Luggage Storage Options In Belize

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave tour in Belize is an all-day adventure that combines hiking, climbing, swimming, and spelunking. The tour begins in San Ignacio, where visitors are picked up by a guide and driven to the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, which is home to the ATM Cave. The cave is a sacred site that was historically used by the Maya people for rituals and ceremonies and is known for its archaeological and cultural significance.

Upon arrival at the reserve, visitors embark on a 45-minute hike through the jungle to the cave entrance, which involves three river crossings. At the mouth of the cave, visitors swim across a small pool and enter the dark underworld, where they navigate through tunnels, passageways, and chambers. Inside the cave, there are ancient artifacts, pottery, and skeletal remains, including the famed Crystal Maiden, believed to be an ancient Mayan ceremonial victim.

The tour concludes with a Belizean lunch before heading back to San Ignacio. The entire experience is physically demanding and thrilling, offering an unforgettable journey into the Mayan underworld.

What to wear on the tour

Belize is hot and humid, so lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. Think casual and comfortable, with a focus on functionality over fashion. Here is a suggested packing list for your tour of Belize:

Clothing

• Tank tops or t-shirts in lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, silk or linen.
• Shorts or other lightweight bottoms.
• A lightweight sweater or wrap for cooler evenings, especially if you'll be on the coast or in the jungle.
• Swimwear—you'll likely be doing a lot of swimming and water-based activities.
• Rash guard—this will protect you from the sun and from scrapes and scratches.
• Long sleeves and long pants for protection from bugs and the sun.
• Socks—you'll need these for hiking and some tours require them for preservation reasons.
• Underwear.
• Sleepwear.
• A hat to protect your head and face from the sun.
• Sunglasses.

Footwear

• Hiking shoes or sandals that can get wet and provide toe protection.
• Water shoes or sandals with good grip for water-based activities.
• Flip-flops or sandals for casual wear.
• Closed-toe shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking or hiking.
• A pair of nicer shoes or sandals for evenings out.

Other Essentials

• Quick-dry travel towel.
• Water bottle with a built-in filter.
• Dry bag to keep your belongings dry during water-based activities.
• Universal waterproof phone case to protect your phone from water damage.
• Reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself and the environment.
• Bug spray or mosquito-repellent wristbands.
• First aid kit—include any personal medications, motion sickness patches if needed, and items such as Neosporin or antibacterial ointment, band-aids, and insect bite relief.
• Snacks—energy bars or similar are a good option.

What to pack

Belize is a tropical destination, so lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing is essential. The weather is warm, with hot sunny days and cooler evenings, especially in the Mayan Mountain region. Here is a suggested packing list for a trip to Belize:

Clothing

• Regular lightweight cotton T-shirts
• Long-sleeve shirts for sun protection and jungle hiking
• 1-2 dress shirts/blouses for dining at nice restaurants
• Shorts, preferably cotton
• Skirts
• Beachwear/swimsuits
• Sarong
• Two pairs of long pants (one dressy and one for jungle hiking)
• Raincoat or lightweight waterproof jacket
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Underwear and comfortable socks

Footwear

• Sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking boots (waterproof is best)
• Sandals
• Flip-flops
• Water shoes

Toiletries and Cosmetics

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and body soap
• Deodorant and antiperspirant
• Beach towels
• Cosmetics and other personal items such as body lotion, antibacterial wipes, etc.

Documents and Electronics

• Passport (with more than 6 months remaining)
• Photocopies of passport (paper and digital)
• Identification card (driver's license) and insurance card with emergency contact information. Photocopies are also recommended.
• Travel insurance policy
• Credit cards and/or cash (ATMs are accessible in major towns)
• Cell phone with a good international roaming plan
• Chargers for electronics

Miscellaneous

• Water bottle (it is not safe to drink tap water in Belize)
• Binoculars
• Daypack for daily activities
• Headphones
• Addresses of family and friends for postcards or emergency contacts
• Insect repellent
• Small traveller's first aid kit
• Anti-COVID-19 hygiene items (optional)
• Face masks
• Hard-surface cleaning supplies (optional)

Where to leave luggage during the tour

When travelling to Belize, it is recommended to bring one large check-in bag and one carry-on bag. A medium duffel bag and a medium day pack are ideal as they are easy to move around and can fit in boats, small planes, and van/bus roof racks. Soft luggage is preferred over hard-cased luggage as it is easier to transport. It is also recommended to carry a small waterproof bag for important items such as documents, electronics, and cameras.

If you are planning to take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, it is best to leave your suitcase at your hotel and use a packable daypack for excursions. This will make it easier to navigate rough terrain and ensure that your belongings stay safe and dry.

