How to Visit Actun Tunichil Muknal (the ATM Cave)
Discover everything you need to know about taking a tour of Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize’s best cave adventure.
Thank you to MayaWalk Tours for providing pictures for this post, as photography is not allowed within the cave. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission on anything purchased through these links at no extra cost to you. Learn more on our disclaimer page.
The ATM Cave, short for Actun Tunichil Muknal, is highly regarded as one of the best things to do in Belize. It’s one of the country’s most famous archaeological and adventure sites, known for its water-filled caverns, dramatic limestone formations, and preserved Mayan artefacts. Visiting the ATM Cave is an active journey, where you hike through the jungle, wade and swim through cool subterranean rivers, and explore chambers filled with ancient pottery, ceremonial artefacts, and calcified skeletal remains. We’ve included everything you need to know about taking an ATM Cave tour, including highlights, tours, and whether it’s even worth it, in this guide.
ATM Cave at a glance
More from San Ignacio
About Actun Tunichil Muknal
Literally translating to ‘Cave of the Stone Sepulchre‘ (sepulchre = a small room cut in rock in which a dead person is buried) in the Mayan language, Actun Tunichil Muknal (the ATM Cave) is a natural wonder and significant archaeological site, containing artefacts like skeletons, pottery, and ceremonial items. It’s considered one of the most sacred and well-preserved Mayan sites in Belize (and the world) and is only accessible on a tour with a licensed guide, making it one of the top things to do near San Ignacio.
The cave was used by the ancient Mayans roughly between 300-900 AD, during the Late and Terminal Classic periods. It served primarily as a ceremonial site, where rituals, including sacrifices, were performed to appease the gods and seek rain or agricultural fertility. Archaeologists have found remains of at least 14 individuals inside, alongside hundreds of ceramic vessels, stone tools, and ritual offerings. Many artefacts remain exactly where they were discovered, giving visitors a glimpse into the cave’s original ceremonial state.
Today, the cave is part of Belize’s protected archaeological areas, making it a UNESCO World Heritage–adjacent site. Almost everyone we met when travelling agreed that the ATM Cave was the highlight of their trip and the best thing they added to their Belize itinerary. It’s considered one of the top activities in the country, with many people visiting the region just to visit the cave.
Where is the ATM Cave?
The ATM Cave is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, one of the best protected areas in Belize, nestled in the Cayo District. It’s about 25 miles (40 km) from the town of San Ignacio (a 45-minute drive), which serves as the cave’s main base alongside Belmopan.
The cave’s remote location ensures minimal environmental impact from tourism, as access is only possible with an authorised tour guide.
ATM Cave Map
We’ve pinned the ATM Cave on the map of key attractions near San Ignacio below.
Why visit the ATM Cave?
The ATM Cave offers a rare opportunity to explore a living piece of Mayan history in its untouched environment. Unlike many archaeological sites where artefacts are removed for display, the cave is one of the best places in Belize to see historical artefacts that have remained in their original positions.
The tour is one of the most hands-on and interactive ways to explore a historical site, with the route involving navigating uneven terrain, water passages, and sensitive archaeological areas. The journey alone is an adventure.
The most famous artefact in the cave is the ‘Crystal Maiden‘, a calcified skeleton of what was believed to be a young girl, though recent research suggests it might be a 17-year-old boy. Over centuries, mineral-rich water from the cave has coated the bones, calcifying them, giving them a sparkling, crystallised appearance.
The cave also features dramatic stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. Its subterranean river and cavernous chambers are home to unmoved artefacts like hundreds of pottery vessels which were deliberately broken as part of ritual offerings, other skeletal remains, and, in certain areas, you can see soot stains from ancient torches. New remains and artefacts are still being discovered as sediment shifts and different layers of the cave system are revealed.
How to visit the ATM Cave
You can only visit the ATM Cave by booking onto a licensed tour. The Belize Tourism Board and Belize National Institute of Culture and History have granted licenses to a small group of agents to conduct tours to the cave, in an attempt to balance its protection against tourist revenue. Independent entry is not allowed due to safety concerns and to protect the artefacts within.
