Take a road-trip from Placencia Village to one of the most interesting natural formations in western Belize: Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave for short). This is an all-day adventure that requires a good amount of physical fitness — you’ll hike, swim, and crawl to explore the depths of this cave. Once you clamber into the cave’s dark interior, it’s not hard to imagine it as the ideal location for dark rituals.

After your three-hour drive, you’ll stop embark on a 45-minute hike through the jungle of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve to the cave, which the Maya considered one of the entrances to the underworld. As you hike, your guide will be able to help you spot some of the interesting plants and animals that are unique to this part of the Caribbean, and you might see bats at the cave.

When you arrive at the mouth of ATM Cave, you'll take a break for a picnic lunch. Then, your guides will outfit you with the equipment you need for your spelunking adventure. Keep in mind that you will have to swim for at least a portion of this wet cave.

This cave is best known for the remains of a teenage sacrifice victim – after over a thousand years, her skeleton is covered in crystallized minerals. There are more skeletons in a chamber called “The Cathedral,” although these are less intact. You’ll also see bits of pottery that has fused with the cave. These vessels probably also had an important role in Mayan religious rituals.

Note: Bring an extra pair of socks! Guests aren't allowed to wear shoes in certain portions of the cave.*