Where To Find Atms In Belize

Belize is home to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a world-class adventure tour that offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient world of the Maya. Located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, the ATM Cave is a 45-minute drive from the nearest population centres of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. The cave is notable for its Maya archaeological artefacts, including skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware, with the most famous being the Crystal Maiden, believed to be a sacrificial victim with a sparkling, crystallised skeleton. The cave is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, large freshwater crabs, crayfish, catfish, and tropical fish. Visitors can expect a challenging journey, including hiking, river crossings, cave swimming, and climbing, but the opportunity to explore the ancient rituals and sacrifices of the Maya makes it a unique and unforgettable experience.

The ATM Cave is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve

The ATM Cave, or Actun Tunichil Muknal, is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in Belize. The cave is about a 45-minute drive from the nearest population centres of San Ignacio-Santa Elena, or the City of Belmopan, both in the Cayo District. From the parking lot, it is about a 40-minute hike to the cave entrance. The ATM Cave is a popular tourist destination, known for its archaeological significance and adventure tour offerings.

The cave is located within a tropical jungle environment and is considered a sacred site by the Maya people. The main cave system is almost 3 miles (5 km) long and consists of a long river passage, ending at an upstream sump. The cave can be exited through a tight squeeze that ends in a giant sinkhole collapse in the jungle. The upper passage of the cave, located about 1/3 of the way in from the lower entrance, houses 14 skeletal remains and numerous examples of ancient Maya pottery.

The ATM Cave is recognised as a significant Maya archaeological site, containing a variety of artefacts, including skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware. The cave is estimated to have been first entered by the Maya people between AD 300 and 600, with ceremonial use of the site beginning in the late AD 700-900 period. The site includes well-preserved human skeletons, with the most famous being "The Crystal Maiden," believed to be the skeleton of a young sacrificial victim, featuring a sparkling, crystallised appearance due to calcification.

The cave is also known for its geological features, including stalactites, and the presence of various types of wildlife, such as bats, large freshwater crabs, crayfish, catfish, and other tropical fish. The ATM Cave tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore this ancient Maya site and learn about its history and rituals, making it a highly recommended attraction in Belize.

The cave is home to ancient Maya sacrificial artefacts, including The Crystal Maiden

Belize is home to a wide range of ancient Maya archaeological sites, including the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, which contains sacrificial artefacts and human remains. The cave is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, near San Ignacio, and can be reached via an hour's ride and then an hour's walk from San Ignacio.

The cave is known as the "Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre" in English and Xibalba in Mayan, meaning "the place of fear". It was once believed to be an entrance to the Mayan underworld, ruled by 12 death gods or demons.

The ATM cave contains the remains of at least 14 people, ranging in age from infants to adults, who were sacrificed to the Mayan gods over a thousand years ago. The remains show signs of blunt trauma to the head, and some skeletons, such as that of a 15-year-old who appears to have been bound, indicate particularly violent deaths.

The most famous of these ancient Maya is "The Crystal Maiden", the skeleton of a 17-year-old, initially believed to be female due to its small size and slight frame, but later identified as male. The bones have been completely calcified, giving them a sparkling appearance, hence the name. The Crystal Maiden is positioned in the back of the cave, after a challenging hike through the labyrinth of dry chambers and a climb to the stone sepulchre.

The cave also contains ceramics marked with "kill holes", indicating their use for ceremonial purposes, as well as cave formations carved by the Maya, such as silhouettes of faces and animals. Due to the challenging access and preservation process, many of the relics have remained untouched for centuries.

The ATM cave is one of the few protected places in Belize, with only a few authorised guides allowed to lead small groups of tourists. Visitors are required to remove their shoes and wear socks to minimise the impact of foot traffic on the artefacts. No photography or personal items, including backpacks and food, are allowed inside the cave to protect the artefacts.

The cave is about a 45-minute drive from San Ignacio or Belmopan

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, also known as the Cave of the Stone Sepulchre, is located around 45 minutes away from San Ignacio and Belmopan. The cave is situated in the Mountain Tapir Reserve, which is a tropical jungle. The drive to the parking lot of the ATM site takes around 45 minutes, and from there, it is a 40-minute hike to the cave entrance.