Most ATM Cave tours depart from San Ignacio, with hotel pickups often included, but some can be arranged from destinations further afield. The experience includes transportation, entrance fees, safety gear (like helmets and headlamps), and guidance through the hike, swim, and exploration of the cave chambers.
Day tours generally take a full day, lasting 7-9 hours, with around 3-4 hours spent inside the cave. They typically leave in the morning, around 8:00 AM, returning by late afternoon. Due to the physical nature of the visit, participants must be reasonably fit and comfortable swimming in enclosed spaces.
The best ATM Cave Tours
Several reputable tour companies operate trips to the ATM Cave. The tours all offer a similar experience, with knowledgeable guides who are trained in both archaeology and cave safety. Most tours include lunch, drinking water, and round-trip transport from San Ignacio.
The choice of operator often comes down to group size, level of personalised service, and whether the company includes extras like nature commentary during the jungle hike.
MayaWalk Tours is one of the top choices for tours leaving San Ignacio, known for their range of adventure activities and small group sizes. The company is 100% Belizean family-owned with an eco-focus, is fully licensed by the Belize Tourism Board, and employs local guides who are trained in both archaeological interpretation and wilderness safety.
Belize Caving Expeditions, who we used to cross the Belize-Guatemala border, runs tours from both San Ignacio and Belize City.
From the coast, Splash Dive Center run a tour from Placencia, which would be a useful option for those also staying in Hopkins or Dangriga.
There are limited tours from the islands, like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, since the travel times would be long and include the water taxi to Belize City.
The ATM Cave tour is one of the most popular in Belize, so booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak travel months, as daily visitor numbers are limited to 125 people a day, so tours often sell out.
Top ATM Cave Tours
What to expect on the ATM Cave tour
Before you even reach the cave, you will embark on a 45-minute hike through the jungle and across three river crossings. The mouth of the cave opens to a short 15-second swim across a small pool, and you’re in.
Once you enter the cave, you start an Indiana-Jones-style adventure, scrambling over slippery rocks and navigating narrow passageways. You’ll be given options in certain parts, where you can choose the narrower squeezes or easier paths, but you won’t need to do any traditional rock climbing or crawling. In some parts, you can be wading in water from ankle deep to armpit deep.
The route winds its way to the Cathedral Room, which is accessed by ladder and houses the artefacts and remains. A vast chamber once used for elaborate Mayan ceremonial rites, you’ll see centuries-old pottery, many pieces intentionally ‘killed’ by puncturing them (allowing the spirits to be released) as part of ritual offerings. Human skeletal remains, some fully calcified, lie in their original positions, including adults and children believed to have been sacrificial victims. You need to remove your shoes for this bit, but you can wear wet socks to protect the sensitive limestone floor from oil and bacteria.
Choosing an operator that includes commentary will enrich your experience, as you’ll learn about the backstory that led to the sacrifices, including a 100-year drought that also damaged the stalagmites and stalactites. The guide will also assist you in tricky parts, giving clear instructions on how to navigate certain terrain.
There are no modern conveniences inside, no lighting, handrails, or rest areas, and once you commit to entering, there’s no turning back halfway.
How much does it cost to tour the ATM Cave?
An ATM Cave tour typically costs between $110 and $140 USD / $220 and $280 BZD per person. This price usually includes the $30 USD /$60 BZD entrance fee for the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, transportation, guiding services, and a packed lunch.
Prices may vary slightly depending on the operator, season, and whether pickup is from San Ignacio or another town. Private tours can cost more but may offer a more personalised experience.
Is the ATM Cave worth it?
Honestly, the ATM Cave tour is not for everyone. For most travellers, the ATM Cave is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that justifies its cost and effort. But for others, it’s a physically demanding journey that may feel more stressful than enjoyable.
Visiting the ATM Cave is absolutely worth it if you:
However, the ATM Cave experience probably isn’t for you if you:
Another thing to note is that cameras are completely banned within the cave unless you gain a permit, as in 2012, a tourist accidentally dropped a camera and fractured a human skull estimated to be over one thousand years old. However, many operators will provide you with their stock images after the tour, and it would be too tricky and distracting to hold a GoPro and try to take your own photos when swimming and scrambling anyway.
