Atm Tour: Dress For Adventure

The ATM Cave in Belize is an intense, full-day tour that involves hiking, climbing, swimming, and spelunking. To prepare for the adventure, it is recommended that you wear closed-toe shoes with good grip soles, a moisture-wicking top, a swimsuit, shorts or leggings, and socks. You will be getting wet, so it is important to bring a change of clothes, a quick-dry towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. It is also a good idea to pack snacks, water, and bug spray.

Footwear

When it comes to footwear for the ATM tour in Belize, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, closed-toe shoes are required, and it is essential to wear sturdy shoes or boots with good traction. The terrain in the cave can be uneven and slippery, so reliable footwear with a super tough toe guard is crucial for navigating through the water and over rocks without breaking any toes.

While some people opt for water shoes, others prefer the extra protection offered by Keens or similar outdoor shoes. Keens are particularly useful because they are hardy like hiking boots, drain well like sandals, and are extremely comfortable. They also have a tough toe guard, which is ideal for hiking through the ATM Cave. If you plan to wear sneakers, make sure they are high-tops, as low-tops may float away while swimming.

It is also worth noting that some tour operators provide shoes as part of their package, but these may be less comfortable and have limited availability. Additionally, you will need to bring dry shoes to change into after the tour, such as Chacos or similar footwear that allows your feet to air dry.

During the tour, there will be sections where you will need to remove your shoes and continue through the cave wearing only socks to preserve the ancient cave's fragile environment. Therefore, it is recommended to bring an extra pair of socks or even disposable socks if you don't want to deal with wet or muddy socks afterward.

In summary, when choosing footwear for the ATM tour in Belize, opt for closed-toe shoes with good traction, consider the benefits of Keens or similar outdoor shoes, and don't forget to bring dry shoes and an extra pair of socks for the cave and afterward.

Clothing

The ATM Cave tour involves a lot of hiking, swimming, climbing, and spelunking, so it's important to wear the right clothes. Here's a list of what to wear and bring on the tour:

• Closed-toe shoes with good traction are required. Water shoes with grip or hiking sandals like Keen Newport H2s are recommended. Avoid tennis shoes or sneakers unless you don't mind them getting wet. Some tour operators provide shoes, but they may be uncomfortable.
• A moisture-wicking top is ideal. A tank top, short-sleeve, or long-sleeve shirt are all suitable options. Most people opt for short sleeves or tank tops, but long sleeves can provide some extra warmth and protection from mosquito bites.
• Wear a swimsuit under your top. Both bikinis and one-piece swimsuits are acceptable. If you wear a bikini, make sure to have a top covering it.
• Shorts or leggings are recommended. Shorts are more popular, but leggings or long pants can offer extra protection from scratches during cave exploration. Quick-dry shorts are a good option.
• Socks are mandatory inside the cave for preservation purposes. You can wear them from the start or bring them along and change into them when instructed. Consider bringing disposable socks if you don't want to deal with wet or muddy socks afterward.
• A reusable water bottle is essential to stay hydrated during the tour.
• A small bag to carry your belongings, such as snacks, cash, and other essentials.

Additionally, there are some items that you should bring and leave in the vehicle before the hike:

• Dry shoes to change into after the tour. Sandals or flip-flops that allow your feet to air dry are a good option.
• A quick-dry towel to dry off after the hike and tour.
• Cash for tipping your guide. Tipping is customary and appreciated in Belize.
• A plastic bag to hold your wet clothes after the tour.
• An optional change of clothes if you want to wear something different afterward.
• A first aid kit for any scratches or minor injuries during the cave exploration.
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright sunlight after being in the dark cave.
• Bug spray is optional. It won't be needed during the hike and cave exploration but may be useful during lunch, which is usually in an open-air area.

Accessories

• Sunglasses: Pack a cheap pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harsh sunlight during the hikes to and from the cave. They will come in handy when you re-emerge from the dark cave, helping to reduce the glare.
• Towel: Bring a quick-dry towel to dry off after your hike back to the van. A small, travel-sized towel that can easily fit in your bag is a good option.
• Dry bag: Consider investing in a waterproof dry bag to keep your belongings safe and dry during the tour. A 5L bag should be sufficient to carry essentials like your phone, wallet, and snacks.
• First aid kit: A small, travel-sized first aid kit is recommended to treat any bumps, bruises, or scratches you may incur during the tour. Include items like Neosporin or another antibacterial ointment, and large bandages.
• Plastic bag: Bring a large plastic bag to hold your dirty, wet clothes and towel after the tour. This will keep your belongings separate from your dry clothes and protect them from getting damp.
• Life jacket: While not mandatory, you may want to consider bringing or requesting a life jacket if you are uncomfortable with swimming or want some extra support.
• Bug spray and sunscreen: While tour companies recommend against using bug repellent and sunscreen for environmental reasons, the decision is ultimately up to you. If you choose to use them, apply them before the tour and after you exit the cave, as they will wash off during the river crossings and cave exploration.

