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Nelson Maya Adventures

Alluring Mayan Site Tours and Outstanding Transfers Service for the Insightful Traveler.

"Explore More, Worry Less!"

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, Lunch, Gears, and (full day tour).

What to bring

Bug spray, Hat and Sunglasses.

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!

  • star rating  My husband Joe & I had a great tour with Josh as our guide. He took us to the Community Baboon Santuary to see the Black Howler Monkeys, the Belize... read more

    avatar thumb Tara S
    February 2, 2023
  • star rating  While visiting Caye Caulker with friends we decided to visit the Xunantunich ruins. Booking was seamless and our guide Auner met us at the water taxi. ... read more

    McGregor4
    October 25, 2022
  • star rating  We did a day trip from Belize City to Xunantunich with Auner as our guide and it was amazing experience with such a knowledgeable guide who provided so much information.

    44isballn
    October 25, 2022
  • star rating  We decided to arrange a private tour for a family of four to Tikal with Nelson Maya Adventures after reading a couple of reviews here and on a couple of... read more

    ViajeroIndiana
    August 8, 2022
  • star rating  We decided to arrange a private tour for a family of four to Tikal with Nelson Maya Adventures after reading a couple of reviews here and on a couple of... read more

    ViajeroIndiana
    August 4, 2022
5/5

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