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Departs From: San Ignacio Town
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”, ... morewill be one of 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.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is a cave in Belize, near San Ignacio, Cayo District, notable as a Maya archaeological site that includes skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware. There are several ... moreareas with skeletal remains in the main chamber. The best known as "The Crystal Maiden", is the skeleton of an adolescent (an 18-year-old girl), possibly a sacrifice victim, whose bones have been calcified to a sparkling, crystallized appearance. Recent studies, however, claim that the remains are male and not female.
The ceramics at the site are significant partly because they are marked with "kill holes", which indicate that they were used for ceremonial purposes. Many of the Maya artifacts and remains are completely calcified to the cave floor. One artifact, named the "Monkey Pot", is one of just four of its type found in Central America. The Maya also modified cave formations here, in some instances to create altars for the offerings, in others to create silhouettes of faces and animals or to project a shadow image into the cave. The cave is extensively decorated with cave formations in the upper passages. ( Pick ups in San Ignacio and Santa Elena and Town limits are free of charge, However Pick ups out of town are additional charges )
( Each person doing Atm tour will need to sign a waver form pryer to the tour )
Animal life in the cave includes a large population of bats, large freshwater crabs, crayfish, catfish, and other tropical fish. Large invertebrates like Amblypygi and various predatory spiders also inhabit the cave. Agouti and otters may also use the cave. These and many other species are quite common in river caves of this size in Belize.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Welcome to the gateway of the Mayan Underworld. Actun Tunichil Muknal (cave of the stone sepulchre) is commonly referred to as ATM Cave. Located near San Ignacio, Cayo District, it ... moreis one of the most impressive Maya ceremonial caves containing rare bloodletting altars used in sacrifices by Maya royalty, and where calcified skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware have been found. The best known as “The Crystal Maiden”, the intact skeleton of a teenage girl, whose bones have been calcified over the years to a sparkling crystallized appearance
The hike to the cave entrance through the lush Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve requires visitors to swim to the mouth of the cave and then wade through ankle to chest high water and once inside the magnificent cave, the exploration begins. The tour requires climbing and swimming as well as crawling through small spaces. The cave is extensively decorated with cave formations in the upper passages, a labyrinth of dry chambers which lead to the cathedral-like main hall, a towering chamber 350 meters in length and 50 meters wide, and filled with artifacts and sacrificial remains. Visitors remove shoes and explore the cave in socks only, to protect the artifacts on the cave floor. After this, another climb takes you to the stone sepulchre (after which the cave is named) where the Crystal Maiden lies. Photography is now disallowed inside the cave unless special permits are obtained.
This is an extraordinary Belize adventure and a rare opportunity to see ancient Maya ceremonial sites and altars as they were and virtually untouched for centuries. A visit to this site is truly profound and unforgettable. After this memorable adventure, we hike back to our vehicles and sit to enjoy a local lunch before heading back to San Ignacio.
Departs From: San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
Explore the ATM Cave from San Pedro
Embark on a thrilling day trip from San Pedro to explore the world's most sacred cave, the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave. This all-inclusive ... moretour includes transportation, entrance fees, professional guide, and lunch. Navigate through underground chambers, discover ancient Mayan artifacts, and witness the awe-inspiring Crystal Maiden. Limited spots available, book your unforgettable adventure today!
Your All-Inclusive ATM Cave Tour Includes:
All-inclusive ATM tour from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Includes all transportation, entrance fees, equipment, and lunch (meal preferences can be arranged).
Departure Time from the island is 7 AM by Plane or 6 AM by Boat.
Your pick-up in Belize City is scheduled for 8 AM sharp - so it is critical that you board the flight or boat on time!
Your tour will be with a certified gold-standard tour operator, with an ATM-licensed guide.
Groups are limited to 8 per guide, and there is a daily cap of 125 visitors per day.
You can add local transportation to/from your hotel in San Pedro for an additional fee.
The ATM Cave in Belize
The Belize Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is a wet cave, where you swim into the entrance and then trek through ankle to chest-high water before climbing to a dry chamber that leads to the cathedral or main hall. This towering chamber is 350 meters in length and 50 meters wide and is filled with artifacts and the skeletal remains of 14 bodies, about half of them children. All of the skeletal remains are male except one completely intact female skeleton covered in sparkling mineral deposits, the Crystal Maiden. Other artifacts include large pots and jars, flute-like instruments, and ground stones used for grinding corn and grains, suggesting agricultural rituals.
