Ruqayyah Snyder
The ATM Cave in Belize is an archaeological site located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve of Western Belize. The cave is known for its skeletal remains of Maya human sacrifices, pottery, and other ancient artefacts. The cave is also known as the Cave of the Stone Sepulcher or the Cave of the Stone Altar.
To visit the cave, you will need to wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet, as there are several water crossings and a short swim involved. Quick-dry fabrics are recommended. It is also important to wear protective footwear, such as closed-toe shoes or water shoes, to protect your feet from rocks. Socks are mandatory inside the cave to protect the delicate ecosystem. It is also recommended to bring a change of clothes, as you will likely get wet during the tour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level | Moderate to Hard |
| Minimum Height | 40 Inches |
| Clothing | Light hiking shoes or other protective footwear, socks, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes |
| Other essentials | Sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle |
What You'll Learn
Water shoes or sandals with toe protection
Keen Newport H2s are an excellent option, as they are designed for both water and land activities, providing the necessary toe protection and traction for hiking and climbing. They are also comfortable and allow water to drain out, ensuring your feet stay dry. Other recommended options include water shoes by New Balance and Speedo, which are suitable for both land and water activities.
It is important to note that regular tennis shoes are not ideal for the ATM Cave tour, as they do not drain water effectively and may become uncomfortable when wet. Additionally, sandals and flip-flops do not provide adequate toe protection and traction, increasing the risk of stubbing your toes or slipping on rocky surfaces.
Some tour operators may provide shoes, but these may be limited in quantity and may not be as comfortable as bringing your own. It is always a good idea to check with your tour operator in advance to confirm what equipment they will provide.
In addition to water shoes or sandals, it is recommended to wear moisture-wicking clothing, such as a tank top, short-sleeve shirt, or long-sleeve rash guard. A swimsuit is also necessary, as you will be swimming and wading through water during the tour. Finally, don't forget to bring a pair of socks, as these are required to be worn inside the cave to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Belize's Forest Cover
You may want to see also
Quick-dry fabric shirts and long pants
Benefits of Quick-Dry Clothing
Quick-dry clothing offers two main benefits for your trip to the ATM Cave. Firstly, these fabrics are moisture-wicking, which means they will keep you dry by moving sweat away from your skin. This is especially important in the humid and tropical climate of Belize. Secondly, quick-dry clothes can be hand-washed and dried overnight, so you can pack lighter and re-wear them during your trip.
Choosing the Right Fabric
The best fabrics for quick-dry clothing are polyester, nylon, and merino wool.
- Polyester is a widely used synthetic fabric that is extremely hydrophobic, meaning it repels water rather than absorbing it. It is also durable and affordable, making it a great option for travel pants and shirts.
- Nylon is similar to polyester in that it is hydrophobic and durable. It also offers a bit more stretch, making it a comfortable option for travel pants.
- Merino wool is a natural fabric that is cozy, warm, lightweight, and odor-resistant. While it absorbs more moisture than polyester or nylon, the fibers are thin, so the outside of the fabric stays warm and dry. Merino wool is often blended with synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon to create quick-dry clothing that offers the best of both worlds.
Quick-Dry Clothing Recommendations
When choosing quick-dry shirts and long pants for your ATM Cave tour, look for items made from the fabrics mentioned above. Here are some specific recommendations:
- For shirts, consider a moisture-wicking, quick-dry athletic t-shirt. You can find these in short-sleeve and long-sleeve options, which is great depending on your preference and the time of year.
- For long pants, look for travel pants made from nylon, polyester, or blends of these fabrics. These pants are often marketed as "quick-dry" or "water-resistant" and are designed for outdoor activities like hiking. They usually have features like elastic waistbands, multiple pockets, and belt loops.
Additional Considerations
- Avoid cotton clothing, as it absorbs moisture and dries slowly.
- Bring a pair of socks to wear inside the cave, as shoes are not allowed to protect the delicate ecosystem.
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and navigating uneven terrain.
- Don't forget to pack a change of clothes, as you will likely get wet during the tour.
- Other recommended items include sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof bag or dry bag to protect your belongings.
