Actun Tunichil Muknal Belize Atm cave tours from Belize City
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)From Belize City
Duration
8 Hours
Tour Type
Cave Tubing
Group Size
15 persons
Location
Belize Tours from Belize City
Overview
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) | From Belize City
Step into the Sacred. Voted by National Geographic as the #1 Sacred Cave in the World, the ATM Cave is not just a tour—it is an expedition into the Maya Underworld (Xibalba). Leaving from Belize City, we journey deep into the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve to swim, climb, and hike our way to the resting place of the "Crystal Maiden," a calcified Maya sacrifice that has remained untouched for over 1,000 years.
At A Glance
- Departs From: Belize City (Hotels, Municipal Airstrip, or Water Taxi)
- Destination: Teakettle Village (Cayo District)
- Duration: Full Day (Approx. 8-9 Hours)
- Intensity: High (Hiking, Swimming, Climbing rocks)
⚠️ Important Note for Cruise Passengers
Please check your port time carefully. This tour requires at least 8.5 hours to complete safely. If your ship is in port for less than 9 hours, we strongly recommend the Xunantunich or Altun Ha & Cave Tubing tours instead. We will not risk you missing your ship!
The Experience
The Jungle Trek
Our private vehicle takes you west on the George Price Highway to the trailhead. From there, we embark on a 45-minute jungle hike. This isn't a dry walk—you will cross the Roaring Creek river three times (waist-deep water), so you will be wet before you even reach the cave!
The Wet Cave (The Swim)
At the cave entrance, you jump into a deep pool and swim into the dark mouth of the mountain. For the next hour, you are wading through water, squeezing through rock formations, and climbing ledges, guided only by the beam of your headlamp.
The Dry Chamber (The Cathedral)
Deep inside, we climb up a rock shelf into the "Cathedral." Here, you remove your shoes and walk in socks only. This dry chamber is an archaeological treasure trove. You will walk inches away from hundreds of ancient ceramic pots, tools, and the skeletal remains of 14 Maya sacrifices, culminating in the glistening skeleton of the Crystal Maiden.
The "Private" Advantage
The Drive Back Matters. After 4 hours of physical exertion in the cave, you will be exhausted (in a good way!). Shared shuttles are cramped and noisy. Our **Private Transport** means you can recline your seat, blast the A/C, and nap in peace on the 1.5-hour drive back to Belize City. We also stop for a well-deserved lunch at a local Cayo restaurant.
Itinerary Snapshot
- 7:30 AM: Pickup in Belize City.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at Ranger Station (Change & Gear Up).
- 9:30 AM: 45-Minute Jungle Hike.
- 10:15 AM: Enter the Cave (Swim & Climb).
- 1:15 PM: Exit Cave & Hike Back.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch (Included) & Change Dry Clothes.
- 3:00 PM: Return Drive.
- 4:30 PM: Drop-off in Belize City.
Trip Essentials (Strict Rules)
| What's Included | What's Excluded |
|---|---|
| ✅ Private Roundtrip Transport ✅ Certified Cave Guide (Mandatory) ✅ Helmet & Headlamp ✅ Park Fees & Lunch ✅ Water |
❌ Breakfast ❌ CAMERAS/PHONES (Banned) ❌ Gratuities |
Mandatory Packing List:
1. Closed-Toe Shoes: Hiking sandals (Keens) or old sneakers. No flip-flops.
2. SOCKS: You MUST have a pair of socks to walk in the artifact chamber.
3. Change of Clothes: You will be soaked. Bring dry clothes for the ride home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why can't I bring my camera?
The Belize Institute of Archaeology enforces a strict "No Camera / No Phone" policy to protect the delicate artifacts. There are no exceptions. We promise the memory will be vivid enough without photos!
2. Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You need to be comfortable in water. The entrance swim is short, but you will be in moving water for much of the tour. Life jackets are provided.
3. Is it claustrophobic?
Most of the cave is massive, like an aircraft hangar. There is only one tight squeeze (the "neck"), but your guide helps you through. If you have severe anxiety in tight spaces, this might not be for you.
4. Is it safe for kids?
Minimum height is 40 inches. We recommend this for adventurous kids ages 8+ who can handle a 4-hour active tour.
Travel Styles
Nature & Adventure
Activities
Tour Location
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)From Belize City
from
$320
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