| What could be more exciting then exploring a cave? | | | | formations. |
| The Belize Actun Chapat Cave to be exact. Its Mayan | | | | They also constructed terraces and paths all through |
| name is Centipede Cave. It doesn't have a known | | | | the many enormous chambers. It will make you |
| ending. So each time you go, there is the prospect of | | | | wonder what the chambers were used for. The Belize |
| uncovering something new. Isn't that what adventure is | | | | Actun Chapat Cave has captured the attention of |
| all about? How thrilling to search out places that a | | | | archeologists since 1982. That isn't very much time to |
| different culture of people used in every day life those | | | | explore something that has artifacts dating from 300 |
| many, many years ago. The Mayan people used the | | | | B.C. and 1000 A.D. There have been over 200 caves |
| caves to be closer to their gods. These were places | | | | that have been cataloged, but only 10 that have been |
| of intense rituals for rain, bountiful crops and future | | | | actually examined by the archeologists. |
| prophecies. | | | | That would leave 190 caves that are just waiting for |
| Archeologists are still working, studying and learning | | | | someone's torchlight to touch the walls and for all the |
| about these vast caverns. The Belize Actun Chapat | | | | secrets to be uncovered and shared with the rest of |
| Cave is approximately 19 miles south of San Ignacio | | | | the world. Who wouldn't want to be a part of |
| near the Maya Mountains. There are many details that | | | | something that overwhelmingly exciting? As for Actun |
| can be shared about this wonderful place, but on the | | | | Chapat, it's the construction of terraces and altars that |
| other hand, there is so much that is unknown. There | | | | delight today's adventure traveler, as do its giant |
| are many areas that have not been explored, and are | | | | chambers, each of which was given a specific sacred |
| just waiting to be discovered. Most of the caves are | | | | purpose by the ancient Maya. Like most caves in |
| over run with thick jungle growth. But once there you | | | | Belize, there was looting and that's why preserving |
| can see where the Mayans carved sculptures and | | | | what is left is so important. |