With the right quick-dry clothing and gear, you'll be prepared to explore the ATM Cave in comfort and style!
Belize Weather in October: Sunny and Warm
You may want to see also
A dry change of clothes
The tour includes a 45-minute hike through the jungle to reach the cave, which includes three river crossings of varying water levels. The highest river crossing can be neck-deep, and even during a drought, it can be waist-deep. You will also be required to swim into the cave, and water levels inside vary from totally dry to too deep to stand. The tour lasts around three to four hours, and you will be active the entire time, so you will want to change into something dry and comfortable for the journey back.
The dry change of clothes you bring should include a pair of socks, as shoes are not allowed in the cave to protect the delicate ecosystem. You will be required to wear socks inside the cave, so having a dry pair to change into after your exploration will keep your feet comfortable on the journey back.
It is also recommended to bring a pair of old tennis shoes that you don't mind getting wet or leaving behind. Your shoes will get wet during the hike to the cave, and they are unlikely to dry before you leave Belize. If you don't want to bring an extra pair of shoes, water shoes are a good option, as they are designed to get wet and dry quickly. You can also rent water shoes at the park.
Belize's Island Getaways
You may want to see also
A plastic bag for muddy clothes
Once you reach the cave, the only way to enter is by swimming, and there are multiple sections inside where you will need to swim, climb over rocks, and squeeze through tight spaces. The cave has an underground river flowing through it, and during the wet season and hurricane season, water levels can rise significantly, completely submerging the passages.
Given the nature of the journey to and through the cave, it is highly likely that your clothes will get muddy and wet. A plastic bag will be useful for storing muddy and wet clothes separately from the rest of your belongings. It is recommended that you bring a change of clothes for after the tour, as you will likely get wet during the excursion.
Belize: A Tropical Paradise Revealed
You may want to see also
Socks for the dry parts of the cave
When it comes to socks for the dry parts of the ATM Cave in Belize, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is mandatory to wear socks in certain parts of the cave to protect its delicate ecosystem. Here are some tips and recommendations to ensure you have the right socks for your journey:
Type of Socks
Cotton socks are recommended for the dry parts of the cave. Cotton is a breathable fabric that will help keep your feet comfortable and dry. Avoid synthetic fabrics that may trap moisture and cause blisters.
Number of Socks
Bring at least two pairs of socks – one pair to wear during the hike and cave exploration, and a fresh, dry pair to change into afterward. The hike to the cave involves river crossings, and your feet are likely to get wet. Changing into dry socks after the tour will help keep your feet comfortable during the return journey.
Keeping Socks Dry
To ensure your dry pair of socks remains dry, consider storing them in a waterproof bag or dry bag during the tour. Some tour companies provide dry bags, but it's always a good idea to bring your own. Alternatively, you can keep your socks dry by storing them under your helmet or asking your guide to carry them in their dry bag.
Sock Care
Wearing clean socks is essential for cave exploration, as it helps maintain the cave's delicate ecosystem. Make sure to wash and dry your socks thoroughly before your tour. After the tour, you may want to dispose of the socks you wore inside the cave, especially if they got wet or muddy during the river crossings and cave exploration.
Other Footwear Considerations
In addition to socks, choosing the right shoes for the ATM Cave tour is crucial. Water shoes, water sandals, or amphibious shoes are recommended. Keen Newport H2s are a popular choice, as they are durable, drain water well, and provide toe protection. Other options include Speedo water shoes, New Balance water shoes, and Merrell or Salomon amphibious shoes.
Belize's Language Diversity
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wear quick-drying clothes, such as a polyester shirt, and long pants or capris. You will need to wear socks for the dry parts of the cave, and shoes that can get wet. Water shoes, amphibious shoes, sandals with toe protection, or old tennis shoes are all good options.
Yes, it is recommended to bring a change of clothes, a plastic bag for wet clothes, sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat.
The tour involves a 45-minute hike through the jungle to reach the cave, including three river crossings. Once inside the cave, you will be swimming, climbing, and walking through water. The tour is physically challenging and takes around 6 hours in total, including driving and lunch.
