Actun Tunichil Muknal
Actun Tunichil Muknal is a cave that the Mayans used for ceremonial purposes, dating back to around 900 AD. According to Maya lore, Actun Tunichil Muknal (known locally as “ATM”) connects the world of the living to Xibalba, the Maya underworld. This cave served as the site of human sacrifice – archeologists have uncovered the remains of 6 children and several adults inside the cave. Historians speculate that the Maya intended these sacrifices to appease the gods of the underworld.
Tours to Actun Tunichil Muknal leave from San Ignacio. To get to the cave, you’ll follow your guide on a 45-minute hike through the Tapir Mountain Nature and then swim through a deep stream to the mouth of the cave. Once inside the cave, you’ll wade through some fairly deep water and climb up rocky formations to get to the secluded recesses of the 3-mile (4.8 km) cave.
It’s not all tight spaces – one of the highlights of this tour is a room called The Cathedral, which is best known for its impressively high ceiling.
The Mayan ceramics and skeletons in this cave are out in the open. In 2012, a tourist dropped a camera on an ancient skull, shattering the remains. Since this incident, Belize’s tourism authorities have banned cameras without permits. But you can still walk right up to the skeletons, ceramics, and tools that have become calcified parts of the cave walls. The most famous of these is the Crystal Maiden, the skeleton of a young woman whose skeleton has built up a sparkling shell of calcification.
You must be fairly in shape for this tour, as it requires some flexibility to negotiate the cave. Of course, if you’re afraid of enclosed spaces, this tour is not for you.
Actun Tunichil Muknal itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Actun Tunichil Muknal itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Explore Belize Together
Megan’s family vacation in Belize blended adventure and relaxation for a memorable Caribbean getaway. They trekked from San Ignacio’s rainforest highlands to the Tikal ruins, then snorkeled with sharks and rays at Hol Chan Reef along Belize’s tropical coast. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides shared Maya history and coastal traditions, leaving Megan’s family with a deeper appreciation for Belize’s vibrant heritage and natural wonders.
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We had an UnBelizable Time
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A Thrill Seeker's Trip to Belize
Take yourself on a grand adventure through Belize. Enjoy both beaches and jungles. Go snorkeling, zip lining, horseback riding, caving/spelunking, and more.
Experiences in Actun Tunichil Muknal
Explore hand-picked Actun Tunichil Muknal tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Black Hole Drop Adventure
Legendary ATM Cave ( Actun Tunichil Muknal)
Actun Tunichil Muknal - ATM Tour
ATM Cave Adventure
Amazing Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM)
Where to stay in Actun Tunichil Muknal
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Actun Tunichil Muknal accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Blancaneaux Lodge
This Francis Ford Coppola-owned property is luxurious to the last detail. The resort is certainly not rustic, though nestled in the lush vegetation of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, it gets the best of both nature and human ingenuity.
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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list, it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
