Actun Tunichil Muknal Tour

Actun Tunichil Muknal Tour

Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulcher) is one of the most impressive caves in the Maya world of Belize, named after a sacrificial chamber deep within the ATM Cave. This wet cave is located within the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in the Cayo district.

Featured in:Cave Exploration, Actun Tunichil Muknal
Duration:
9 hrs
Available Days:
Every day
Schedule:
7:30 AM
Hotel Transport Included
Mobile Ticket Included
Offered in English, Spanish

Swimming and climbing are necessary to enter the ATM Cave. This is a predominantly wet cave with water levels ranging from ankle to chest height. The ATM Cave river system leads you through a labyrinth of dry chambers culminating at the cathedral-like main chamber, which is 1,148 feet (350 m) in length and 164 feet (50 m) in width.

In this area, you will spend about an hour to an hour and a half admiring with great care the many skeletal remains and artifacts; both pottery and stone tools. Toward the back of this chamber, you will climb a ladder to get to the chamber of the Stone Sepulcher where you will see the skeletal remains of the famed crystal maiden.

Attraction Visited

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.

Read more:Actun Tunichil Muknal

What to Bring

Hat, sunscreen, water, insect repellant ,binoculars, and raingear if needed. Short or long pants and sturdy footwear, sleeve lengths are optional. Camera is prohibited inside the ATM cave. Water shoes are important and do not forget extra clothes to change and do not stay wet.

What's included

Transportation, entrance fee, equipment, guide, box lunch

Transportation

Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.

Traveler Comments

Very cool experience!!

- ASHLEY H, JUL 2019

Excellent tour, excellent guide. Great experience. I could see how it would be a physical challenge if you are in less than moderate shape but if you can conquer any fear of heights/claustrophobia it is well worth the effort.

- LISA C, MAY 2019

Best tour we've ever taken. We can't stop talking about it.

- DEBBIE H, MAY 2019
Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulcher) is one of the most impressive caves in the Maya world of Belize, named after a sacrificial chamber deep within the ATM Cave.Actun Tunichil Muknal Tour47
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