Che Chem Ha Cave, Ceremonial cave system near San Ignacio, Belize

Che Chem Ha is a cave system in limestone rock with several chambers connected by narrow passages. Inside are ancient pottery vessels and objects left behind by people who came here in the past.

Maya ritual use of the cave spans the middle Preclassic period (900–300 BC) to the Late Classic period (700–850 AD), as dated from the lined-up rocks of the main chamber. Local farmer William Morales found the entrance in 1989 while hunting with his dog, which ran into a hole among boulders.

The cave's name, Che Chem Ha, means "Poison Water Cave" in the local Mayan language. Inside, hundreds of pottery vessels remain where they were left, and some chambers high up in the cave held large jars that may have been used to collect pure water for rituals.

You need a guide to visit this cave, as they know the area and can lead you safely through it. The hike upward takes about an hour and requires moderate physical effort.

Hundreds of old pottery vessels sit undisturbed inside, left as they were centuries ago. Some still contain charred maize and seeds, showing how people performed their rituals here.