ATM Cave is considered the best Belize cave to explore and is declared the world's most sacred cave by National Geographic. It is an extraordinary and rare opportunity to see ancient Maya ceremonial sites and altars as they were thousands of years ago, virtually untouched.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Our tours are refundable (minus a small service fee) up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable; however, rescheduling is possible if contacted in advance.
Additional Notes:
1. We offer local transportation to/from your hotel in San Pedro for an additional fee.
2. The ATM Cave is a physically demanding experience with some swimming involved. Please ensure you are in good physical condition before booking.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Book your ATM Cave Tour from San Pedro today!
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
ATM CAVE TOUR
Taking a journey into the Mayan underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal, or the “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre”, will be one of the most enlightening, epic, and unique experiences ... moreof your life. Leave the world of the living behind as you venture into the heart of the ATM Cave with your licensed guide. Recently deemed the #1 Sacred Cave destination in the world by National Geographic, the ATM cave is not only beautiful geologically, with its crystalline stalactites and stalagmites, but also historically, as is a natural museum of ancient Mayan artifacts, as well as a sacred burial place. This is the final resting place of the “Crystal Maiden”, an ancient Mayan ceremonial victim, as well as the remains of 13 other sacrificed men, women, and children. MayaWalk guides have led government officials, National Geographic teams, the Discovery Channel, The British High Commission, and US Embassy officials into the ATM Cave.
This sacrificial site is accessed by approximately an hour's drive from our office in San Ignacio. Here we enter the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and park our vehicles at the ranger post. From this point on we are on foot, hiking through the jungle for approximately 45 minutes to the entrance of the cave. The hike includes three stream crossings. To access the cave, we swim across a small spring-fed pool with the assistance of a rope and wade into knee-high water into the dark underworld of the cave that allows us access to the extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways, and chambers, climaxing in the ceremonial chamber housing stoneware, ceramics and the famed crystallized skeleton of the “Crystal Maiden”. We spend approximately 3 hours in the cave under the instruction of our experienced guides.
Leave your cameras behind and experience the power of ancient spirits with your mind, body, and soul. This is not only a physical adventure but a journey into the spiritual realm. We enter back into the jungle world and hike to our vehicles, where we relax and enjoy a homemade picnic lunch, with water and soft drinks, before driving back to San Ignacio.
Into the Heart of Belize: The ATM Cave Experience Plunge in on a transformative journey in the vibrant rainforest of Belize, where the symphony of tropical birds and the rustle of ... morehidden wonders beckon you to explore. A 35-45 minute hike through the lush jungle unfolds as a promise of self-discovery, with each step forward a testament to your inner strength. As you ford three rivers, the invigorating currents energize your spirit, urging you to push beyond your limits.
The cave entrance awaits, a majestic gateway to the unknown, cloaked in vines and shadows. To enter, you must swim across a pool of crystal-clear water, its refreshing chill awakening your senses. As you slip beneath the stone archway, the outside world fades, replaced by the soothing echo of dripping water and the radiant glow of your headlamp against ancient rock. Inside, the cave reveals its secrets gradually, like a mentor guiding you towards hidden truths. For 25-30 minutes, you wade through an underground river, its shimmering surface reflecting the beauty within. The walls glimmer with mineral deposits, and every turn feels like a step closer to unlocking your full potential. The path grows more challenging, yet with each obstacle, you rise to the occasion.
You climb a five-foot boulder, scramble along a narrow ledge, and squeeze through tight passages until suddenly the space opens into a vast ceremonial chamber. Here, the whispers of the past empower you to forge your own path. Scattered across the floor are Maya pottery and ritual artifacts, preserved where they were left centuries ago, a testament to the power of human resilience. And then comes the moment that defines the journey. In a smaller chamber, illuminated by the soft glow of your light, lies the Crystal Maiden. Her skeleton, calcified by centuries of mineral-rich water, shines like a beacon of hope, every bone accounted for, fused forever into the cave floor—a poignant reminder of the transformative power of sacrifice and reverence.
This is no ordinary adventure. It is a testament to your inner strength, a passage through water, stone, and history. It demands courage and perseverance, yet rewards you with sights that will inspire a lifetime of growth and exploration. To walk the halls of the ATM Cave is to tap into the infinite potential within, to touch the edge of the unknown, and to live an adventure that will leave you forever changed.
