Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) From Placencia

Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize

Duration

9 Hours

Tour Type

Mayan Ruins

Group Size

15 persons

Location

Placencia

Overview

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave - Belize ATM Cave Tour

 

A visit to Actun Tunichil Muknal, (ATM) Cave (CAVE OF THE STONE SEPULCHER) dubbed by  Archaeologist from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC as the top sacred cave to explore in Belize and Central America will surely be a life-changing experience. 

Your journey starts with an air-conditioned drive from Belize City to the TAPIR MOUNTAIN NATURE RESERVE ranger outpost in the Cayo District. Here, our LICENSED GUIDE will provide you with a helmet, headlamp, and life jacket if needed. After gearing up, you will hike, wade and swim through the beautiful trails and rivers of the Maya Underworld.

VISITING THE ATM CAVE ADVENTURE TOUR

The trail includes 3 river crossings and a 30-minute hike, which will bring you to an hourglass entrance to start The Journey into the Mayan underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal. From inside, the cave system spans approximately 3 miles with CRYSTALLINE STALACTITES AND STALAGMITES, jarring boulders, and freshwater streams from ankle to waist-deep. 

After an hour of spelunking, you’ll arrive at the ceremonial area, and take a barefoot walk through a large football field cavern. The cavern hosts untainted Mayan history and ANCIENT MAYAN ARTIFACTS dating back 1-1000 AD, such as pottery (intact to completely shattered) tools, ceremonial items, and even the skeletal remains of 14 bodies (ranging from finger bones to skulls and other remains of Human Sacrifices). 

The tour concludes at the main chamber where the calcified “Crystal Maiden” lies, believed to be the skeleton of a young woman who was sacrificed in a bloodletting ceremony to the gods. 

 

 

Note: This trail entails a lot of hiking, swimming, and climbing. Wear comfortable lightweight clothing and shoes, or bring a pair of closed-toe water shoes. Sneakers can get heavy during the hike after getting wet. It’s good to have a pair of socks with you for the portion of the tour that is done bare feet as alluded to above. 

All personal items must be left in the tour van at the parking (i.e. extra change of clothes, small towels, money, and cameras. Cameras and cell phones are prohibited.

Items you can have:

  • A small bottle of water or Gatorade
  • A light snack (such as a granola bar) to grub on before entering the cave. 

Note: You don't have to be extremely fit, but you should be able to easily hike, swim and climb. Wear comfortable lightweight clothing and shoes or bring a pair of closed-toe shoes.

 

 

Included/Excluded

All activities
Bottled water
Professional guide
Driver/guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Lunch
Gratuities

Travel Styles

Nature & Adventure
Activities

FAQs

Are There any More Information?
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking Not wheelchair accessible Not recommended for travelers with back problems The minimum age is 8 years A minimum of 2 people per booking is required Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level It has a maximum of 20 travelers, and is equipped with trips - face masks are required in public areas and the staff is also using them. Hand sanitizer is also available for travelers and guides. Social distancing enforced throughout the experience Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas you should sanitize the gear or equipment between use. Transportation vehicles regularly sanitizedGuides required to regularly wash hands
What is the departure time?
How long is the tour?
What will be included on the tour?
Where does the tour take place?
What is the cancellation policy?
What should I wear for the ATM cave tour?
Wear comfortable clothes and close-toe shoes as though you are going on a hike. Socks are also a must. These are essential for the preservation of the cave. For the remainder of the trip, you will remove your shoes after climbing up the elevator). During your visit, you will most likely get wet (soaked). Therefore, you should bring a small backpack with extra clothes. In addition to sunblock, bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the trip. Make sure it's tightly sealed. Pack a light snack for the hike. There is a 45-minute hike from the parking lot. Don't let your snack get wet in the river by putting it in a ziplock bag. Please note that cameras are not permitted inside the cave or on the trails. The prohibition of cameras prevents damage to remaining skeletons and artifacts and preserves ATM for future generations.

Tour Location

Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize
from $250

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$250