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Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal: Our most recommended tours and activities

San Ignacio: Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Full-Day Tour

1. San Ignacio: Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Full-Day Tour

Depart from San Ignacio, it is almost a 45-minute van ride to the Park Reserve. On arrival, participants are broken up into small groups with 8 participants to a guide. The guide starts with an overall explanation of the day's proceedings and assists everybody with adjusting the safety gear; we then head to the starting point. This would be the first of 3 river crossings, this being the deepest point, there is a rope bank across the river to assist with a safe river crossing. In the other crossings, the water level is fairly shallow, ankle-deep. After a 45-minute hike, we arrive at the mouth of the cave; with the guide swimming across to the ledge for a safety demonstration. Make your way into the cave, swimming and then walking through the main water passage until you reach the boulder and head to the dry chamber. To enter the chamber, you will be required to slip off your shoes in order to protect the cave as there are artifacts lying on the cave floor. Marvel at the cave's artifacts, most of which have been calcified into the ground, unmoved even by archaeologists. Learn about the rituals and ceremonies, bloodletting offerings, food offerings, and human offerings, including the 15 human remains uncovered by archaeologists. To access the last chamber, you will climb a ladder to see full skeletal remains before exiting the cave in the same way you came in. You will hike back to the parking lot before replenishing yourself with lunch and returning to San Ignacio.

From Belize City: Day Trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

2. From Belize City: Day Trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

Start with pickup from your hotel in Belize City and travel for 75 minutes outside the city to begin the hike. Walk for approximately 45 minutes through the lush jungle of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve to reach the entrance of the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal.  Enter the cave by swimming, or be towed through 12 feet of water, with life vests provided. Once inside, marvel at the huge interior of the cave. With your guide, discover various types of artifacts from the Mayan civilization. See ceramics and stoneware which were left in the cave and learn about Mayan history and culture. Explore a highly sacred location for the Mayans, and discover the remains of the "Crystal Maiden," who is thought to be a victim of human sacrifice.  After a fascinating journey through the remnants of the past, exit the cave and be returned to Belize City.

Belize City: Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Full Day Tour

3. Belize City: Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Full Day Tour

Embrace your adventurous spirit and enter the Mayan underworld at ATM Cave. See Mayan artifacts and swim in the blue waters in Actun Tunichil Mukna Cave. Your day trip includes hotel pickup, as well as lunch and snacks. Departing from Belize City hotels, head to the starting point for your hike. Make your first river crossing and hike 30 minutes to the cave entrance for a safety demonstration and explanation of what to expect on your ATM Cave tour. Enter the cave by swimming and then walking through the main water passage until you reach the dry chamber. To enter the chamber, you will be required to remove your shoes to protect the cave from damage and erosion. Marvel at the cave's Mayan artifacts, most of which are calcified into the ground, unmoved even by archaeologists. Listen to your guide talk about the rituals and ceremonies, bloodletting offerings, food offerings, and human offerings, including the 15 human remains uncovered by archaeologists. Climb a ladder to access the last chamber to see full skeletal remains before exiting the cave the same way you came in. Hike back to the parking lot before replenishing yourself with lunch and returning to your Belize City hotel.

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What people are saying about Actun Tunichil Muknal

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 77 reviews

Holy heck! This was hands down one of the most fun, amazing, interesting, funky, enjoyable experiences of my life. I had no idea what we were getting into, I figured your basic here's a cave, don't touch anything, wooo let's turn off the lights, here's some scratches on the wall kind of tour. It was anything but. It was far more physical than I anticipated (in a good way), far longer than I expected (also in a good way) and truly ranks in the top 5 of things I've done in life so far. Wear REAL shoes, like sneakers, and REAL socks. Dress sparingly, just a tank top or tshirt and shorts is all you will want to deal with. (we went in mid December, still plenty HOT). Something quick dry is nice, but you won't really have a chance to dry off, and too much clothing might get chilly sticking to you. Bring a full on towel/change of clothes, change of shoes, fresh undies, fresh bra, and EAT A GOOD, HEARTY BREAKFAST before you go.

Best thing I did in Belize. No one should leave without doing this tour. It’s adventurous, fascinating, and just an all around unique experience. I don’t think there’s another tour like it in the world. Be prepared to get wet, have fun, see some cool shit and eat some amazing Belizean food at the end.

Don’t miss the ATM tour while in Belize. Rafael Guerra, Dr of Archaeology went in depth and shared the history, customs, what was thought to have occurred and importance of the site.

Loved climbing over rocks and swimming through the caves. The Mayan history is very interesting. Edward was a great guide, showing me the way at each stage, friendly and helpful.

This tour was amazing and definitely ranks up there for one of our favorite adventures. Rafael was a wealth of knowledge. Highly recommend going this tour if in Belize!