Listing Type
Tour/Activity Private Guide Shuttle Service Transportation Tour/Activity Vacation Package Private Guide Tour/Activity Rental/Charter Shuttle Service Destination Wedding Vacation Package Tour/Activity Vacation Package Tour/Activity Rental/Charter Vacation Package Tour/Activity Vacation Package Tour/Activity Rental/Charter Destination Wedding Vacation Package Tour/Activity Shuttle Service Destination Wedding Vacation Package Tour/Activity Rental/Charter Shuttle Service Destination Wedding Vacation Package Tour/Activity Destination Wedding Vacation Package Tour/Activity Destination Wedding Vacation Package Tour/Activity Destination Wedding Vacation Package Tour/Activity Vacation Package Private Guide
Main Activity
Departs From
Gold Certified
Intensity Level
Is Transportation provided?
Main Attraction
|
Showing 11 - 18
out of 18
On the left map, we grouped Listings that are located close to each other into small circles. Now, you can locate all Listings on the map at the same time. You can also drag & zoom the map.
Circle numbers - Count of Listings that are located in and around that circle.
Colored circles - Listings that are displayed in the list below.
Grey circles - Listings that are displayed on next page(s).
Half colored circles - Some Listings in that circle appear in the list below and some on next page(s).
Click on circles to zoom in or highlight Listings .
page 2 out of 2
(1)
Take a Day Trip off the island of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye for a horseback Riding expedition through hidden trails in the jungle. Then paddle underground through sacred caves exploring ... morefreely as your lights reveal crystal formations.
Type of Tour/Activity: Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
Departs From: San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
(10)
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.
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
(28)
Most Popular
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.
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Day 1: BELIZE CITY /CRYSTAL PARADISE You will be met at the airport by your Belizean bird guide and transferred to your jungle lodge accommodations. Optional stop to visit the Belize ... moreZoo (entrance fee to Zoo not included). We check into our accommodations at Crystal Paradise after a short orientation. O/N Crystal Paradise Resort. /D
Day 2: TIKAL OVERNIGHT
Breakfast at Crystal Paradise. Travel 1 ½ hr drive into neighboring Guatemala to visit a very important Maya site. Located in the Peten lowland of Guatemala, this huge Classic Period Maya site, rich in jungle flora and fauna, is considered one of the world’s premier Archaeological Reserves. The park consists of 225+ square kilometers Guided tour of the Tikal Maya site itself. Lunch at Tikal. Dinner and Overnight at Tikal Inn. Departure fee and park fee not included, US$20.00 + US$22/pp
O/N Tikal Inn. B/L/D
Day 3: TIKAL/RETURN CRYSTAL PARADISE/AFTERNOON LEISURE/
After breakfast at Tikal Inn, you will be transferred to Crystal Paradise Resort. You will spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the grounds at Crystal Paradise for the rest of the day.
O/N Crystal Paradise Resort, B/L/D
Day 4: ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL (ATM)
This is one of the most impressive and mystical trips imaginable. A gallery like one has never seen before! Over 200 ceramic vessels adorn the chambers of Actun Tunichil Muknal. The culture, history and geological formations create an unrivaled natural museum. Travel back in time as we explore this large cave, untouched since the Maya last visited centuries ago.
Located in the heart of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, 6,700 acres managed by the Belize Audubon Society, a huge entrance in a limestone hill welcomes you at the end of your 45-minute walk through lush, undisturbed jungle vegetation.
O/N Crystal Paradise Resort, B/L/D
Day 5: CHECHEM HA CAVE
You will take a short hike through the jungle to this complex cave system that was discovered in 1989 by the Morales. Exploring the caves will allow you to view large stalactite formations, intact ancient artifacts such as large storage vessels, plates, burial grounds, and mysterious stelae. These Caves have been abandoned since the Pre-Classic 600 B.C – 800 A.D.
After the cave, you will be treated to a home-cooked lunch, served at the home of the Morales. After lunch, you may decide to hike down for a refreshing swim or simply sit back atop a hill and take in the view of the valleys.
O/N Crystal Paradise Resort, B/L/D
Day 6: CAVE TUBING
Cave tubing is one of the most popular and fun tours to do in Belize. Caves Branch (Nooch Chen) consists of a series of caves found on the caves branch river located about 1 ½ hrs drive from the lodge. Once we get there you can change into your swimwear grab an inner tube, life jacket, and headlamp and off we go on an easy 45-minute walk on a jungle trail as your guide explains the plants and wildlife you may encounter and see along the way. Swim in one of Belize's crystal clear rivers or getting started on the fun part is sitting on the inner tube to float through the caves. If you wish to combine this tour with Ziplining then, there is an extra fee of US$45/pp for the zip-lining adventure; this can be paid at the site. Lunch is not included on this day
O/N Crystal Paradise Resort, B//D
Day 7: MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE/RIO ON POOLS/RIO FRIO CAVE
The Cayo District’s principal town of San Ignacio is the gateway to some of Belize’s most precious ecological gems. After breakfast at the hotel, we will experience the wonders of Mountain Pine Ridge. Bring along your walking shoes, swimwear and adventurous mind for a full day of activity. The reserve is teaming with hills and valleys, rivers and falls, swimming holes and caves, all surrounded by the majestic beauty of Pine Forests. Our main stops will be at the Rio Frio Caves, Rio on Pools and weather and road conditions permitting, you’ll get a chance to see the 1000 ft. Hidden Valley Waterfalls. Bring along your binoculars, as there is much to see in the line of exotic flora and fauna, endemic only to this extremely rugged, but beautiful part of the county.
O/N Crystal Paradise Resort, B/D
Day 8: FREE DAY
This day is for you to relax after all the active adventure; you can enjoy a massage, or add an extra tour to your package.
O/N Crystal Paradise Resort, B/L/D
Day 9: DEPARTURE
Breakfast and transfer to Belize International Airport. B/
***itinerary is subject to change once here due to weather conditions or unforeseen events***
(10)
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.
Type of Tour/Activity: Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
(1)
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 the cathedral-like ... moremain 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.
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
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.
Type of Tour/Activity: Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
(10)
Best Value
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.
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.
Type of Tour/Activity: Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
|
|
- Find Tours, Activites, and Transportation options around or in Belize.
- Largest selection of things to do in Belize or departing from Belize.
- Search listings from licensed provider by activity type or location.
- Communicate directly with licensed providers in Belize.
- Complete and pay your booking online with 100% fraud protection.
|