Atm Cave: Belize's Ancient Mayan Secret

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave in Belize is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This ancient Mayan archaeological site, also known as the 'Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre', is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, near San Ignacio in the Cayo District. The cave is filled with skeletal remains, ceramics, stoneware, and other ancient Mayan artefacts.

The journey to the cave is an adventure in itself, involving a 45-minute hike through the jungle and three river crossings. Once inside the cave, you'll need to swim, climb, and squeeze through tight spaces to explore the various chambers. The most famous of these is the resting place of the 'Crystal Maiden', the skeleton of a 17-year-old, believed to be a sacrifice victim, whose bones have crystallised over time.

The ATM cave tour is not for the faint of heart. It is physically challenging and not suitable for those who are claustrophobic. However, for those adventurous enough to enter, it promises an unforgettable journey into the Mayan underworld.

The ATM cave is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, near San Ignacio, Belize

The ATM Cave, or Actun Tunichil Muknal, is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in Belize. It is about a 45-minute drive from the nearest population centres of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, or the City of Belmopan, all 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, deemed the #1 Sacred Cave destination in the world by National Geographic. It is a natural museum, providing insight into the world of the ancient Maya. The cave is filled with ancient Maya artefacts, including ceramics, stoneware, and skeletons. The most famous skeleton is that of the "Crystal Maiden", believed to be a 17-year-old boy and a sacrificial victim, whose bones have crystallised over time.

The cave is located in a tropical jungle, so visitors are advised to wear suitable hiking gear, including sturdy closed-toe shoes, gloves, and a caving suit. It is also recommended to bring a change of clothes, as you will be in the cave for close to three hours and may get wet.

The tour typically starts early in the morning, around 7:30 or 8:00 am, and concludes around 3:00 or 3:30 pm. The tour involves hiking, climbing, swimming, and navigating through tight spaces, so a moderate level of physical fitness is required. It is not recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions, pregnant women, or those with walking disabilities.

The ATM Cave is a unique and adventurous experience, offering a glimpse into the ancient rituals and sacrifices of the Maya civilisation. Visitors are advised to leave their cameras behind and immerse themselves in the spiritual realm of this sacred site.

The cave is filled with ancient Mayan artefacts and human remains

Actun Tunichil Muknal, also known as the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre or ATM Cave, is filled with ancient Mayan artefacts and human remains. The cave is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in Belize, near San Ignacio, Cayo District. The main cave system is about 3 miles (4.8 km) long and consists of a long river passage for approximately 2 miles (3.2 km). The cave can be exited through a tight squeeze ending in a giant sinkhole collapse in the jungle.

The cave is notable as a Maya archaeological site that includes skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware. The ceramics at the site are marked with "kill holes", indicating that they were used for ceremonial purposes. Many of the Maya artefacts and remains are completely calcified to the cave floor. One artefact, named the "Monkey Pot", is one of only four of its type found in Central America.

The cave is also home to a variety of animal life, including a large population of bats, large freshwater crabs, crayfish, catfish, and other tropical fish. Large invertebrates such as amblypygi and various predatory spiders also inhabit the cave, along with agouti and otters.

The main chamber of the cave features several areas with skeletal remains, the most famous being "The Crystal Maiden". This skeleton, believed to be that of a 17-year-old boy who was possibly a sacrificial victim, has calcified over time, giving the bones a sparkling, crystallised appearance.

To protect the artefacts and remains, visitors are required to remove their shoes and wear socks when reaching the upper dry chamber. Cameras without a permit are also banned from the cave after a tourist accidentally dropped a camera and fractured a human skull in 2012.

The ATM Cave is a challenging but rewarding experience, involving hiking, swimming, climbing, and squeezing through tight spaces. Visitors should wear suitable clothing and footwear, and be prepared for a physically demanding journey.

The cave is home to a large population of bats, crabs, crayfish, catfish and spiders

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave in Belize is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including a large population of bats, crabs, crayfish, catfish, and spiders. This cave, located in the heart of the Belizean Rainforest, offers a unique glimpse into the natural history of the region.

The cave is known for its impressive array of ancient Maya artefacts and skeletal remains, but its ecological significance is equally remarkable. The cave's remote location and unique geological features have created a haven for numerous species, some of which are rarely seen above ground. The cave's darkness and constant temperature provide the perfect environment for these creatures to thrive.

Bats are the most prominent residents of the ATM Cave, typically found in small colonies, but one chamber may contain millions of them. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by feeding on insects and fruit, ensuring pest control and seed dispersal. Large freshwater crabs also scuttle along the cave's floors, while crayfish and catfish inhabit the placid pools that form along the underground river.

In addition to these aquatic creatures, the ATM Cave is also home to various predatory spiders that climb the slippery walls and hang from the cave's ceiling. Their presence adds to the eerie atmosphere of the cave, which was once a site of sacrificial ceremonies conducted by the Ancient Maya.

The cave's location within the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve further highlights its ecological importance. The reserve is a protected area that provides a sanctuary not only for these cave-dwelling species but also for many other animals and plants native to Belize.

To get to the cave, you must hike for 45 minutes and swim across the Roaring River three times

To get to the ATM Cave in Belize, you'll need to embark on a 45-minute hike through the jungle, which includes three crossings of the Roaring River. The trail to the cave features a worn path, loose rocks, roots, branches, and insects. Depending on the time of year and recent rainfall, the river crossings can range from ankle-deep to neck-deep, with ropes available to help you get across safely.

After the 45-minute hike, you'll reach the mouth of the cave. Here, you'll need to take a deep swim into the cave to enter. This is just the beginning of a challenging and exhilarating adventure that will test your physical and mental abilities.

The rest of the cave tour involves much swimming, with water levels varying from dry sections to deep waters where you can't stand. There will also be some rock climbing, tight squeezes through narrow passages, and a ladder climb, all while admiring the stunning cave formations, ancient artifacts, and skeletal remains.

The entire experience, from the start of the hike to exiting the cave, will take around 3-4 hours. It's important to be prepared for the physical and mental demands of this tour, and to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

The cave is not for the faint of heart—you must be able to swim, climb, hike and squeeze through tight spaces

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave in Belize is not for the faint of heart. This ancient Maya archaeological site is filled with relics, including skeletal remains, ceramics, and stoneware. To get to the cave, you must hike through the heart of the Belizean Rainforest for about 45 minutes, crossing the Roaring River three times.

Once you reach the cave, you will need to swim, climb, hike, and squeeze through tight spaces. The cave is a "wet cave," meaning you will need to swim into the mouth and wade through ankle to chest-high water. You will then climb to a labyrinth of dry chambers, eventually reaching the main hall, a towering chamber filled with artefacts and sacrificial remains. To reach the stone sepulchre where the famous "Crystal Maiden" skeleton lies, you will need to climb even higher.

The cave is home to a variety of animal life, including bats, large freshwater crabs, crayfish, catfish, tropical fish, large invertebrates, and predatory spiders. It is also located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, with a main cave system that is about 3 miles long.

The ATM Cave tour is not for the faint of heart, but it offers a unique and eerie experience that is well worth the effort for those who are physically able.

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