Actun Tunichil Muknal
ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL (ATM)
Belize ATM Tour
Adventure Excursion | Challenging
Explore The Mystical Ancient Civilization of Belize
If exploring a sacred Mayan cave, deep in the jungle sounds like the type of adventure your inner archaeologist would like, Belize Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM) or the “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre” is for you.
Visiting this major archaeological, historic and cultural site deep into the Earth, is a must tour for anyone who desires a truly unforgettable experience in Belize. Passage into the cave can only be offered by experienced guides who have been vetted and given permission from the Belize Department of Archaeology. Inside this cathedral-like cave, you’ll witness ceremonial ceramics, human sacrificial remains, and artifacts from the Mayan era, as well as natural stalactite and stalagmite formations.
A 45-minute jungle hike into the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in the Cayo district leads you to the cave, National Geographic rated as number one in their Top Ten Sacred Caves
The Mayans believed that the Belize ATM cave was the entrance to the underworld, where the gods of agriculture and rain dwelled. Inside the highest chamber of ATM lies the “Crystal Maiden,” a Mayan princess, sacrificed to appease the gods, who’s calcified remains present a crystalline appearance. Because of the significance and history of the grounds, conservation is key. Visitors are asked to remove their shoes when reaching the upper dry chamber to help minimize foot traffic impact. The use of cameras is also prohibited inside the caves, due to accidental damage from past visitors.
If you would like to book the ATM tour, please take note of the following preparations and suggestions:
Tour departs: 7:30 a.m., full day tour
Age Limit: 8 years old and at least 40 inches tall
Drive Time: 1.5 hours each way
What to wear/bring: Shorts, t-shirt, hiking shoes or water shoes, socks, one pair of dry clothes, small backpack, and US or BZ dollars for petty cash.
***Use of sunscreen and insect repellent are strongly discouraged by the government authorities.
Included: entry fees, equipment, lunch, beach towels
Activity level: Moderate. Visitors will be expected to handle moderate hiking, wading through water, and be comfortable in small spaces.
At the end of the tour, our office would be happy to email you a collection of photographs from your excursion.
Create unforgettable experiences at Black Rock Lodge!
Ready to dive into the Mayan underworld by exploring the cave systems of Belize? Book your cave tour with Black Rock Lodge today! Our world-class, highly skilled guides known for their historical and cultural knowledge and will customize your tour to your interest.