Atm Belize: Know Before You Go

The ATM Cave in Belize is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's not for the faint-hearted, but if you can brave the adventure, it promises to be one of the coolest things you'll ever do. Here's what you need to know before you go.

First, a little background. The ATM Cave, or Actun Tunichil Muknal, is a sacred Mayan archaeological site located deep in the Belizean jungle. To get there, you'll have to hike through the jungle, swim through cold waters, and squeeze through tight spaces in pitch-black darkness – all with just a headlamp to guide you. But don't worry, it's not as hard as it sounds. While a moderate level of fitness is required, you don't have to be a super athlete to take on this challenge.

1. Wear the right gear: You'll need comfortable clothing that can get wet, good water shoes or water-resistant shoes, quick-drying socks, and a change of clothes for afterwards. Bug spray and sunscreen are not allowed inside the cave as they can damage the fragile ecosystem, so opt for lightweight, protective clothing instead.

2. Cameras are strictly prohibited: Due to an unfortunate incident where a tourist dropped their camera on a skull, causing significant damage, cameras are now banned from all ATM Cave tours. So, leave your camera behind and live in the moment instead.

3. It's more challenging than it sounds: Be prepared for a 45-minute hike through the jungle, including several river crossings. Once inside the cave, you'll encounter narrow passages, climb over rocks, and possibly even slide down natural waterslides. It's not an easy walk in the park, but the thrill of exploration makes it worth it.

4. Book in advance: Access to the ATM Cave is limited to small groups, and tours fill up fast. Book your tour as soon as you know you want to go, and consider choosing a company with flexible cancellation policies in case your plans change.

5. Eat a big breakfast: The tour is physically demanding and can last up to 8-9 hours, so make sure you fuel up beforehand. You won't eat lunch until after the tour, so bring some snacks to keep your energy levels up.

6. Swimming is minimal: Don't worry if you're not a strong swimmer. There is very little swimming involved, and life jackets are provided if needed. However, you should be comfortable with water and enclosed spaces, as you'll be wading and swimming through dark, confined areas.

7. Know the restrictions: This tour is not suitable for young children. Participants should be able to swim or hold a rope comfortably, walk for extended periods, and not be afraid of the dark or claustrophobic spaces. Use your discretion when deciding if it's right for your child.

8. Weather dependencies: The safety of this tour is dependent on water levels and weather conditions. In extreme conditions, like hurricanes or tropical storms, the tour may be cancelled for safety reasons. So, it's a good idea to book your tour for earlier in your trip to allow for rescheduling if needed.

9. Respect the rules: This sacred site has strict limits on tourism to preserve its fragile ecosystem and artefacts. Follow your guide's instructions, and leave nothing behind but your footprints.

What to Wear: Clothes that cover your body, water-resistant shoes, quick-drying socks, a bathing suit, and a change of clothes

When preparing for the ATM tour in Belize, it is important to wear clothes that cover your body. The tour involves a lot of physical activity, including hiking, swimming, climbing, and spelunking, so you will want to wear something comfortable that can get wet.

For footwear, it is recommended to wear water-resistant shoes with good traction. Some people suggest water shoes, while others recommend shoes with more protection, such as hiking boots or Keen sandals. It is important to note that your shoes will get wet and may take a while to dry, so bringing an extra pair of shoes to change into after the tour is a good idea.

You will also want to bring a pair of quick-drying socks. During the tour, there will be portions of the cave where you will need to take off your shoes and continue through the cave in just your socks to preserve the ancient cave's fragile environment.

As you will be swimming during the tour, it is recommended to wear a bathing suit under your clothes. You will also want to bring a change of clothes to change into after the tour.

Swimming Ability: You don't need to be a strong swimmer, but you will need to be able to swim a little

The ATM Cave tour in Belize is an incredible experience, but it does require some physical ability, including a little swimming. While you don't need to be a strong swimmer, you should feel comfortable in the water, as there are several river crossings and sections of swimming inside the cave. Here's everything you need to know about the swimming requirements for the ATM Cave tour.

River Crossings

On your way to and from the cave, you will need to cross the river three times. The depth of these crossings can vary depending on the time of year and recent rainfall. Sometimes, you may be able to wade across, but other times, you will need to swim, holding onto a rope for support. The water is typically warm, clear, and calm, and your tour guide will ensure that everyone crosses safely.

Swimming Inside the Cave

At the entrance to the cave, you will need to swim into the cave, which can be quite deep. Again, you can hold onto a rope if needed, and your guide will be there to assist. Inside the cave, the water levels vary, but you will often be ankle to neck-deep in water. There are a few narrow passages where you may need to duck underwater or swim a short distance. Life jackets are usually available if you need one, and your guide will ask about your swimming ability before the tour.