Horseback at it's best in Belize! Authentic jungle experiences topped off with Belize's most beloved cave tubing adventure!
The ATM Cave is a wet cave – you swim into the mouth and then wade through ankle to chest-high water before climbing to an intricate passageway of dry chambers which lead to ... morethe cathedral-like main hall, a towering chamber 350 meters in length and 50mteres wide and filled with artifacts and sacrificial remains.
After this another climb takes you to the stone chamber where the Crystal Maiden lies, this is the skeleton of a teenage girl who was sacrificed and left in the cave. Over thousands of years, her remains have been covered by a layer of diamond-like limestone. The Mayas sacrificed humans in the hopes of appeasing the gods and bringing fertility to the land.
This is an extraordinary Belize adventure and a rare opportunity to see ancient Maya ceremonial sites and altars as they were virtually untouched for centuries.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Silently glide back in time aboard a canoe equipped with powerful spotlights as you enter a sacred realm of the ancient Maya. Barton Creek Cave is part of a large riverine system and ... moreone of the longest subterranean archaeological sites in Belize. In addition to the natural beauty of its stalagmites, stalactites, and impressive calcite crystal formations the site contains a wide range of cultural remains deposited on the ledges above the river that dates back to 1200 years ago. Enjoy our snacks along with a quick swim, accompanied by waterfalls and the rainforest.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
This tour starts with us driving through the small Mennonite community of Upper Barton Creek where you will have a glimpse of their traditional daily life. Once at the site, we start ... moreoff by paddling through and exploring the mystical Barton Creek cave, an ancient site used by the Mayans for burial and ceremonial purposes. The jade-colored water runs for 4 miles inside the caves surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. A tour of Barton Creek involves gently paddling a two-man canoe across the cave's still water, guided only by headlamps that light up the intricate stalactites and stalagmites that make up the limestone walls. You will also discover rock flows and cathedral chambers while observing Mayan pottery shards and the bone remains of more than 28 humans dating back to 200 CE. This is an amazing experience everyone will remember.
Departs From: Belmopan City
Actun Tunichil Muknal is located in the Cayo district at the Tapir Nature Mountain Reserve. We will need to take 15 minutes to ride to the village of Teakettle, then we drive south/west ... morefor about 35 minutes. We will arrive at the parking lot of the reserve, guest will be instructed to use the restroom first and then we will provide guests with their helmets, lights, and light vest if necessary. We will hike for 35 minutes passing through three rivers in the Tapir Nature Mountain reserve after which we will arrive at the entrance of the cave. Our knowledgeable guide will provide you will an introduction to the cave. We enter the cave for a three hours tour. We will have Belizean lunch, rum punch, desserts, sodas, and water at the end of the tour. All guest change and we return.
The ATM Cave is a "must do" tour experience- and it's easily accessible!! The tour starts with a 45-minute hike through the jungle in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. It is a great ... moreway to soak in the majesty of the surrounding jungle. You will cross three rivers as you wind your way through the jungle to the mouth of the cave. The tour duration is approximately 3 hours. Bring along a change of clothes as you will be completely wet by the time the tour is over. Understanding why this cave was of such sacred importance to the Mayas requires an understanding of their spirituality. In the Maya religion, the gods of agriculture, rain, and fertility were believed to reside in the underworld. It would only seem natural that the ATM Cave, with its seemingly endless pits, would be seen as a potential gateway to the underworld. By making human sacrifices within the cave, they could appeal to these important gods practically at their front door.
Guests should dress as if preparing for a hike, bringing comfortable clothes and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Bear in mind that no cameras are allowed within the cave. The prohibition of cameras prevents damage to remaining skeletons and artifacts and preserves ATM for future generations.
This tour will take you from the Maya temple to the entrance of the Mayan underworld. The adventure starts at the popular Mayan site of Xunantunich; just getting there is an adventure ... moreof its own. After touring the temples, we drive to No’och Che’ en Cave, where you will start off on an easy hike through the jungle to your starting point. As you sit back and enjoy tubing downstream, you will be floating through a series of remarkable limestone caves, each filled with fascinating discoveries of the Mayan underworld. There is also an opportunity to leave your tubes behind and go exploring cave chambers, where you will see ceramic pieces and beautiful geological formations. The adventure ends floating downstream through the jungles of Belize; back at the starting point.
