Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) from San Ignacio: Maya Sacrifice
- 7h 30m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
- Experience a personalized small group tour of the ATM Cave. - Enjoy a Belizean local lunch after your adventure. - Travel comfortably in air-conditioned transportation. - Trek through the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve with three refreshing river crossings. - Swim into the mysterious cave, once considered a portal to the underworld by the ancient Mayas. - Guided by professional tour specialists, navigate the cave while exploring rock formations and swimming. - Discover the main chamber, a Living Museum featuring over 1,000 intact Maya artifacts and skeletal remains, including the famous Crystal Maiden. - Learn about the historical and spiritual significance of Xibalba, including the rituals conducted by ancient priests and shamans.
Inclusions
What's included
- Local guide
- Use of all necessary equipment
- Entrance fee
- Local Lunch (Stew Chicken Rice and beans or Vegeterian option)
- Juice
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bring Reusable water bottles
What's not
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off outside of San Ignacio Town
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.8
- 5179
- 48
- 31
- 20
- 15
Ratings come from 193 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Showing reviews written in English.
5ATM adventure
Francisco was an amazing guide so knowledgeable and friendly. He was passionate about the caves and the archaeological significance of the Mayan artifacts and the history of its people. Five stars!!!
5Best tour ever!
Absolutely worth doing. The history of these caves is fascinating, and the experience of visiting is second to none! Don’t pass this up. Ask for Akim as your guide, he is the best.
5Must-do activity in one's...
Must-do activity in one's life! This is not only a journey to explore Mayan culture, but also a thrilling cave adventure. Our guide was quite friendly, and provides a very detailed tour of the cave.
5This was a once in a...
This was a once in a lifetime experience and Miguel was a great host! Super informative and interactive, with great directions. Food was delightful at the end as well. Definitely do the morning tour to beat the crowds.
5Amazing ATM Cave tour—one...
Amazing ATM Cave tour—one of the highlights of our Belize trip. The cave itself is absolutely incredible and such a unique adventure. Our guide, Gilroy, was excellent: very nice, incredibly knowledgeable, and funny, which made the experience even better. Highly recommend that you book this experience if you can!
5Once in a lifetime excursion
Absolutely amazing experience and Miguel was so good with our 8 year old son! He let him hold onto him and guided him but also let him feel independent and accomplished when appropriate. Everyone had a great time! Such a special once in a lifetime experience!
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Unit # 2 inside the Belize Caving Expeditions Office
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 18 travellers
- Operated by
- Belize Family Adventure
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum height requirement is 40 inches
- It is recommended that you wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing (short Pants, Long pants, T-shirt or long Sleeve) that can get wet, a change of clothes.
- Hotel pick up and drop off is for hotels within San Ignacio town limits. For hotels outside of San Ignacio, a surcharge applies.
- Pair of socks is required as portions of the cave shoes are removed.
How it compares in San Ignacio
- Its from-price is close to the median of the 163 experiences we list in San Ignacio.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 7 of 163.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About San Ignacio
San Ignacio is a market town in western Belize, set in the Cayo hills beside the Macal River, close to Maya ruins, caves and the Guatemalan border.
San Ignacio stands on a ridge above the Macal River, the main town of the Cayo District in western Belize, with its twin town of Santa Elena across the water. A Saturday market fills the centre with produce and crafts, and the main street has cafés, guesthouses and shops that serve the visitors who base themselves here to explore the forest and the ruins around it.
Top-ranked sights in San Ignacio: Actun Tunichil Muknal, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, San Jose Succotz.
Similar experiences
Free cancellation
Free cancellation






