Full-Day Tour to the ATM Cave: A Sacred Cave for Ancient Mayas

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Overview

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English

Mobile ticket

Step into the mysterious world of the ancient Maya with a full-day adventure to Actun Tunichil Muknal, the legendary ATM Cave in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. After a scenic drive and a jungle hike with river crossings, you’ll swim and wade into a cave filled with breathtaking limestone formations. Inside, your licensed guide will reveal sacred chambers where rituals took place nearly 2,000 years ago. Discover intact artifacts, ceremonial tools, and the famous “Crystal Maiden,” a glittering skeleton preserved in time. With limited guides licensed to lead this tour, visiting ATM is a rare privilege and one of Belize’s most awe-inspiring experiences. Prepare for adventure, history, and wonder in this unforgettable journey into the heart of Mayan spirituality.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

We suggest you wearing a swimsuit and on top a long sleeve shirt

Bring sun protection, repellent, hiking shoes. Also bring hiking sandals or water shoes

You MUST bring socks. This is the only way you are allowed to be in sacred Maya places

Bring one extra set of dry clothing and shoes + a towel

What To Expect

Placencia

We leave Placencia at 05:30 am to meet up with the specialist guide in the village of Teakettle. The specialist guide will drive you to the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. The Belize Tourism Board, in coordination with the Belize National Institue of Culture and History, Institute of Archaeology, hs granted licenses to a small group of agents to conduct tours to this cave, in an attmept to balance its protection against tourist revenue. The Splash driver will wait for you in Teakettle. Expect to be back in Placencia at around 7:00 pm.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Atm Cave Belize (actun Tunichil Muknal)

When we arrive at Teakettle Village - Entrance to the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, we will start our nature walk. This hike will last between 30-45 minutes until we reach the cave. The entrance to the cave is actually a little natural pool inside the cave that we must jump into when we arrive and swim in for around 30 seconds. Once you enter the cave you will have to pass through passages, climb large rocks, and walk and swim inside the cave. There are parts of the cave where you will find different Mayan artifacts including pottery, stone tools, and the remains of human sacrifices, this is the highlight of the tour. As you explore the ATM Cave, you'll also see a variety of stunning geological formations, including stalagmites and stalactites, which are created when water dripping from the cave ceiling mixes with minerals in the rock.

3 hours • Admission Included

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