Home › Destinations › Petroglyph Cave
Petroglyph Cave, Belize - Things to Do in Petroglyph Cave

Petroglyph Cave

Petroglyph Cave, Belize - Complete Travel Guide

Petroglyph Cave, located in the Cayo District of western Belize near the town of San Ignacio, represents one of the country's most fascinating archaeological and natural wonders. This remarkable limestone cave system contains ancient Maya petroglyphs and pictographs that date back over 1,000 years, offering visitors a unique glimpse into pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The cave is situated within the lush tropical rainforest of the Maya Mountains, providing an adventure that combines spelunking, archaeology, and nature exploration. The cave system requires guided exploration and involves wading through underground rivers, climbing over rock formations, and navigating through cathedral-like chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. The ancient Maya artwork found within depicts various symbols, animals, and human figures that held spiritual and ceremonial significance. This sacred site was used by the Maya for religious rituals and ceremonies, making it not just a natural wonder but also a window into ancient Mesoamerican culture and beliefs.

Top Petroglyph Cave

Guided Petroglyph Cave Exploration

start a guided tour through the cave system to view ancient Maya petroglyphs and pictographs while navigating underground rivers and limestone formations. The experience includes learning about Maya history, archaeology, and the spiritual significance of the cave art. Tours typically last 3-4 hours and involve moderate physical activity including wading and climbing.

Booking Tip: Book through reputable tour operators in San Ignacio for $75-100 USD per person. Best visited during dry season (November-April) for easier cave access. Look for operators with certified guides and proper safety equipment including helmets and waterproof lights.

Barton Creek Cave Canoeing

Paddle through the mystical Barton Creek Cave system in a canoe, viewing Maya artifacts and cave formations by headlamp. This peaceful journey combines caving with canoeing as you glide through the underground waterway. The experience offers a different perspective on Maya ceremonial sites and cave archaeology.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $60-80 USD per person and include canoe, guide, and equipment. Book morning tours for better lighting conditions. Choose operators that provide dry bags for personal items and have experience with cave canoeing safety.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

Explore one of Belize's most famous archaeological cave sites, known for its pristine Maya artifacts and the famous 'Crystal Maiden' skeleton. This full-day adventure involves hiking through rainforest, swimming through cave pools, and viewing ancient ceremonial chambers. The cave is considered one of the top archaeological sites in Central America.

Booking Tip: Book well in advance as only 8 tours per day are permitted, costing $95-120 USD. Tours run year-round but may be cancelled during heavy rains. Select operators licensed by the Belize Institute of Archaeology with experienced guides.

Caracol Maya Ruins Day Trip

Visit the largest Maya archaeological site in Belize, featuring towering pyramids and ancient plazas deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. The site includes Caana pyramid, one of the tallest man-made structures in Belize, offering panoramic jungle views. The journey includes wildlife spotting opportunities and insights into Maya civilization at its peak.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $120-150 USD per person including lunch and transportation. Tours typically run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday due to military escort requirements. Book with operators that include the mandatory military convoy for safety in the remote forest area.

Jungle Horseback Riding

Explore the tropical rainforest surrounding Petroglyph Cave on horseback, following ancient Maya trails through dense jungle canopy. Rides often include stops at smaller cave entrances, cenotes, and viewpoints overlooking the Macal River valley. This activity combines adventure with cultural immersion in the Maya landscape.

Booking Tip: Half-day rides cost $70-90 USD including guide and equipment. Best during dry season for trail conditions. Choose operators with well-trained horses and experienced guides who can share knowledge about local flora, fauna, and Maya history.

Getting There

Petroglyph Cave is accessed through San Ignacio, located about 72 miles west of Belize City via the Western Highway. The drive from Belize City takes approximately 1.5-2 hours by rental car or shuttle service. International visitors typically fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, then take ground transportation to San Ignacio. From San Ignacio, the cave is reached by a combination of vehicle transport and hiking, usually arranged through tour operators who provide transportation as part of their packages.

Getting Around

Transportation around the Petroglyph Cave area requires tour operator vehicles or 4WD rental cars due to unpaved forest roads leading to cave entrances. Most visitors stay in San Ignacio and join organized tours that include transportation to various cave systems and archaeological sites. Taxis are available in San Ignacio for local transport, while rental cars provide flexibility for exploring multiple attractions in the Cayo District. Walking is suitable within San Ignacio town, but cave access requires guided transportation due to remote locations and challenging terrain.

Where to Stay

San Ignacio Town Center
Macal River Valley
Cristo Rey Village
Bullet Tree Falls
Benque Viejo del Carmen
Cahal Pech Area

Food & Dining

The dining scene around Petroglyph Cave centers on San Ignacio, which offers a mix of traditional Belizean cuisine, Maya dishes, and international options. Local specialties include rice and beans with stewed chicken, tamales, and fresh river fish prepared with local herbs and spices. Many restaurants feature outdoor seating with views of the surrounding jungle and Macal River. Popular local establishments serve authentic Maya cuisine including cacao-based drinks and dishes prepared with ingredients like achiote and wild herbs. International restaurants cater to tourists with familiar options, while local markets offer fresh tropical fruits and traditional snacks for cave exploration days.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Belmopan

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Wings and Feathers Café

4.7 /5
(480 reviews) 2
cafe clothing_store store

Everest Nepalese and Indian Restaurant

4.8 /5
(304 reviews)

Simple Life Restaurant

4.6 /5
(249 reviews) 2
store

Trey's Barn & Grill

4.8 /5
(222 reviews)

Cocogardens

4.6 /5
(230 reviews)

Casa Café

4.5 /5
(229 reviews) 2
cafe store

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Petroglyph Cave is during the dry season from November through April, when cave access is easier and weather conditions are more predictable. During this period, temperatures range from 70-85°F with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making cave exploration more comfortable. The wet season (May-October) can make cave access challenging due to higher water levels and muddy trails, though the rainforest is at its most lush. December through March offers the most favorable conditions with cooler temperatures and the lowest chance of rain affecting cave tours.

Insider Tips

Bring waterproof bags for electronics and extra clothes as cave exploration involves wading through water and getting muddy
Wear quick-dry clothing and sturdy water shoes with good grip for navigating slippery cave surfaces and rocky terrain
Book cave tours early in your trip as weather conditions can cause cancellations, allowing time for rescheduling

Activities in Petroglyph Cave