Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)

This was an incredible experience that I highly recommend but you need to be in average physical condition and not be claustrophobic as certain passage ways are tight. Mayan artefacts and body remains are omnipresent but my favorite part was the sheer beauty of the rock formations. It is no wonder at all that the Mayans considered this place sacred. This is an all day trip. I’m sure you read about the shoes getting wet part which is an understatement! Sorry not too many pictures as no cameras, phones or anything else is allowed in the cave.

Easy drive from Belize city or the airport. $5 to enter for tourists. I recommend you get a guide to get the interesting side of the story. The museum is before the site entrance and it's free. You can climb on any of the pyramids just ensure you keep them intact and preserve them. Watch your step as it is steep and also super slippery when wet. It's mind boggling how old these are! Recommend highly!

Unbelievable experience in a one of a kind mayan cave. The formations all along the cave are truly spectacular and the mayan pottery and skeletons are quite fascinating to see and realize that they’ve been there for over a millennium.

HIGHLY recommend doing this! My husband and I are very well traveled and have been fortunate to participate in amazing adventures spanning over six continents. We both agree that the ATM Cave is definitely one of our top, most unique experiences! We absolutely loved it! We don't have pictures, because there's no cameras allowed. This actually ended up being a great thing for a couple reasons. One, it's kind of cool to live in the moment and experience something that only lives in your mind. Two, when you do this tour, you'll see there are actual human skulls that have been damaged by people dropping their dang phones on them! So ridiculous. Please don't skip this adventure. While there are some tight-ish spaces, all of these spaces have huge open ceilings. No tight enclosed spaces. Be sure you have a moderate level of fitness. Think of being a kid and exploring rocks and rivers, etc. You'll need to climb and balance, etc. Do it - you won't regret it!

Such a great cave tour. Amazing to see the attracts still in place, as found. You can no longer take cameras in which is understandable since tourists dropping cameras caused major damage. You must go with an authorized guide.

This is an amazing experience... if you are fit and thin. You will have an absolutely great time if you: likely are older than 16 (or well over 48 inches), confident swimmer, confident on slippery rocks, OK with tight spaces, agile and nimble, adventurous and curious. The creek crossings prior to the cave are a good test, but only of swimming not claustrophobia. Things I wish I had known: you only bring a pair of dry socks which the guide puts in their dry bag. Nothing else. No phone, no bug spray, nothing except your bathing suit, sturdy closed toe, back strapped sandals like Keens, a water shirt. Pro tip: wear neoprene reef gloves to protect the stalagtites and have a little extra grip. You must have a guide, you must book days or weeks in advance.

The experience was definitely worth the time and money! An intense cave exploration to be taken seriously. Read all information and ask questions before you get there! Guides are rigorously prepared for safety, historical validity and environmental consciousness. This could be a university class. Our cave guide Shamin Burns is highly recommended.

Spent 2 weeks in Guatemala & Belize. The ATM tour was by far the best experience. We used Mayawalk Tours from San Ignacio and they were amazing.