ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal)

Overview

Available languages

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

Let our guides take you back in time, explore the impressive underworld of the ATM Cave and enjoy one of the most enlightening experiences of your life. When you venture into the hour glass shaped entrance you will be welcomed by clear blue waters from the perennial stream that flows throughout the cave.

Along the way you will see ancient tools, pots and pieces and learn the history of the Mayan Civilization. As you travel deeper into the cave you will meet sacred burials and the Crystal Maiden complete and intact female remains covered in sparkling mineral deposits. Her death is sacrificial ritual for agricultural fertility.

Additional Info

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please disclose honestly all pre-existing relevant medical conditions accurately and fully when booking a tour or service, which may impact your ability to participate or travel to remote areas without access to medical facilities or may adversely affect the experience of others on your tour. We will maintain your information in accordance to the company privacy policy.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Lunch

Helmet, Head light and life vest(optional)

Air-conditioned vehicle

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Atm Cave Belize (actun Tunichil Muknal)

Actun Tunichil Muknal “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre” was first discovered in 1989. Located in the Tapir Mountain Reserve of the Cayo District near the village of Roaring Creek, this popular cave is rated as the #1 cave in Central America by National Geographic and listed as one of the top things to do in Belize. The ATM Cave is known to have been used by the Mayas for ceremonial purposes during the Classic Period. Most of the ceremonies and/or rituals were carried out at the entrance of the cave. The interior of the cave was considered to be more sacred for its proximity to the Mayan rain God, Chaak. Towards the end of the Classic Period, it is believed that the rituals moved deeper into the cave as a result of drought, thus believed to contribute to the collapse of the Mayan Civilization. The natural geological wonder of crystalline stalactites and stalagmites formations are not the only remarkable thing about the ATM. This 5-kilometer-long museum is filled with ancient Mayan artefacts and holds over 14 human skeletal remains of men, women and children.

3 hours • Admission Included

Options

ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal)

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A diverse, fascinating experience in physical activity, Mayan history and a beautiful cave
MikeMcG2015,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An incredible experience. If you do one thing in Caye, this should be it. It is a challenging day. The experience requires some swimming, hiking, climbing, squeezing in tight spaces, etc. If you’re fit, though, it’s a must-do. The ATM experience combines superb caving and Mayan history. The cave has beautiful and diverse formations, and it includes dry areas and wet. It also includes naturally lighted areas as well as areas that require mechanical light. The cave also includes hundreds of Mayan artifacts and the skeletal remains of human sacrifice. Our guides (from Mayan Walk Tours) were very knowledgeable and helpful. They provided fascinating information, and they ensured that all six guests were guided safely through the journey. I cannot recommend the ATM highly enough. It’s the highlight of any tour to Belize.
A must see
H2919PWchrisr,
Jan 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Much better than expected. Highly reccomend to any one who has an appreciation for culture and Gods creation. I can promise you that you will not be dissapointed in any way.
Spectacular Experience- Must Do!
Michelle G,
Jul 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The road to the trail head is riddled with lot holes so it’s a bumpy ride. once you arrive, there are washrooms - USE THEM! It’s about 3.5 hrs before you will get access again. You can carry your water bottle for the 2km hike crossing 2 rivers to get to the cave entrance. Once there, you’ll leave everything behind because you will need both hands. Then the adventure begins - you will enter into the cold river and swim inside cave. Your guide will lead you along and you will follow the water, sometimes swimming, sometimes climbing over rocks, sometimes squeezing between them. Good shoes are a must - we wore water shoes with decent tread and they worked great. Wear socks! At one point you have to climb without shoes on and it would hurt to be barefoot. Some parts are steep but the guide tells you exactly where to place your hands and feet. Only 2 spots where you need to squeeze and it’s a bit scary but it’s only about a foot. I wore tight yoga pants and feel like I was the best equipped - they protected my legs when you had to sit or slide, and they didn’t cause any drag. Some agility was required; individuals with knee or back problems would probably have a difficult time of it. It was an amazing experience and a MUST DO excursion when in Belize!
ATM cave experience
Kayanto,
Jun 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great experience. I highly recommend it if you're ever around here. Our guide, Philip, is a very knowledgeable man. He gave us detailed info about the cave formation and the Maya sacrifices. On top of that he's a funny guy too who made jokes and entertained us but at the same time he seriously knows a lot about the history and culture of his country. I'm glad we had him as our guide. He'll kindly send you pics, as it's not allowed to get in with cameras. He even sent me a complimentary documentary which he took part in it too. Worth every penny.
Very cool adventure...
Sally E,
Feb 11, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very cool adventure involving both physical and spiritual aspects. Great for adventure seekers. Appreciated the attention to safety as there is some exposure or risk for injury.
ATM cave tour is a must see!
Tim G,
Jul 27, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00
Gliss was our tour guide. He was fantastic. One of the best guides ever. He has a great sense of humor. He is from the area and has been doing cave tours for most of his life. He loves what he does and has an incredible knowledge of the caves in the area, Mayan culture, geology, hydrology, the local area, birds, plants and animals in the area. We had an excellent experience. The ATM cave is a highlight of our experience in Belize. Great history, the geologic formations, getting wet in the river and the cave, and taking the mind back to the Mayan customs at the time, were all part of a wonderful day! This is a unique opportunity. We are so glad we chose to do this tour.
Simply Amazing
MarynaG312,
Feb 28, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide Oscar was perfect. He gave us information about every detail. Took his time and made us feel very comfortable. The way to the cave and the entrance was really cool. Going over rivers. The cave itself was behind amazing. You just have to do it.