What to Wear

For the swimming sections, you will need to wear clothing that you don't mind getting wet. Most people wear a bathing suit under their clothes, and quick-dry materials are recommended. Water shoes with good grip are essential, and Keen sandals or similar shoes with grip, toe protection, and that can get wet are ideal. You may also want to bring an extra pair of socks, as there are sections inside the cave where you will need to remove your shoes and walk in your socks to protect the fragile environment.

Other Considerations

While the swimming sections are an important part of the tour, they are just one aspect of the overall experience. The hike to the cave, the exploration of the cave, and the climb to see the ancient artifacts all require physical ability and a sense of adventure. If you are concerned about your swimming ability, you can practice in a pool or shallow area before the tour to build your confidence. Additionally, you can request a life jacket, and your guide will be there to support and assist you throughout the tour.

Fitness Level: It's not overly challenging, but you will need to be able to climb and manoeuvre your body through small spaces

The ATM Cave tour is a physically demanding activity that requires a moderate level of fitness and agility. While it is not overly challenging, participants should be prepared for various physical activities such as hiking, climbing, swimming, and wading through water. Here are some key considerations:

• The tour involves a 45-minute hike through the jungle to reach the cave, including three river crossings that can range from ankle-deep to neck-deep, depending on the water level.
• At the cave entrance, you will need to swim across a small pool to enter the cave, and there will be further swimming and wading through water inside the cave.
• There are multiple sections inside the cave where you will need to climb over rocks and pull yourself up using hand and footholds. This includes climbing a metal ladder while wearing socks.
• The cave has tight spaces and narrow passages where you will need to manoeuvre your body and bend down to get through. These sections are brief, but participants should be comfortable with confined spaces.
• Overall, the tour is rated as "difficult" or "intermediate" by different companies, indicating that it involves demanding physical activity and manoeuvring through uneven and slippery terrain.
• It is not recommended for individuals with heart complaints, serious medical conditions, recent surgeries, pregnancy, or walking disabilities.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it is essential to wear appropriate footwear with good traction, such as sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots. Additionally, wearing lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing is recommended.

Photography: Cameras are banned inside the cave, so you'll have to rely on your memory

If you're planning on doing the ATM Cave tour in Belize, you should know that cameras are banned inside the cave. This is because the cave contains ancient Mayan artefacts, including the remains of human sacrifices, and a tourist once dropped their camera on a skull, damaging it. As a result, no cameras are allowed on Actun Tunichil Muknal cave tours.

While you might be disappointed that you can't take photos inside the cave, there are several reasons why this is a good thing. Firstly, it means you can live in the moment and focus on the experience rather than trying to capture the perfect photo. Secondly, the cave is dark, so any photos you took probably wouldn't come out very well anyway!

If you're worried about not having any photos of your trip, don't be. You can take your camera on the hike to the cave, and some tour companies will provide photos for you to use.

• Put your full attention on the experience. Notice the beauty of the cave and its formations, the ancient artefacts, and the stories behind them.
• Engage with your tour guide. They are highly trained and knowledgeable, so ask them questions and listen to what they have to say.
• Take mental photos. Focus on specific details that you can remember later, such as the colours, textures, and shapes of the things you see.
• Write down your memories. As soon as possible after the tour, write down everything you can remember about the experience. Include small details, such as how you felt, what you thought, and what you found interesting. This will help you remember the experience for a long time to come.
• Discuss the experience with others. Talking about the tour with your fellow travellers will help you remember it in more detail. You can share your thoughts and feelings about what you saw and experienced.
• Meditate on the experience. Spend some time sitting quietly and thinking about the tour. Try to recall as many details as you can, and really savour the memory.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create a vivid memory of the ATM Cave tour that will stay with you for a long time.

Getting There: It's a bumpy ride from San Ignacio, so prepare yourself if you're prone to travel sickness

Getting to the ATM Cave in Belize involves a one-hour drive from San Ignacio, which can be bumpy and uncomfortable. If you're prone to travel sickness, it's advisable to prepare accordingly. The drive takes you to the parking lot of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in the Cayo District, where the cave is located. From there, it's a 30-minute to 45-minute hike through the jungle to the cave's entrance, including several river crossings.

The journey to the ATM Cave is an adventure in itself, and it's important to be aware of the potential challenges and discomforts involved in getting there. The bumpy ride from San Ignacio can be managed with proper preparation if you're prone to travel sickness. Once you arrive at the nature reserve, the hike to the cave adds to the sense of exploration and discovery.

The entire experience, from the drive to the hike and eventually entering the cave, builds anticipation for the unique and sacred Mayan site that awaits. It's important to be physically prepared for the journey, and mentally ready for an intense and exhilarating experience.

Frequently asked questions