Departs From: Caye Caulker
Explore the ATM Cave from Caye Caulker
Embark on a thrilling day trip from Caye Caulker to explore the world's most sacred cave, the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave. This all-inclusive ... moretour includes transportation, entrance fees, professional guide, and lunch. Navigate through underground chambers, discover ancient Mayan artifacts, and witness the awe-inspiring Crystal Maiden. Limited spots available, book your unforgettable adventure today!
Your All-Inclusive ATM Cave Tour Includes:
All-inclusive ATM tour from Caye Caulker. Includes all transportation, entrance fees, equipment, and lunch (meal preferences can be arranged).
Departure Time from the island is 7 AM by Plane or 6:30 AM by Boat.
Your pick-up in Belize City is scheduled for 8 AM sharp - so it is critical that you board the flight or boat on time!
Your tour will be with a certified gold-standard tour operator, with an ATM-licensed guide.
Groups are limited to 8 per guide, and there is a daily cap of 125 visitors per day.
The ATM Cave in Belize
The Belize Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is a wet cave, where you swim into the entrance and then trek through ankle to chest-high water before climbing to a dry chamber that leads to the cathedral or main hall. This towering chamber is 350 meters in length and 50 meters wide and is filled with artifacts and the skeletal remains of 14 bodies, about half of them children. All of the skeletal remains are male except one completely intact female skeleton covered in sparkling mineral deposits, the Crystal Maiden. Other artifacts include large pots and jars, flute-like instruments, and ground stones used for grinding corn and grains, suggesting agricultural rituals.
ATM Cave is considered the best Belize cave to explore and is declared the world's most sacred cave by National Geographic. It is an extraordinary and rare opportunity to see ancient Maya ceremonial sites and altars as they were thousands of years ago, virtually untouched.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Our tours are refundable (minus a small service fee) up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable; however, rescheduling is possible if contacted in advance.
Additional Notes:
1. The ATM Cave is a physically demanding experience with some swimming involved. Please ensure you are in good physical condition before booking.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Book your ATM Cave Tour from Caye Caulker today!
Actun Tunichil Muknal, One of the Top Caves to Visit in Belize
When you step across the entrance to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, you’re beginning a journey into the mysterious ... moreunderworld of the Maya. The ATM Cave sometimes called the “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre”, will leave explorers amazed, enlightened, and uplifted.
Rated as the #1 Sacred Cave in the World by National Geographic, the ATM Cave is one of the most important historical sights in the world. Only accessible with a licensed guide, the ATM Cave is an incredibly beautiful underground world filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites.
But it is its position as a Maya artifact that draws in tourists from around the world. Deep in its underground labyrinth lie the remains of the Crystal Maiden, a young adult who was sacrificed to the Maya gods more than 1,000 years ago. Near her bones, which have taken on a sparkling shine after having fused with the minerals in the cave, lie the remains of more than a dozen other victims, including very young children.
Untame Belize Tours is one of the few companies in Belize to offer authorized guided tours of this cave. Located a short drive from our office in southern Belize, the tour begins with a drive to the ranger post in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. From there, participants must proceed on foot, hiking through the jungle for approximately 45 minutes, crossing three jungle streams along the way.
Once at the mouth of the cave, participants must swim across a spring-fed pool, using a rope for guidance. And then the adventure truly begins, wading through the knee-high water until a network of vast tunnels, chambers, and passageways is reached. Only after climbing up and into a remote ledge deep in the rear of the cave will participants reach the sacred chamber once used by Maya priests.
The ceremonial chamber still contains pottery, obsidian objects, bowls that once contained food offerings, and the famous skeleton of the Crystal Maiden. It takes approximately three hours to explore everything in this cave.
Strict rules in place by the Department of Archeology forbid any cameras inside ATM Cave, but participants will experience a truly remarkable journey into the lost world of the Maya. After exiting the cave, there will be a return hike through the jungle followed by a delicious picnic lunch.
Actun Loch Tunich is not for the faint of heart! This tour works every muscle so be physically prepared before signing up to explore the “Mother of Caves”. Formed from a sinkhole, ... moreyou will rappel down through the rainforest canopy. Journey about 300ft until you reach the bottom! A picnic lunch will refuel you for the return trek back home!
