ATM Cave Tour: Discover Ancient Mayan Civilization and Crystal Maiden
5.0
6 Ratings
San Ignacio
Embark on an extraordinary journey to the ATM Cave and uncover the secrets of the ancient Mayan civilization. Explore sacred burials and encounter the mesmerizing Crystal Maiden, a symbol of sacrificial ritual and agricultural fertility.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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.
What's Included
  • Lunch included
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • Safety gear provided (helmet, headlight, life vest - optional)
Additional Information

Join our expert guides on a journey back in time and discover the awe-inspiring subterranean world that is the ATM Cave. Embark on an unparalleled enlightening experience. As you step into the cave shaped like an hourglass, you will be greeted by pristine blue waters of the flowing stream that runs within the cave.
On this explorative journey, you will spot ancient tools, pottery fragments, and gain insights into the Mayan Civilization’s history. Delve deeper into the cave to encounter sacred burial sites and the Crystal Maiden - female remains full and untouched, encrusted with dazzling mineral deposits, signifying a ritual sacrifice for agricultural productivity.

  • 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.
Location
29 Burns Avenue
Burns Avenue
Our office is on the first flow of Venus Hotel in San Ignacio Town.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(6 Ratings)
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1 star
H2919pwchrisr
Jan 29, 2024
A must see - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelle
Jul 23, 2023
Spectacular Experience- Must Do! - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kayanto
Jun 11, 2023
ATM cave experience - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sally_e
Feb 11, 2023
Very cool adventure... - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Tim_g
Jul 27, 2022
ATM cave tour is a must see! - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Marynag312
Feb 28, 2020
Simply Amazing - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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