The Atm Cave: An Adventure Into The Heart Of Belize's Jungle

Belize's ATM Cave, or Actun Tunichil Muknal, is not for the faint of heart. The tour is a full-day excursion, with around 4 hours spent inside the cave. The experience is physically demanding, involving hiking, climbing, swimming, and wading through water. The journey to the cave is an adventure in itself, with a 45-minute hike through the jungle and three river crossings.

Upon reaching the cave, visitors must swim into the pitch-black interior, where they will encounter ancient artifacts, skeletal remains, and stunning geological formations. The cave is massive, with some tight squeezes and small spaces, but overall, it is not overly confining for those with mild claustrophobia.

The tour is not for the faint of heart, but with the right preparation and a sense of adventure, it promises an unforgettable journey into the ancient Mayan underworld.

Swimming and climbing

The ATM Cave tour is not for the faint-hearted. It involves a lot of physical activity, including hiking, climbing, and swimming. Before embarking on this adventure, it is important to anticipate the challenges ahead and prepare accordingly.

Swimming

Swimming is an essential part of the ATM Cave tour. Even before reaching the cave, you will need to cross three rivers. The depth of these river crossings can vary, ranging from ankle-deep to neck-deep. Ropes are usually provided to assist in crossing. Upon reaching the cave entrance, you will need to swim into the cave, with water levels inside varying from dry ground to deep water that you cannot stand in. There are also a couple of other sections inside the cave where you will need to swim.

Life jackets are provided for those who need them, and it is recommended that you inform your tour operator in advance if you require one. Swimming skills are not mandatory, but they will make the experience more enjoyable.

Climbing

The ATM Cave tour also involves a significant amount of climbing. You will need to climb over rocks, using your hands and feet to pull yourself up. At times, you may need to raise your feet to hip height. There is also a metal ladder that you will climb while wearing only socks. This ladder leads to the "Cathedral," a dry chamber where you can observe Mayan artifacts and skeletal remains.

The tour is not suitable for those with physical disabilities or those using a wheelchair due to the uneven surfaces and obstacles along the way. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with serious medical conditions or recent major surgeries.

What to Wear

When preparing for the ATM Cave tour, it is crucial to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Here are some recommendations:

• Wear quick-drying, long-sleeved shirts to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
• Opt for athletic shorts or flexible shorts that allow a wide range of movement.
• Choose closed-toe shoes with a good grip, such as water shoes or trainers. These will protect your toes and provide traction when climbing ledges or metal ladders.
• Bring socks, which are mandatory for preservation reasons when exploring certain areas of the cave.
• Bring an extra set of dry clothing and sandals or flip-flops to change into after the tour.

Hiking to the cave

The ATM Cave, or Actun Tunichil Muknal, is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in Western Belize, about an hour and a half's drive from San Ignacio. The name means "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher" in ancient Mayan, and it was once a sacred site used by the Mayans as a sacrificial chamber.

The hike to the cave from the parking area takes around 45 minutes each way. The path is mostly flat but can be muddy, with loose rocks, roots, branches, and insects along the way. You'll need to be able to walk for an hour at a decent pace and should be prepared to get dirty. It's recommended that you wear waterproof sunscreen and bug spray, and clothing that you don't mind getting wet and dirty. Water shoes with good grip are ideal, and you may want to bring an extra pair of dry clothes for after.

Along the way to the cave, you'll cross the Roaring River three times. The depth of the water depends on the time of year and recent rainfall, but you may need to swim or pull yourself along a rope to get across. The cave entrance also features deep water, and swimming is the only way to enter the cave. Life jackets are available for those who need them.

What to Expect in the Cave

Once inside the cave, you can expect to encounter various challenges, including tight spaces, climbing over rocks, and possibly some swimming, depending on your height. There are also artefacts and human remains to see, including the famous Crystal Maiden. The cave is pitch black, so you'll be provided with a helmet and headlamp.

The entire ATM cave tour, including the hike and time spent in the cave, takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.

What to wear

The ATM Cave tour is a full-day excursion, so you'll want to wear something comfortable. The tour includes a 45-minute hike through the jungle to the cave, with three river crossings of varying water levels, so you will get wet. Here are some recommendations for what to wear:

• Water shoes with good grip are ideal. Avoid sandals or flip-flops, as they don't provide enough grip and won't protect your toes. Closed-toe shoes are recommended to protect your feet from rocks and stubbed toes.
• Wear clothing that you don't mind getting wet and dirty. Quick-dry clothing is a good option.
• Shorts that are loose or very flexible are recommended. Avoid wearing jeans or tight shorts.
• For a top, a t-shirt or tank top is suitable. Long sleeves can provide protection from bugs.
• Bring a pair of socks, as these are required when walking around the pottery and skeletons inside the cave.
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended for sun protection during the hike.
• Bug spray is also suggested.
• You may want to bring a change of clothes for after the tour.

The cave's history

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, or the "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher", is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in Belize, near San Ignacio, Cayo District. The cave was used by the Ancient Maya as a sacrificial chamber to ask the gods for favours.

The earliest use of the cave has been dated to the Classic Maya Period, between 250 and 909 AD. The Mayans modified cave formations to create altars for offerings, and to create silhouettes of faces and animals. The ceramics found in the cave are marked with "kill holes", indicating their use for ceremonial purposes.

The cave was first entered by the Mayans between 300 and 600 AD, and they began to perform ceremonies and rituals in the cave from 700 to 900 AD. The cave was officially opened to the public in 1998.

The ATM cave is home to a variety of skeletal remains, the most famous being "The Crystal Maiden", believed to be a 17-year-old sacrifice victim whose bones have crystallised over time. Other skeletal remains and artefacts, including ceramics and stone tools, have been found completely calcified to the cave floor.

Due to the unique appearance of the remains and artefacts, and the extensive decoration of the cave, the ATM cave has been ranked as one of the Top Ten Caves Of The World by the National Geographic Society.

What to bring

The ATM Cave in Belize is an ancient Mayan archaeological site containing skeletal remains, pottery, and other artefacts. It is a challenging but exhilarating experience that requires some preparation. Here is a list of things to bring to make the most of your adventure:

• Water shoes with good grip: The path inside the cave has rocks, and it is easy to stub your toes, so closed-toe shoes are a must. Avoid sandals or flip-flops, as they do not provide enough grip or protection.
• Quick-dry clothing: You will get wet during the tour, so wear clothing that dries quickly and that you don't mind getting dirty or throwing away. Consider clothing that is loose or very flexible, as you will be doing a lot of climbing.
• Long sleeves: Long sleeves can help protect against bugs and mosquitoes. If you are particularly concerned about insects, you may also want to bring bug spray.
• Socks: Socks are required when walking around the pottery and skeletons to protect the sensitive limestone floor.
• Swimwear: You will be swimming and wading through water, so wear swimwear under your clothes or quick-dry clothing.
• A dry bag: You can bring a small dry bag to store essential items like your phone and wallet. However, cameras are strictly prohibited after an incident where a tourist dropped their camera and damaged a skull.
• Sunscreen: The pathway to the cave is not fully shaded, so waterproof sunscreen is recommended, especially if you are visiting on a sunny day.
• Water bottle: Stay hydrated during the tour by bringing a reusable water bottle.
• A change of clothes: You will likely be wet and dirty after the tour, so bring a full change of clothes to change into afterward.
• A sense of adventure: Finally, bring your sense of adventure and an open mind! The ATM Cave tour is more than just a trek; it is a journey back in time and an exploration of the unknown. Embrace the experience and enjoy the challenge.

Frequently asked questions