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Belize Cave Adventure Tour

With our team of expert travel agents and tour operators, we ensure your experience is truly unforgettable.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

Price

Price varies by location - Can be done during a transfer.

Difficulty / Requirement

Moderate - Walking and Climbing

What's included

Guide, Entrance Fee, Round Trip Transportation, Water, and Gears. (Full day tour).

What to bring

Towel, Swimsuit, Extra Dry Clothes, Bug Spray, Personal Water Shoes (or rent onsite for $3 USD), and a Phone Pouch if you plan to take your phone into the Cave.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

Hidden deep in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is one of Belize’s most breathtaking and sacred archaeological sites. This incredible limestone cave system is not just a natural wonder but also a portal into the Maya underworld, known as Xibalba. Used by the ancient Maya for rituals and ceremonies, the cave contains ceremonial artifacts, pottery, and even skeletal remains, including the famous Crystal Maiden, a calcified skeleton that sparkles under the cave’s light.

Things to Do in ATM Cave

Embark on an Adventurous Cave Exploration: Visitors must hike through the jungle, wade through rivers, and swim into the cave entrance, making this tour both thrilling and immersive.

See the Crystal Maiden: One of the most famous discoveries inside the cave is the Crystal Maiden, a complete skeleton of a young Maya sacrifice victim, preserved for over 1,000 years.

Marvel at Ancient Maya Artifacts: The cave is filled with ceremonial pottery, stone tools, and altars, giving insight into Maya religious practices.

Experience Stunning Cave Formations: Stalactites, stalagmites, and towering caverns make the cave a natural wonder in addition to its historical significance.

The Journey to ATM Cave

Located about 1.5 hours from Belize City and 45 minutes from San Ignacio, getting to ATM Cave requires a 45-minute jungle hike followed by swimming and climbing inside the cave. Due to its fragile artifacts and sacred history, visitors can only explore ATM with licensed tour guides, ensuring its preservation.

History and Significance

ATM Cave was used by the Maya between 300–900 AD for sacrificial rituals and ceremonies dedicated to their gods. The cave was believed to be a gateway to Xibalba, the Maya underworld, where spirits resided. Over 14 skeletons, including children and adults, have been found deep within the cave, suggesting it was a place of highly sacred and possibly desperate rituals during times of crisis.

Nearby Attractions

Rio Frio Cave – A massive cave with a wide opening, making it one of the most accessible and picturesque caves in Belize.

Location to your destination

Testimonials

Good Service, Happy Clients!

Nelson Maya Adventures ( shuttles and tours)

4.8

Based on 58 reviews

review us on

MoeNight 21

2 months ago

I had a great experience with them. Highly recommended

Hossein Siadat

3 months ago

We got shuttle service from Belize airport to Guatemala and back to Belize airport. Extremely happy with the service, all of the drivers were friendly and kind. The service was exceptional. Jasmin was the coordinator and she was awsome and helpful.
If you get the service with them you will love it.

Shawnya Arthur

12 months ago

The best tour ever. From all the assistance Yasmin provided at booking to the actual activities top tier. We enjoyed the Mayan Ruins, ATV & Cave tubing. Our guide was a wealth of information regarding the Mayan Culture and Belizean culture. Warm, friendly and professional company.

Grant Welsh

12 months ago

We arranged multiple pickups and drop offs as well as a trip into Mexico to see Chichen Itza during a weeklong visit to Belize. The drivers were very good, on time and helpful. When in Belize there was constant communication and updates regarding our times etc. and our goals were met and our trip was great. Thanks to everyone at Nelson Maya Adventures for a great vacation.

PMA Wave

1 year ago

Private Transfer from Belize City (Water Taxi Terminal) to Belmopan

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Our private transfer from Belize City to Belmopan was absolutely smooth and comfortable. Upon arrival at the Water Taxi Terminal, we were warmly greeted.

The vehicle was clean, air-conditioned and very comfortable—an excellent relief after the boat ride. Our driver was not only punctual but also extremely friendly and knowledgeable. He shared interesting insights about Belize, its culture.

The ride itself was relaxed and safe. The driver maintained a smooth pace and drove very professionally, making us feel secure at all times.

Overall, this was the perfect choice for anyone looking for a hassle-free and comfortable transfer from Belize City to Belmopan. I highly recommend this service and would use it again without hesitation!

Jeriva Traylor

2 years ago

We went on the Lamanai tour and had an amazing experience! Our driver, Anthony, met us at the ferry and took us to the boat landing. There we boarded our boat and took the river to Lamanai. Our boat captain and tour guide, Brenda, was incredible. Her knowledge about the river, her community, and the Lamanai ruins made our tour so enjoyable. She was able to answer questions and provide us with a deeply enriching experience. After a delicious lunch (stewed chicken, rice and beans, coleslaw, and chips and pico de gallo) and some time at the museum and gift shops, we headed back to the boat landing where our driver awaited to take us back the the ferry. All in all, excellent day!

Ryan Wright

3 years ago

By far one of the best tour companies in Belize , we opted to book with them not only the AMT caving tour but also the shuttles from bc to San ignassio then San ignassio to Hopkins and then back to BC. We tried other shuttles but came up short either over charging or had sub par vehicle. Nelson maya had safe vehicals and Chris our driver drove very safe.

The staff where always amazing and Jasmine who booked everything was always checking in the night before to let us know we where booked the next day

The ATM cave tour is a must do if you come to Belize and are a adventurous person. I work as a firefighter professionally and on the tour I saw the tour guide was very experienced. He knew how to manage people even when they where either scared or nervous about some of the situations in the cave.

Highly recommend

Belize Cave Adventure Tour