Explore the hidden chambers and crystalline waters of the Mayan underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), featured in National Geographic! Swim into the mysterious cave, which the ancient Mayas considered to be a portal to the underworld, known as Xibalba. This day trip from San Ignacio includes a 1.5-hour round-trip hike in Tapir Nature Reserve and lunch at the cave entrance. Climb, crawl, swim and play in the water passage as you enter the caverns, and delight in the refreshing waters of the Roaring River before and after your spelunking adventure.
Pickup included
an hour and twenty minutes drive will take us to the parking lot. your experienced guide leads your group on an easy 45-minute hike to the cave. Walk along the bank of the Roaring River, which you’ll cross three times before arriving at the cave entrance. To prepare your group to enter the cave, your guide provides a historical overview and safety briefing. The water passage allows you to splash and play as you wade through the water, which may come up to your ankles, knees, waist, and even neck—sometimes requiring you to swim. At one point, you’ll climb up to a ledge to enter one of the most attractive parts of the cave, where archeologists have recorded more than 1,000 pieces of pottery and 19 human sacrifices. To explore this chamber, you must remove your shoes to protect the natural surroundings, including impressive formations like rock columns, stalactites, stalagmites, citrines, and flowstones. your guide will share fascinating details about ancient Mayan rituals and ceremonies that once occurred deep under the earth.
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
We provide complimentary pick up for hotels within San Ignacio Town, hotels outside of town, a small surcharge applies