About this experience
Let our guides take you back in time, explore the impressive underworld of the ATM Cave and enjoy one of the most enlightening experiences of your life. When you venture into the hour glass shaped entrance you will be welcomed by clear blue waters from the perennial stream that flows throughout the cave.
Along the way you will see ancient tools, pots and pieces and learn the history of the Mayan Civilization. As you travel deeper into the cave you will meet sacred burials and the Crystal Maiden complete and intact female remains covered in sparkling mineral deposits. Her death is sacrificial ritual for agricultural fertility.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Guide
Plan an Actun Tunichil Muknal cave tour in Belize, including advance booking, physical requirements, costs, equipment, access rules, and what to expect from the full-day adventure.
What is included
- Lunch
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Helmet, Head light and life vest(optional)
Itinerary and highlights
Actun Tunichil Muknal “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre” was first discovered in 1989. Located in the Tapir Mountain Reserve of the Cayo District near the village of Roaring Creek, this popular cave is rated as the #1 cave in Central America by National Geographic and listed as one of the top things to do in Belize.
The ATM Cave is known to have been used by the Mayas for ceremonial purposes during the Classic Period. Most of the ceremonies and/or rituals were carried out at the entrance of the cave. The interior of the cave was considered to be more sacred for its proximity to the Mayan rain God, Chaak. Towards the end of the Classic Period, it is believed that the rituals moved deeper into the cave as a result of drought, thus believed to contribute to the collapse of the Mayan Civilization.
The natural geological wonder of crystalline stalactites and stalagmites formations are not the only remarkable thing about the ATM. This 5-kilometer-long museum is filled with ancient Mayan artefacts and holds over 14 human skeletal remains of men, women and children.
Meeting and pickup information
- Our office is on the first flow of Venus Hotel in San Ignacio Town.
- MINIMUM 2 persons We offer free pickup with in the town limits of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. An additional fee might be charged for pickups not within town limits, airport pick ups and water taxi pickups. Kindly message us for more information or if you are unsure if your hotel or airbnb is within town limits.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Tukan Shuttles & Adventures
Accessibility and practical details
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please disclose honestly all pre-existing relevant medical conditions accurately and fully when booking a tour or service, which may impact your ability to participate or travel to remote areas without access to medical facilities or may adversely affect the experience of others on your tour. We will maintain your information in accordance to the company privacy policy.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
We offer free pickup with in the town limits of San Ignacio and Santa Elena.
An additional fee might be charged for pickups not within town limits, airport pick ups and water taxi pickups.
Kindly message us for more information or if you are unsure if your hotel or airbnb is within town limits.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
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