Home
Belize
PLAN MY VISIT
Belize Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Belize
  3. Destinations
  4. Mayan Mountains

Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize

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.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Belize
Actun Tunichil Muknal Belize
Actun Tunichil Muknal Belize
Actun Tunichil Muknal Belize
Actun Tunichil Muknal Belize
←→

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 Personalized Trips

You Better Belize It—For Two, Belize
Belize
You Better Belize It—For Two

Expert Choice Hungry for adventure and romance? This trip for two is sure to satisfy you. Stay in the middle of an emerald jungle; later, find yourself luxuriating on Ambergis Caye.

8 days $$$View Trip
Family Indulgence in Belize, Belize
Belize
Family Indulgence in Belize

Expert Choice The perfect combination of rest, relaxation, and adventure await you and your family on this grandiose trip. Indulge in the best of Belize's accommodations and activities.

6 days $$$View Trip
Belize for the Wild at Heart, Belize
Belize
Belize for the Wild at Heart

Expert Choice Treat yourself to the adventure vacation you deserve, with money to spare. Belize is an exciting destination that's more affordable than you may think.Visit paradise on a budget.

6 days $$$View Trip
A Thrill Seeker's Trip to Belize, Belize
Belize
A Thrill Seeker's Trip to Belize

Expert Choice Take yourself on a grand adventure through Belize. Enjoy both beaches and jungles. Go snorkeling, zip lining, horseback riding, caving/spelunking, and more.

10 days $$$View Trip
Mother and Son's Belize Adventure, Belize
Belize
Mother and Son's Belize Adventure

Customer Reviewed Anywhere has always (third trip booked) done a great job in the choices, planning and logistics. Best travel company ever!!

12 days $$$View Trip
See More Trips

Actun Tunichil Muknal Things to Do

Actun Tunichil Muknal Tour | BelizeActun Tunichil Muknal Tour
Actun Tunichil Muknal Caving | BelizeActun Tunichil Muknal Caving
Cave Tubing in Actun Tunichil Muknal  | BelizeCave Tubing in Actun Tunichil Muknal
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave | BelizeActun Tunichil Muknal Cave
←→
Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
GUA and BZE a success!
Anywhere inc made another trip a delight. I can’t wait for my next Adventure with Anywhere!!
Mar 17, 2020
– Shawn Ng
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com provided the most AMAZING…
Anywhere.com provided the most AMAZING trip. Our rides were always there and we didn't have to worry about anything. We ...
Mar 13, 2020
– Jennifer
Trustpilot Rating
Two Wonderful Trips!!
My husband and I have taken two trips with Anywhere. We were thrilled with their services both times. There is such pers...
Mar 13, 2020
– FAITH HOF.
Trustpilot Rating
Great travel site
Second time we have used anywhere.com and will use them again. Highly recommend them. They figure out the details for yo...
Mar 11, 2020
– Linda A
Trustpilot Rating
Wish every trip could be this easy to plan!
I have told several people about this website- we have used this company twice now for our trip to Costa Rica and to Bel...
Jan 15, 2020
– Britta Bu.
Trustpilot Rating
Great trip and made it so easy
We just had a lovely trip to Belize and thanks to Anywhere it was so easy! I usually like planning my own vacation, but ...
Nov 23, 2019
– Ashley
Trustpilot Rating
Exceeded All Expectations
Exceeded All Expectations My family and I definitely had our concerns prior to this trip, as we had never gone through ...
Oct 16, 2019
– Davidge F.
Trustpilot Rating
DIY versus Letting Someone Else Plan
DIY versus letting others plan We normally research, book, and pay for excursions on our own. Part of the fun is making ...
Jun 28, 2019
– Tony
Trustpilot Rating
I wanted an adventure and I got one
I wanted an adventure and I got one. Katia worked with me, she was accessible and kept in touch. It was also reassuring...
Jun 28, 2019
– customer
Trustpilot Rating
Enrico Estrada of Anywhere.com planned…Great Trip!!
Enrico Estrada of Anywhere.com planned an amazing trip for my husband and me to Belize, Guatemala and Costa Rica. The tr...
Jun 24, 2019
– FAITH HOF.
Trustpilot Rating
Mother’s Day mom and son Belize trip
This is the third time I have used Anywhere for a trip. Seamless experience, everything flowed perfectly as usual. The e...
Jun 06, 2019
– Lisa
Trustpilot Rating
Justin and Lisa's Belize trip
This is the third time I have used Anywhere to plan trips. The first two were to Costa Rica; the third my son and I just...
May 31, 2019
– Lisa
Trustpilot Rating
Book with Anywhere! Easiest decision you'll have to make
Booking with Anywhere was the best decision we made. Our trip was absolutely amazing, everything we wanted, plus everyth...
Apr 26, 2019
– Stephanie
Trustpilot Rating
Great company
Great company! They’re more than helpful and they make your trip a time to remember. The customer service is in a class ...
Apr 26, 2019
– Johnny
Trustpilot Rating
Exceeded our expectations
Exceeded our expectations! The entire trip went smoothly, no worries! Every tour was exceptional! Every accommodation be...
Apr 11, 2019
– Judy
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Belize Vacations
  • Adventure
  • All-inclusive
  • Archaeology
  • Beach
  • Bird-watching
  • Family
  • Luxury
  • Nature
  • Romantic
Highlights
  • Beaches
  • Islands
  • Adventure
  • Unique & Authentic
  • Nature
  • Rainforest
PLACES TO GO
  • Gladden Spit and Silk Caye
  • Placencia Village
  • Hopkins
  • Maya Beach
  • Maya Mountains
  • Belize City
  • San Ignacio
  • Belmopan
  • Orange Walk
  • Hopkins
  • Punta Gorda
  • Ambergris Caye
THINGS TO DO
  • Boating
  • Archeology
  • Cave Exploration
  • Ruins
  • Snorkeling
  • Scuba Diving
  • Kayaking
  • Mangroves
  • Sport Fishing
  • Catamaran Cruising
  • Saling
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy