Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) from San Ignacio: Maya Sacrifice

4.8 (193 reviews) 7 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

193 reviews

4.8

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) from San Ignacio: Maya Sacrifice — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) from San Ignacio: Maya Sacrifice, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience a personalized small group tour of the ATM Cave.
Enjoy a Belizean local lunch after your adventure.
Travel comfortably in air-conditioned transportation.
Trek through the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve with three refreshing river crossings.
Swim into the mysterious cave, once considered a portal to the underworld by the ancient Mayas.
Guided by professional tour specialists, navigate the cave while exploring rock formations and swimming.
Discover the main chamber, a Living Museum featuring over 1,000 intact Maya artifacts and skeletal remains, including the famous Crystal Maiden.
Learn about the historical and spiritual significance of Xibalba, including the rituals conducted by ancient priests and shamans.

Hiking Tours Extreme Sports Climbing Historical Tours Caving On the Water Swimming Best Conversion

At a glance

Duration: 7 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 18 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Belize Family Adventure

Ages: Children (0–10 years) · Youth (11–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local guide
Included: Use of all necessary equipment
Included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee
Included: Local Lunch (Stew Chicken Rice and beans or Vegeterian option)
Included: Juice
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Bottled water: Bring Reusable water bottles

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop-off outside of San Ignacio Town

Itinerary

The adventure begins with a scenic hike through lush jungle, crossing shallow rivers along the way to reach the cave's entrance. Once there, guests wade and swim through the cave's cool underground waters, guided deeper into a breathtaking network of limestone chambers adorned with natural crystal formations. As you venture further inside, your guide leads you through narrow passages and past dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, sharing the fascinating history and significance of the site along the way. The tour's highlight is reaching the cave's inner chambers, where ancient Maya pottery, stone tools, and remarkably preserved skeletal remains rest exactly where they were left over a thousand years ago — offering a rare, untouched glimpse into Maya spiritual practices and the rituals once performed here. After exploring the cave's ceremonial chambers, travelers retrace their route back through the water and jungle trail, emerging with a newfound appreciation for one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the Maya world.

Stop 1
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM)
Belize Family Adventure
Teakettle
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM)

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Unit # 2 inside the Belize Caving Expeditions Office

End point

Unit # 2 inside the Belize Caving Expeditions Office

Pickup points

Maya Mountain Lodge
Don Santiago Guesthouse Downtown
The Log Cab-Inn
San Ignacio Resort Hotel
Bella's Backpackers
The Old House Hostel
Aguada Axis Guesthouse (Drift Inn Cayo)
Cassia Hill Resort Belize
Ka'ana Resort
Midas Belize
Cahal Pech Village Resort
Cocopele Inn

and 2 more pickup points

We provide complimentary pick up for hotels within San Ignacio Town, hotels outside of town, a small surcharge applies contact our Office if you are outside of town

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum height requirement is 40 inches
It is recommended that you wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing (short Pants, Long pants, T-shirt or long Sleeve) that can get wet, a change of clothes.
Hotel pick up and drop off is for hotels within San Ignacio town limits. For hotels outside of San Ignacio, a surcharge applies.
Pair of socks is required as portions of the cave shoes are removed.
Bring reusable Water bottle
National Park provides a waiver to be complete and sign before entering the National Park
Cameras, phones, and bags are strictly prohibited inside the cave to protect the site's integrity
No cameras allowed

Options

ATM Cave Early Tour with lunch

Earlier Departure: Departing earlier to the cave you can encounter fewer people

Shared Tour

Duration: 7 hours

Lunch: Water, Juice, Chips with Salsa, Stew chicken with Rice and beans

Air Condition Vans

Pickup included
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave with Local Lunch from San Ignacio

Pickup included