Everything You Need to Know About Belize’s ATM Cave Tour
Planning the ATM Cave tour in Belize? Here's everything you need to know—what to expect, what to bring, and why it’s a must-do adventure.
At a glance
About this Belize website
Planning the ATM Cave tour in Belize? Here's everything you need to know—what to expect, what to bring, and why it’s a must-do adventure.
- Publisher
- villamassis.com
- First discovered
- 13 September 2026
- Last checked
- 16 September 2026
Information found on this page
Highlights and services
What Is the ATM Cave?
By TravelBelizeLocated in the heart of Belize’s Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, about an hour from San Ignacio, the ATM Cave is a limestone cave system that was used by the ancient Maya over a thousand years ago. The name Actun Tunichil Muknal translates to “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher,” and for good reason—deep inside, you’ll find ceremonial pottery, ancient tools, and skeletal remains, including the famous “Crystal Maiden”, a fully intact skeleton of a young individual whose bones have been calcified over time, giving them a sparkling appearance.This cave wasn’t just a shelter or water source—it was a spiritual portal to the Maya underworld, known as Xibalba, where ceremonies, sacrifices, a
What to Expect on the Tour
By TravelBelizeThe ATM Cave tour is an adventure from start to finish. After a scenic drive from San Ignacio, you’ll hike through the jungle for about 45 minutes, crossing shallow rivers and soaking in the natural surroundings. Once you reach the cave entrance, your guide will give you a safety briefing and fit you with a helmet and headlamp.The actual cave journey involves swimming, wading through waist-deep water, climbing over rocks, and squeezing through narrow passages—this tour isn’t for the claustrophobic, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Inside, you’ll pass through chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient artifacts. Your licensed guide will explain the history and si