What to leave behind

While the ATM tour in Belize is an incredible experience, there are a few things you should definitely leave behind.

Firstly, under no circumstances should you bring a camera. Cameras of all kinds, including cell phone cameras and GoPros, are strictly prohibited on the ATM Cave tour. In 2012, a man dropped his camera and broke a 1,100-year-old skeleton, and there have been other incidents where tourists have been trapped or injured. You will be navigating through tight spaces and need to pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Taking photos will only distract you and slow down the group. Trust me, no photo you take will do this incredible experience justice anyway.

Secondly, leave your nice clothes at home. You will be hiking, climbing, swimming, and spelunking, so you will get wet, cold, and muddy. Wear old clothes that you don't mind getting ruined. For shoes, bring closed-toe water shoes with good traction or grip. Avoid sandals, as you don't want to step on any snakes or iguanas! While some people wear hiking boots or tennis shoes, these will get heavy and uncomfortable when wet.

Thirdly, don't bring a dry bag for carrying things. You will not be allowed to carry a bag during the hike or inside the cave. Instead, bring a small plastic bag to hold your wet clothes after the tour.

Finally, leave your sunscreen and insect repellent behind. These will just wash off during the river crossings at the beginning of the hike, and you won't need them inside the cave or during lunch, as the area is shaded. If you are concerned about bugs, apply insect repellent after the tour when you have changed into dry clothes.

What to expect

The ATM Cave tour in Belize is an unforgettable experience, but it's important to know what to expect before you go. Here's a breakdown of what you can anticipate:

The Day Before

It's a good idea to prepare the night before your tour. Make sure you have all the necessary clothing and gear ready to go. This includes a swimsuit, closed-toe shoes that can get wet, moisture-wicking clothing, a long-sleeve rash guard shirt, board shorts or leggings, socks, a reusable water bottle, snacks, dry shoes to change into afterward, a quick-dry towel, a plastic bag for wet clothes, a change of clothes, and optional items like a first aid kit, sunglasses, and bug spray.

The Day Of

On the day of your tour, you'll be picked up by your guide and transported to the starting location. Along the way, there may be a stop for snacks. At the starting point, you'll gear up with items like helmets and life vests, and you'll leave all your belongings, including phones and cameras, behind.

The Hike

From there, you'll embark on a 45-minute hike through the jungle to the cave entrance. This hike includes three river crossings of varying water levels, from shin-deep to chest-high. It's recommended to wear water shoes with good traction or closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Apply sunscreen and insect repellent before the hike, as they will wash off during the river crossings.

The Cave Exploration

Once you reach the cave entrance, you'll be asked to leave behind any water bottles or snacks. To enter the cave, you'll need to swim in deep water for a short distance. Inside the cave, you can expect to spend around three hours exploring. You'll be in water for about 80% of the time, with water levels ranging from ankle-deep to neck-deep. There will be some climbing over boulders and rocks, and at certain points, you'll need to remove your shoes and continue in just your socks to preserve the cave's fragile environment.

The Return Journey

After exiting the cave, you'll hike back to the vehicle, which takes around 45 minutes. If you have sensitive eyes, consider bringing sunglasses for when you exit the cave and are exposed to daylight.

Lunch and Departure

Back at the vehicle, you'll have the opportunity to dry off and change into dry clothes. There will be restroom and changing facilities available. Your tour operator will provide a lunch in a picnic area, and this is a good time to apply insect repellent. Finally, you'll board the van and head back to your original meeting point, concluding your tour.

Additional Considerations

It's important to note that cameras and phones are strictly prohibited on the ATM Cave tour. This is to preserve the natural environment and cultural artifacts within the cave. The tour is also physically demanding, involving hiking, swimming, climbing, and spelunking, so a good level of fitness is required. The cave can be claustrophobic for some people, and there are some tight spaces to navigate. It's also worth mentioning that you may encounter insects, spiders, and bats during the tour.

Frequently asked questions