Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Photo
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Days available
Every day
Schedule
7:45AM
Languages offered
English & Spanish
Duration
8 hrs
Transportation
Included
Mobile ticket
Included
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave PhotoActun Tunichil Muknal Cave Photo

In the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (or ATM Cave for short) you get to explore both a natural wonder and an archaeological goldmine. ATM is a wet cave that the Maya believed served as an entrance to the underworld. They used it for ceremonial purposes, and left plenty of evidence behind.

Your tour begins with a hike through the rainforest of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Eventually you’ll reach the river that leads to the mouth of the cave. You’ll swim for a distance 15 feet (4.5 m) to the entrance. Once you’re inside the cave you’ll walk, wade, and climb to the main attractions, so be ready for some physical activity.

On your tour you’ll see Maya vessels and artifacts, as well as the remains of sacrifice victims. The most famous of these victims is the Crystal Maiden, a young female whose skeletal remains have fused with the sparkling material that forms the inside of the cave. The skeletons are in a part of the cave known as the Cathedral, which is named for its impressively high ceiling and ornate stalactites.

These artifacts and remains are not behind any type of barriers, so be careful and wear a headlamp instead of carrying a cumbersome flashlight.

What to Bring

Headlamp, two pairs of socks, hiking shoes, waterproof clothes and/or a bathing suit, a towel, bottled water, and bug spray.

What's included

Roundtrip airfare on Tropic Air, transportation, park entrance fee, guided tour, and a light lunch.

Actun Tunichil Muknal CaveActun Tunichil Muknal CaveActun Tunichil Muknal CaveActun Tunichil Muknal CaveActun Tunichil Muknal CaveActun Tunichil Muknal Cave

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Actun Tunichil Muknal cave (usually referred to as “ATM”) is the doorway to Xibalba, the Maya underworld. This cave contains ceramics and human skeletons that have fused with the walls of the cave. The most famous of these remains is the Crystal Maiden, a skeleton of a young woman believed to have been a sacrifice. Her bones are now partially covered with the sparkling build-up of cave sediment.
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