The ATM Cave is a popular adventure tour site, where visitors can witness ancient Mayan sacrificial sites with skulls, pots, and altars. The cave is ranked as one of the Top Ten Caves Of The World by the National Geographic Society. The site is government-administered, and only experienced and licensed guides are allowed to take visitors inside.

The cave is filled with well-preserved human skeletons and handmade artefacts, including the famous "Crystal Maiden", a skeleton believed to be that of a young sacrificial victim. The cave also features stalactites, which are a type of speleothem found only in limestone caves.

The tour typically starts at 7:30 am and ends at 3:00 pm. It is recommended to dress for hiking, with loose-fitting clothes, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and insect repellent. The cave can be physically demanding, so it is important to drink plenty of water and stretch before the tour.

It takes about 40-45 minutes to hike to the cave entrance from the parking lot

If you're planning a trip to Belize, it's good to know that the country's currency is the Belize dollar (BZ$), which is usually worth around half a US dollar. While US dollars are widely accepted, you'll get Belize dollars from the ATMs, which are available in most major towns.

ATMs in Belize will accept Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus cards, and you can withdraw up to BZ$500 per day, although some have a higher limit of BZ$1,500. Banks that are part of the Global ATM Alliance, such as Bank of America and Barclays, won't charge a fee for cash withdrawals.

Now, for that hike to the cave entrance! It's a 40-45 minute journey from the parking lot, so you'll want to be prepared. The trail to the cave is paved and accessible, but it's a steady uphill climb, so take your time and bring some water. The path winds through a beautiful forest, and you'll definitely want to take in the views, but keep an eye out for the cave entrance on your right.

As you hike, you'll notice the temperature dropping—the cave stays at a constant 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5.6 degrees Celsius). Once you reach the entrance, you'll see a signed junction for the upper and lower caves. The lower cave route is relatively easy and family-friendly, with a flat, mudflow-covered floor. It's a popular choice, as it features a unique geologic anomaly known as the Meatball.

If you're feeling adventurous, the upper cave route offers a more challenging experience. This route involves climbing over and around large rock piles, so watch your step! About 0.8 miles in, you'll encounter an eight-foot lava fall that can be tricky to navigate. A little further along, you'll come across a hole in the ceiling called the Skylight, which lets in natural light. But don't try to climb out—this isn't an exit. Keep going, and you'll reach the upper entrance and your exit via a metal ladder.

Remember to bring a few things with you on this hike: a warm layer, sturdy shoes, and two sources of light per person (a cell phone light won't do). Also, be sure to make a reservation if you plan to visit between May and October, as it's the only way to access the cave during those months.

The cave is known for its crystalline stalactites and stalagmites

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave in Belize is known for its impressive collection of crystalline stalactites and stalagmites, in addition to its archaeological significance. Located in the heart of the Belizean Rainforest, the cave offers a unique glimpse into the rituals and practices of the Ancient Maya, who used the site for sacred ceremonies and human sacrifices.

Stalactites and stalagmites are icicle-shaped mineral formations that often occur in caves. Stalactites hang from the ceiling of a cave, while stalagmites grow upwards from the cave floor. These formations are created by the slow dripping of water, which dissolves minerals from the surrounding rock and re-deposits them in the cave. Over time, these deposits build up, creating the distinctive shapes of stalactites and stalagmites.

The ATM Cave is renowned for its well-preserved crystalline structures, which have been left untouched for centuries. The cave's environment, with its unique climate and continuous water percolation, has contributed to the growth and preservation of these formations. The result is a spectacular display of nature's artistry, with glittering stalactites hanging from the ceilings and stalagmites rising from the floors, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

The journey to the ATM Cave adds to the allure of this natural wonder. Visitors embark on a 45-minute hike through the lush rainforest, crossing the Roaring River three times, before reaching the cave entrance. Once inside, they are greeted by a maze of chambers, each with its own unique features and artefacts. The main chamber houses the remains of sacrificial victims, including the famous "Crystal Maiden," whose skeleton has calcified over time, giving it a sparkling, crystallised appearance.

The ATM Cave is more than just a natural wonder; it is a living museum that preserves the history and rituals of the Ancient Maya. The cave's remote location and challenging journey ensure that only the most dedicated adventurers get to witness its beauty, making it a truly exclusive and memorable experience.

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