• Only bring what you can carry to ensure smooth transfers in airports, customs, hotels, and loading vans.
• Keep your gear in one main bag, preferably a backpack or duffel bag.
• Try to avoid large suitcases as they can be cumbersome and difficult to transport.
• Label all your luggage and keep your luggage unlocked for inspection.
• Don't put any metal objects in your carry-on baggage, and avoid wearing metal jewellery.
• Be mindful of restrictions on carrying liquids on planes, and check with your airport authority for the most recent updates.
• Pack essential items in your carry-on bag in case your checked baggage is misrouted.
• Bring a waterproof bag for electronics and other items that you want to keep dry, especially if you plan to go on boat rides or be near the water.
• Consider purchasing luggage and personal property insurance in case of loss or damage.
• Wear heavy items during transit to save space and lighten your bags.
• Only pack the essentials and buy any additional items you may need once you arrive in Belize.
• Be mindful of the climate and seasons in Belize and pack accordingly. The dry season is from December to mid-May, and the rainy season is from June to November.
• Bring lightweight, breathable clothing that will keep you cool in the hot and humid weather.
• Don't bring any valuable items that you wouldn't want to lose or have stolen. Leave expensive jewellery and watches at home.
• Be aware of petty theft and pickpocketing, and always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable trip to Belize, without the hassle of carrying excessive luggage.

What to expect on the tour

The ATM Cave tour in Belize is an action-packed adventure that combines hiking, swimming, climbing, and spelunking. Here's what you can expect on this thrilling journey:

Getting Started

You'll be picked up by your tour guide and driven to the starting location, which is usually about an hour to an hour and a half away from San Ignacio. Along the way, your guide will make a quick stop for snacks and any last-minute supplies.

Gear Up

At the starting point, you'll be provided with essential gear such as helmets and life vests. You'll also leave all your belongings, except for what you'll need during the tour, in the vehicle. This includes any electronics like phones and cameras, as they are strictly prohibited inside the cave.

The Hike to the Cave

The hike to the cave entrance takes about 45 minutes and is mostly shaded. During this easy trek, you'll cross three streams with water levels ranging from knee to waist height, with the help of a rope for support.

Entering the Cave

To enter the cave, you'll need to take a short swim across a small spring-fed pool, marking your entry into the dark underworld of the ATM Cave. From here, you'll navigate through an extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways, and chambers.

Exploring the Cave

The cave exploration will test your physical abilities as you climb, crawl, and squeeze through tight spaces. You'll need to use all four points of contact—your arms and feet—to manage your way through the small areas. At some points, you'll need to remove your shoes and continue only in wet socks to preserve the sensitive limestone floor.

The highlight of the cave is the "Cathedral," a dry chamber where you'll discover ancient artifacts, pottery, and skeletal remains, including the famed "Crystal Maiden." Your guide will provide insightful commentary and historical context throughout the exploration.

Exiting the Cave and Lunch

After approximately three hours of exploring the cave, you'll make your way back to the entrance. You can then dry off, change into dry clothes, and enjoy a delicious Belizean lunch, typically consisting of rice, beans, chicken, plantains, salad, and a refreshing drink.

The Return Journey

After lunch, you'll begin the return journey to San Ignacio, arriving back at the starting point around 3:30 pm.

What to Wear and Bring

For the tour, it's essential to wear closed-toe shoes, moisture-wicking clothing, and a swimsuit. You'll also need socks, as they are mandatory for preservation reasons. Bring a reusable water bottle, snacks, a quick-dry towel, dry clothes to change into, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

How to book a tour

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is a popular tourist destination in Belize, but it is not possible to visit the site independently. The Belize Tourism Board has granted licenses to a limited number of tour operators, and these companies must hire a licensed tour guide to conduct the tour.

Booking in Person

The most popular place to depart for an ATM tour is the nearby town of San Ignacio. MayaWalk Tours is a standout tour company in San Ignacio offering ATM Cave tours. To book a tour with MayaWalk, you can head to their office located in the centre of San Ignacio. The tour is advertised for $125 USD, but with some haggling, you could get the price down by around $10 USD. The main benefit of booking a tour in person is the ability to negotiate the price. However, the downside to booking directly with MayaWalk is their strict cancellation policy.

Booking Online

You can also book the same MayaWalk tour on Viator for the same price, but with the added security of a 24-hour free cancellation policy. There are also other tour operators on Viator that offer cheaper tours, which are essentially the same but run by less well-known companies.

If you prefer to book with GetYourGuide, you can book an ATM Cave tour with Belize Caving Expeditions, the second most renowned tour agency in San Ignacio. As with Viator, booking through GetYourGuide gives you a 24-hour free cancellation policy, and you don't have to pay a deposit.

Other Considerations

It is also possible to book an ATM Cave tour from other major tourist destinations in Belize, such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, or Placencia. The tour price is usually around $115–125 USD.

It is recommended to book ahead, especially during the high season (late November to mid-April), as the ATM Cave can be booked out.

Additional Information

• Tour groups are typically eight people or fewer per guide.
• There are only about 25 licensed guides for the ATM Cave tour in Belize, and they have all been extensively trained.
• The tour takes a full day, starting in the morning around 8 am and ending around 4 pm, but you will only be inside the cave for approximately three hours.
• The tour includes transportation, lunch, and equipment such as helmets and life jackets.
• Phones and cameras are not allowed on the hike or inside the ATM Cave.
• You will need to wear closed-toe shoes, and water shoes are recommended.
• It is important to bring a change of dry clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

Frequently asked questions