Fodor's Expert Review Blue Creek and Hokeb Ha

Don't miss Blue Creek, a beautiful stretch of river dotted with turquoise swimming holes as well as an anchor village split between Mopan and Kek'chi Maya. A path up the riverbank leads to the dramatic caves of Hokeb Ha ("where the water enters the earth"). Although visitors do come to the caves on their own, we recommend going with a tour operator. It's just safer, and the excursion requires being a strong swimmer. TIDE Tours and other operators offer trips to Blue Creek, providing lights and other necessary equipment for the cave trip.

Don't swim in the river at night—the fer-de-lance, a highly poisonous snake, likes to take nocturnal dips.