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
BARTON CREEK TOURS
Barton Creek is a remote cave that, like many of the subterranean caverns of Belize, was used by the ancient Mayan people for ceremonial purposes. This is a relaxed, ... morebut exciting canoe trip inside a mountain on an ancient waterway where you can observe grand cathedral ceilings in the cave, as well as numerous formations and stalactites and stalagmites.
We begin our journey through farmland where you can observe the Mennonite community of Upper Barton Creek and experience their traditional lifestyle. We then reach Barton Creek Cave, much of which is still to be explored and which stretches for 4.5 miles. We canoe in for one mile exploring the amazing history and geology of this massive cave. At the entrance of the cave, we board our canoes, switch on our headlights and start to slowly paddle into the cave passage. While floating deeper into the passage we learn about the geology, archaeology, and Mayan history of these caves. Our lights will bring to life sparkling crystal formations that are millions of years old. After exploring the caves, we turn our canoes around and float back to park our canoes and complete our half-day tour with a refreshing swim.
Optional Add-ons:
To extend the fun into a full day, please check with our front desk personnel about adding another activity such as jungle zip line, butterfly farm, or waterfalls.
+Jungle Zipline
After the relaxing canoe paddle at Barton Creek, you can opt to pump up the adventure and take a stop at our longest aerial canopy zip-lining tour—Ultimo Explorer— which is more than 2,700 feet. Each of our four tours offers you a return to the main platform on a 500 ft run via our jungle lift platform. The 2-hour tour is for zip line enthusiasts. It combines the Explorer and Intermedio in over 2,700 feet of a zip line, comprised of 9 runs and 15 platforms, that takes you over and through the jungle. This is a safe and exhilarating way to see the jungle like never before, flying through the treetops!
+Waterfall Big Rock Falls
Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall flowing over the granite boulders of Privassion Creek. We hike down the escarpment hidden deep in the Mountain Pine Ridge where we come to the stunning waterfall and the crystal pool into which the cascading waterfalls, spray a cooling mist. You can scramble over boulders and see the water rushing past you as you plunge into the pool below. Enjoy the natural beauty of this hidden paradise with a picnic lunch and only the sound of splashing water, birds singing, and wind in the trees to disturb the peaceful solitude.
+Butterfly Farm & Botanical Garden
Located in the Cayo district, between limestone hills covered with lush vegetation, is the Belize Butterfly Ranch and Botanical Collections. Here, you will be able to see a kaleidoscope of exotic butterflies of various species, from iridescent blue to gorgeous orange, dazzling yellow to intriguing gray. The butterflies fly freely in a 3,300-square-foot beautifully landscaped butterfly display. This facility is geared toward conservation, research, and education. There is also a botanical collection of over 120 species of plants, including orchids, many of which are critical to the butterflies’ reproduction and rearing. After viewing the butterflies, enjoy a snack at the picnic area or take a peek at their gift shop! Come to be dazzled and amazed at the beauty of these rare and alluring creatures!
Departs From: San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
Take a canoe ride back in time and discover the mysteries of the Maya. The ancient Maya worship their gods in this pitch-black cave environment. A canoe equipped with a powerful spotlight ... moreilluminates the realm of the spirits. Paddle your way in and explore a cave only accessible by canoes or kayaks.
Departs From: San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
Belize Black Hole Drop is an adrenaline-filled adventure, where you rappel from over 300 feet high above at the edge of Actun Loch Tunich Cave. The roof claps thousands of years ago ... morecreating a sinkhole that overlooks the jungle canopy deep in the Belize rainforest.
Trek through lush jungle trails to the top of the sinkhole overlooking the rainforest canopy. After gearing up in your harness and attached to ropes and pulleys, you rappel down from the edge of the sinkhole over 300 high. Go only 100 feet and you will be above the forest canopy growing up from the inside. Another 200 feet takes you down deeper into the darkness of the cave. Make it to the very bottom and feel a sense of relief when you look up to see how high you were.
Belize Black Hole Drop is among the best extreme cave tours in Belize. It is designed for the adventure spirit at heart.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
ATM Cave was first explored in 1989 and National Geographic produced a documentary about ATM Cave in 1992 called Journey Through the Underworld.
... more
Actun Tunichil Muknal is one of the most impressive Maya ceremonial caves containing bloodletting altars used in sacrifices and over 1400 artifacts as well as human skeletal remains.
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