BLUE HOLE NATIONAL PARK

Covering 575 acres, Blue Hole National Park encompasses this water-filled sink, St. Herman’s Cave, and the surrounding jungle. (Belize’s other Blue Hole lies in the ocean at Lighthouse Reef.) Rich in wildlife, Blue Hole National Park harbors the jaguar, ocelot, tapir, peccary, tamandua, boa constrictor, fer-de-lance, toucan, crested guan, blue-crowned mot-mot, and red-legged honeycreeper. At about Mile 12.5 past Belmopan is a sign for St. Herman’s Cave; ignore it and continue to the main park entrance about a mile down the road. You’ll find a parking area and changing room for a dip in the deep blue waters of the Blue Hole.

The pool of the Blue Hole is an oblong collapsed karst sinkhole 300 feet across in some places and about 100 feet deep. Water destined for the nearby Sibun River surfaces briefly here only to disappear once more beneath the ground. Steps lead down to the swimming area, a pool 25 feet deep or so.

St. Herman’s Cave is not as convenient to access. As you face the Blue Hole, the trail to St. Herman’s Cave lies to the right and requires a hike of a little more than a mile and a half over rugged ground. The trail begins by the changing room. A flashlight and rugged shoes are necessities, and a light windbreaker or sweater is a wise choice for extended stays if you visit in the winter season. The nearest of the three entrances to the cave is a huge sinkhole measuring nearly 200 feet across, funneling down to about 65 feet at the cave’s lip. Concrete steps laid over the Maya originals aid explorers who wish to descend. The cave doesn’t offer the advanced spelunker a real challenge, but neophytes will safely explore it to a distance of about a mile. Pottery, spears, and the remains of torches have been found in many caves in the area. The pottery was used to collect the clear water of cave drippings, called Zuh uy Ha by the Maya.

The entire area is a labyrinth of caves where the ancient Maya once lived and roamed; some of the chambers still show signs of rituals long past. A variety of caves lie in the hilly limestone nearby and include Mountain Cow and Petroglyph Caves. The caves include cathedral-like ceilings hundreds of feet high as well as narrow, cramped passageways. Some have crystal-coated stalactites and stalagmites; others have underground streams that at times seem to speak in murmured voices. And while you won’t likely find any Maya living in the caves, you will find a number of harmless bats. Remember: Bring a flashlight, extra batteries, and sturdy walking shoes. The surrounding lush jungle is thick with tropical plants, delicate ferns, bromeliads, and orchids.

It’s best to visit most caves with a guide, and at the least, don’t visit the park unless the wardens are there (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). The entrance fee is US$5 per person. Make sure to lock your car, and don’t leave valuables in view.