Tiger Cave, located near the village of San Miguel in southern Belize, is a captivating destination named after a story by villagers of a dog chasing a jaguar cub into the cave’s dark entrance. Accessible only with a guide, the journey to the cave is an adventure in itself—a 1.5-hour hike through second-growth rainforest, past corn milpas, jungle streams, and even a hidden hot spring called the “Blue Hole” by villagers. Along the way, guides may point out native flora like the jippi jappa plant, whose tender white heart is edible and delicious. Just before reaching the cave, visitors can swing from a long jungle vine attached to a limestone boulder, and cross a vibrant blue-green creek by canoe to arrive at the entrance.

The cave’s narrow, elevated corridors lead to a dramatic interior chamber where shafts of sunlight pour through gaping holes in the ceiling, illuminating the darkness and revealing large shards of ancient pottery scattered on stone ledges. The rainwater that has poured through the skylights for centuries has left smooth indentations in the limestone floor, adding to the cave’s mystical feel. While the entrance chamber is dry, deeper exploration will require crossing water. For the return trip, visitors can float peacefully downstream in a traditional dugout canoe, drifting through riverine forest as Maya guides point out wildlife, plants, and the quiet magic of the jungle—a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure.