Full-Day Tour to the ATM Cave: A Sacred Cave for Ancient Mayas
The ATM Cave, or Actun Tunichil Muknal, is an incredible natural wonder located in the heart of Belize. It is an underground cave system that was once used by the ancient Maya as a ceremonial site, and it is filled with stunning geological formations and ancient artifacts.
As you make your way into the cave, you'll be awed by the towering stalagmites and stalactites that line the walls and ceiling. You'll also have the opportunity to see some of the ancient Maya artifacts that have been left behind, including pottery, stone tools, and even the remains of human sacrifices.
But the real highlight of the tour is the "Crystal Maiden," a beautifully preserved human skeleton that was left as a sacrifice to the Maya gods.
Overall, the ATM Cave tour is an exciting and unforgettable adventure that is not to be missed. Whether you're an avid hiker, a history buff, or simply someone who loves to explore the great outdoors, this tour has something for everyone.
Options
Full-Day Tour to the ATM Cave: A Sacred Cave for Ancient Mayas
Pickup included
What's included in Full-Day Tour to the ATM Cave: A Sacred Cave for Ancient Mayas
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve
We will begin this adventure by picking you up from your hotel's lobby or valet area. We'll travel to Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and start our journey through the forest to the ATM Cave. You must pack your bathing suit for this tour because we will cross three rivers with varying water levels, go swimming, hike, climb boulders, and scale slopes. You should also wear a short, long-sleeved shirt over it and wear appropriate trekking shoes or trekking sandals.
Atm Cave (actun Tunichil Muknal)
When we arrive at Teakettle Village - Entrance to the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, we will start our nature walk. This hike will last between 30-45 minutes until we reach the cave. The entrance to the cave is actually a little natural pool inside the cave that we must jump into when we arrive and swim in for around 30 seconds. Keep in mind that all necessary safety gear will be given, and a knowledgeable guide will be with you at all times. Once you enter the cave you will have to pass through passages, climb large rocks, and walk and swim inside the cave. There are parts of the cave where you will find different Mayan artifacts including pottery, stone tools, and the remains of human sacrifices, this is the highlight of the tour. As you explore the ATM Cave, you'll also see a variety of stunning geological formations, including stalagmites and stalactites, which are created when water dripping from the cave ceiling mixes with minerals in the rock.
After our tour of the cave is through, we'll head back to the starting location so you can relax, use the restroom, change into dry clothing, eat a delicious picnic-style lunch, and take in the majesty of everything you will have witnessed.
Inclusions
- Equipment
- Box Lunch
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Entrance fee to the ATM Cave
- Certified tour guide
- Gratuities
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We suggest you wearing a swimsuit and on top a long sleeve shirt
- Bring sun protection, repellent, hiking shoes. Also bring hiking sandals or water shoes
- You MUST bring socks. This is the only way you are allowed to be in sacred Maya places
- Bring one extra set of dry clothing and shoes + a towel
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
We pick up travelers at the lobby of their hotel in Mountain Pine Rdige. Please send us the location of your accommodation to coordinate pickup most smoothly.