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Swimming into the entrance of the ATM Cave
Christine S and her friends are excited for the ATM Cave tour. Thank you for sharing this photo Christine
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic
ATM Cave entrance to the Maya underworld
wading through the waters of the ATM cave

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic

By MayaWalk Tours
10 out of 10
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$247 per adult
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 9h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
  • Multiple languages
Overview

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a mysterious and beautiful portal to the ancient Maya and their traditions, ceremonies and spirituality. This cave system served as a ceremonial site where the Maya performed sacrifices and other ceremonies as they dealt with extreme and harsh conditions in times of drought.

Explore this lush area surrounded by beautiful jungles, and the cave entrance is traversed by swimming across a crystal clear spring fed pool. Spend 3 hours in the cave after hiking in through the rain forest. Here you will see stunning artefacts, altars and the crystallized skeletons of the sacrificed girl, The Crystal Maiden.

Activity location

  • Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve
    • Cayo District, Cayo District, Belize

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Mayawalk Tours
    • 19 Burns Avenue
    • San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize

Check availability

Actun Tunichil Muknal
  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h9h
  • English

Explore the Maya underworld, where the sounds of ancient bloodletting ceremonies still echo off the walls of the crystal Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM). As featured in National Geographic!
Pickup included

Starting time: 8:00 am
Price details
NZ$246.57 x 1 AdultNZ$246.57
Total
Price is NZ$246.57
Until Fri, 22 Nov

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedIncludes transport to and from our office in San Ignacio
  • What's includedWhat's includedExplore the cave with an expert, specially licensed guide
  • What's includedWhat's includedAll necessary equipment
  • What's includedWhat's included3-hour walking tour of cave system
  • What's includedWhat's includedLunch with a drink
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedHotel pickup and drop-off only if requested
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedService charge

Know before you book

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
  • Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Cancellations only due to severe rain or flooding
  • Guests must wear appropriate (Closed toe) shoes for walking through jungle and water
  • Guests must bring a pair of socks for the dry chamber in the cave
  • Minimum height requirement is 40inches
  • Vegetarian meal option available upon request
  • Bring along a change of dry clothes to be worn after the tour. This is a wet tour.
  • Clothes to be worn for the tour needs to be modest to respect the cave.
  • Eco friendly bug repellent is optional (Apply only if needed)
  • No cameras/ electronics are allowed on the hike and/or on in the cave.
  • Bring along a water bottle. We will have water available to refill your bottles.
  • Have a good breakfast before the tour. Lunch will be late.

Activity itinerary

Actun Tunichil Muknal
  • Admission ticket included
Taking a journey into the Maya underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) or the “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre” for one of the most enlightening, epic and unique experiences of 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 Maya artefacts, as well as a sacred burial place. This is the final resting place of “Crystal Maiden,” an ancient Maya ceremonial victim, as well as the remains of 13 other sacrificed men, women and children. Your professional guides have led government officials, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, The British High Commission and US Embassy officials into the ATM Cave. This sacrificial site is accessed by a 45 minute drive from our office in San Ignacio.
Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve
  • 5h
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. To access the cave we swim across a small spring- fed pool and wade into the dark underworld of the cave that allows us access the extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways and chambers, climaxing in the ceremonial chamber housing stoneware, ceramics, the famed crystallized skeleton of the “Crystal Maiden”. We spend approximately 3 hours in the cave at the guidance of our experienced guides. 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. Difficulty level: Moderate (involved some easy swimming and life jackets are provided for non-swimmers, who will also be escorted by our highly trained guide).

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESTapir Mountain Nature Reserve
    • Cayo District, Cayo District, Belize

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEMayawalk Tours
    • 19 Burns Avenue
    • San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize

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Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Cayo District your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.