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  1. The Belize Travelcast
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  2. Episode K'atun (20)

The ATM Cave in Belize - A Journey to the Maya Underworld

Elias Cambranes 1 hour  (1)



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In this episode, ATM specialist Mr. Elias Cambranes from Katun Ahau Tours takes us on an amazing mind-blowing virtual tour of the ATM Cave in Western Belize. The ATM Cave is one of the experiences in Belize that you must have on your bucket list. The ATM cave is one of Belize's most stunning attractions and a visit will most certainly change your life. Until you visit in person, join us on this virtual tour with Elias and mark your calendars for your next trip to Belize and the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. 

The ATM Cave may today be known as a popular tourist attraction and a great place for caving adventures but the Mayas knew it as a sacred entrance to Xibalba, the the Maya underworld. ATM translates as "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher". 

Elias takes us on a virtual guide of the ATM cave tour. After listening to this episode you will almost feel like you've been there, or you will relive your experience if you've visited already. Certainly, there is no substitute to the real experience so we invite you to visit Belize and visit the ATM cave with Elias as your guide. He is one of only 30 guides ever certified in Belize to take tours to the ATM cave. Elias tells us that today only about 25 of the original gang of 30 are still leading tours into the ATM cave. You cannot just show up at the cave site and get a guide. As one of the most special archaeological sites in Belize, the National Institute of Culture and History has maintained tight control of the ATM cave. You cannot enter by yourself, and you can only enter with one of the select few guides who are certified to lead tours into this cave. Additionally, groups are limited to 8 per guide. 

Join us on this virtual tour to hear what the experience is like and why this is such a special cave and why everyone who visits proclaims that it's a once-in-a-lifetime and truly life changing experience.

K'atun Ahau Tours
Company Website
Katun Ahau is owned and operated by Elias Cambranes. Elias is a local tour guide with over 25 years experience in giving archaeological tours to sites in Belize such as Actun Tunichil ... moreMuknal and to Tikal in Guatemala.

Belize Ground Shuttle
Airport Shuttle
Belize Ground Shuttle is a professional shuttle company operating daily shared shuttle service for travelers between San Ignacio, Placencia, Hopkins and the Belize International Airport ... more(BZE).
Located close to the town of San Ignacio, the ATM Cave is the most popular cave tour in Belize. Its vast network of underground chambers is known as being a treasure trove for archaeologists but also for its diverse ecosystem of bats, crabs, crayfish, and tropical fish. Come see why the National Geographic Society proclaimed the ATM Cave as the most sacred cave in the world! There is no equal to the ATM cave.

To book this tour with Elias, book here and be sure to request him as your guide.
Learn More
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Discovered in 1989, this cave is a full five kilometers deep. Taking a journey into the Mayan underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal, or the “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre”, will be one ... moreof the most enlightening, and unique experiences of your life. You will venture into the heart of the Cave with a licensed, experienced tour guide. This cave is not only geologically beautiful with its crystalline stalactites and stalagmites but also historically as it is a natural museum of ancient Mayan artifacts and a sacred offering place for the “Crystal Maiden”. Time spent inside the cave is 2 ½ to 3 hrs. Get an in-depth look at Belize’s Mayan culture.

Inside the dry zone where the artifacts and bones are located, all persons need to remove all shoes and walk-in socks to reduce damage. To see the Crystal Maiden you need to ascend a 13 ft ladder to reach the area known as the sepulcher.
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Located deep in the Chiquibul forest reserve, Caracol is the largest known Mayan site in Belize and one of the biggest in the Maya world. Caracol was a classic period urban center ... morethat spread out over 55 sq miles with an estimated population of 150,000 inhabitants and causeways that radiated up to 5 miles from the center. The temple rises 41 meters above the plaza level with 100 meters of base area and to this day is still the largest man-made structure in the country of Belize. The drive to Caracol will take you through the scenic mountain Pine Ridge forest reserve, home of Rio On Pools & Rio Frio Cave.
Katun Ahau - Tikal Day Tour
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Tikal National Park is located in Guatemala, 75 miles west of San Ignacio, or a 2 hrs 30 mins drive. Tikal is the most magnificent of all Mayan archaeological sites. Tikal has its ... morebeginnings around 600 BC and in the late classic period when the architecture excelled in all world capitals, the population was 100,000. The site is dominated by 5 enormous steep limestone temples that rise over 200 ft from the forest floor; only 2 are allowed for climbing. 3000 structures have been identified and 20% have been excavated. The park has an area of 222 sq miles and has had no human settlement for the past 1000 yrs. It is home to 300 species of birds, 5 species of felines, 3 species of primates, deer, anteaters, and snakes making it a true tropical rainforest experience.

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Elias Cambranes

Elias Cambranes, owner Of K'atun Ahau Belize Culture Tours, is a San Ignacio Belize tour guide with over 20 years of experience in giving Archaeological Tours to sites in Belize and Tikal in Guatemala. Elias is the only tour guide In Belize who is also licensed in Guatemala. Elias specializes in ATM Cave tours in Belize, and is one of only 30 guides in Belize who are licensed to lead tours to the ATM cave.

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My family and I did this last year, June 28th, 2019. It was the most incredible thing I think I've ever done. I found this podcast today because I wanted to revisit the cave. It was a hard trek for me, but I'm so glad I did it! Actun Tunichil Muknal is a beautiful, sacred place. I'm very grateful for the chance to visit there. It is beyond description, you really need to see it with your own eyes.
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Trish C
Glad to hear that you liked our podcast. Subscribe for future episodes in your favorite podcast player. We have some exciting new episodes coming up. We hope you will be able to visit again soon.
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#letsgobelizing
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