes.
Yes, but it's essential to protect your electronics. Waterproof phone cases are highly recommended. Some guides may also offer photography services.
Yes, the location typically has bathrooms and changing rooms where you can rinse off and change after your adventure.
You might encounter various jungle creatures, including birds and potentially howler monkeys. The caves themselves are home to bats.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some tour packages include lunch. It's best to confirm this with your tour operator when booking.
There are usually gift shops on-site, which may offer snacks or drinks. For full meals, it's often best to arrange this with your tour or dine in nearby towns.
It's generally a good idea to bring your own water bottle. Check with your tour operator regarding outside food policies.
📸 📸 Photography
A waterproof phone case is essential. Some guides are skilled at capturing great shots, or you can use a waterproof camera.
Yes, it's very dark. Helmets with lights are provided, which help illuminate your immediate surroundings.
While possible, consider the humidity and water exposure. A waterproof action camera like a GoPro might be more suitable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Consider booking a private tour for a more intimate experience, allowing you to set your own pace and focus on the historical and geological wonders. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Cave Tubing
Guides provide helmets with lights, illuminating the path and revealing the cave's natural beauty. The water is cool and refreshing, offering a welcome respite from the tropical heat. Many travelers find the journey through these ancient Mayan ceremonial sites deeply fascinating. The 'mouth of hell' or Xibalba, as some caves are known, adds an element of mystique to the adventure.
Exploring Mayan History and Culture
Beyond the caves, the surrounding jungle is also rich in history. The sounds of howler monkeys echo through the trees, a reminder of the wild, untamed nature of this region.
Adventure Beyond the Caves
Some visitors also opt for ATV tours, further exploring the rugged terrain and dense jungle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit