If crossing jungle rivers, delving deep into caves, and discovering ancient artifacts like Indiana Jones is your idea of fun, you should visit the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave in Belize! I have to admit that I knew nothing about this cave until I was already in Belize on a group tour. A couple of my tour mates said the ATM Cave was an incredible place with Mayan artifacts that you must see. And, well, they were right.
In this post, I’ll cover my visit to the sacred Mayan cave and how you can see it on your trip to Belize. Sorry in advance for the lack of photos: no cameras are allowed in the cave. Sad face.
What is the ATM Cave?
Belize has many caves, but the ATM Cave is special. Its actual name is Actun Tunichil Muknal, which means “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher” in the Mayan language (ooo creepy). The Mayans believed that caves are sacred places inhabited by the gods, and in some caves they made sacrifices to them–including human sacrifices. The ATM Cave was one such place.
The ATM Cave is an important Mayan archaeological site. Within the ceremonial chamber, there are numerous pieces of pottery and some human remains. The most famous part is a human skeleton known as the “Crystal Maiden” believed to be the victim of a human sacrifice. In the 1000 or so years since their death, the skeleton has calcified into sparkling rock.
Crazy, right? Besides the incredible archaeological site, the ATM Cave is also a window into the unique subterranean world of Belize. Bats cling to the ceilings overhead and tropical fish swim the in shadowy water.
Belize also has amazing snorkeling! Read about my other favorite Belize experience here!
Journey to Actun Tunichil Muknal
I visited the ATM Cave on a guided tour, which is the only way you’re allowed to go. A tour operator picked us up at our hotel in San Ignacio and drove us over to the trailhead area in the morning. On the way, we stopped at a small grocery store to grab snacks. I picked up some plantain chips, always a tasty safe bet.
The closer we got to the cave, the more adventurous the plan seemed. It started to drizzle with rain as we arrived. We grabbed helmets fitted with headlamps and met our cave tour guide.
I still remember his deadpan demeanor, the way he spoke softly as he warned us about potential dangers we might face. We needed to hold on tight to the rope when we crossed the fast-flowing river. In the cave we must stay close by him at all times. To reach the ceremonial chamber it would be necessary to climb over slick rocks without shoes.
Oh and by the way, the cave floods if it rains too much. I started to wonder: was this really a good idea?!
Inside the ATM Cave
After crossing the stream and walking a mile along a muddy path, we reached the cave’s entryway. A rock wall ahead parted into an irregular black shape. At the base, a pool of clear water emerged from the darkness before tumbling over big rocks. One by one, we climbed down into the pool and began swimming into the world of the Maya.
On the other side of the pool we found ourselves in a tall passage lit only by our headlamps. Our guide pointed out rock features a we walked single file through the winding cave chambers. High above we saw a few groups of bats clinging to the ceiling.
Soon it was time to climb into the ceremonial chamber. Shoes aren’t allowed in the chamber to help preserve the archaeological site. Our guide pointed out the best foot- and handholds as we progressed up a natural staircase.
The main chamber is like a scene out of a movie. The ceiling arches high overhead, with columns of stalactites cascading down on either side. Among the irregular rocks you start to see bits of Mayan pottery, parts of a civilization long gone.
Next, our guide led us to the far end to show us the Crystal Maiden. It’s an otherworldly sight. There, on the floor of a cave in the Belizean jungle, is a human skeleton transformed into solid rock! They were the victim of a human sacrifice about 1000 years ago. And today, through some unlikely geological forces, they still give us a window into their Mayan world.
How to Visit the ATM Cave
If you want to swim and climb your way through Actun Tunichil Muknal to see the Crystal Maiden for yourself, here’s what you need to know.
Stay in San Ignacio
The ATM Cave is close to the town of San Ignacio in central Belize. You can see ATM Cave as a long day trip from the coast, but I think staying a couple nights in San Ignacio is well worth your time. Overall, San Ignacio is a rustic base of operations with lots of activities like exploring nearby Mayan ruins and floating down the jungle rivers.
To reach San Ignacio, fly into Belize City and take ground transportation. Those interested in a little cultural immersion can take the very cheap “chicken bus” from the bus terminal in Belize City ($5 USD). For a more comfy ride, it’s also possible to arrange a private transfer ($50-$100 USD per person, depending on group size).
Book an ATM Cave Tour
Visits to the cave are tightly regulated by the Belize government. It’s necessary to book with a tour company working with licensed guides (there are only about 60 of them in the country). Guides are limited to taking groups of 6 people at a time. There’s a daily limit of 125 visitors to the ATM Cave, so make sure to book in advance!
Honestly, I’m not 100% sure which tour operator I booked with. There are several companies offering essentially the same hotel pickup and guided tour for around $100-$150 USD. If you want to trust my internet research and book through this affiliate link, this tour from MayaWalk Tours looks perfect.
What to Wear to ATM Cave
As you can tell from my not-very-stylish photo, wearing practical athletic clothing is the thing to do. You’ll be walking through mud/dirt and swimming through a bit of water. Shoes aren’t allowed in the central chamber, but socks are ok. Pick a pair you don’t mind getting dirty and wet. It’s an adventure! After visiting the cave, you’ll probably want a towel and a change of clothes.
Here’s a full list of what to pack:
- Comfortable athletic clothes
- Sneakers/closed-toed shoes
- Socks
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Water
- Snack
- Small daypack