If you’re considering skipping the ATM Cave but still want a taste of Belize’s underground natural wonders, there are other caves worth visiting, like St Herman’s Cave in St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park and Rio Frio Cave in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, and other incredible Mayan sites, like Caracol, Xunantunich, and Cahal Pech.
Is the ATM Cave safe?
The ATM Cave is considered safe when visited with a licensed guide and when following all instructions. The most common hazards are slips on wet rocks, minor scrapes, and fatigue from the physical demands, but guides are trained in first aid and know the safest ways to navigate tricky sections. Life jackets are generally not used, so visitors must be able to swim confidently. Because the cave remains in its natural state, there are no handrails, lighting, or constructed walkways, which adds to its authenticity, but care and attention are essential throughout the tour.
How to get to the ATM Cave
Most visitors reach the ATM Cave by joining a tour from San Ignacio or Belmopan, although tours can be arranged from other destinations, too. From San Ignacio, it’s about a 45-minute drive east on the George Price Highway to the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Tour companies provide transportation, as the route ends with a dirt road that can be rough in rainy conditions.
The ATM Cave is also easily accessible from stops along the Hummingbird Highway, which connects inland Belize to the coast and is considered Belize’s prettiest drive. If you’re driving in Belize, it’s less than an hour’s journey to San Ignacio, where you can meet your tour operator, or you could arrange to be picked up closer to the cave, around Belmopan or nearer the cave itself.
Independent travel is not possible due to the need for official guides and permits, but you could arrange a different meeting point with your tour operator by contacting them directly when booking.
When to visit the ATM Cave
The ATM Cave is open year-round, but the dry season (November to May) offers the easiest conditions for hiking and swimming. In the rainy season (June to October), water levels can rise, making certain parts of the cave more challenging to navigate or temporarily inaccessible. Tour operators monitor weather conditions closely and may cancel trips if flooding risks are high. Early morning departures are standard, ensuring cooler temperatures for the hike and more time in the cave before afternoon rains.
What to pack for the ATM Cave
Essential items include sturdy water shoes or hiking sandals with good grip, socks for walking in the Cathedral Room, a change of clothes for after the tour, and a towel. Swimwear is necessary as the entry involves swimming, and a dry bag is useful, but it’s best to leave anything you don’t need with your operator. Water and snacks are usually provided by tour operators, but bringing your own reusable water bottle is a good idea. Cameras, phones, and personal electronics are not allowed inside the cave.
What to wear to the ATM Cave
To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience in the ATM Cave, it’s important to pack the right things. Don’t forget to pack your:
Your tour operator will provide a helmet and headlamp for the cave exploration.
Where to stay to visit the ATM Cave
Most ATM Cave tours depart from San Ignacio, so this is a great place to stay. The town has a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury eco-lodges. Travellers seeking a quieter experience can choose to stay in one of Belize’s jungle lodges. Here are the top places to stay in San Ignacio:
San Ignacio Hotels
Actun Tunichil Muknal FAQs
To ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip, we’ve answered these frequently asked questions about the ATM Cave tour.
What is the best cave in Belize?
While Belize is home to many impressive caves, the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is often considered the most spectacular because it combines adventure and archaeology. Its untouched Mayan artefacts and calcified human remains make it unique among Belize’s caving experiences.
What does ATM stand for in Belize?
TM stands for Actun Tunichil Muknal, the name of Belize’s top caving attraction.
What does Actun Tunichil Muknal mean?
In the Mayan language, Actun Tunichil Muknal translates to ‘Cave of the Stone Sepulchre‘, referring to a stone burial chamber within a cave. The name reflects the fact that the site contains the skeletal remains of Maya individuals, some likely sacrificial victims, left in situ deep inside a large, stone-lined ceremonial chamber (often referred to as the Cathedral Room).
How difficult is the ATM Cave tour?
The ATM Cave tour is moderately to highly challenging. It involves a 45-minute jungle hike with river crossings, swimming into the cave entrance, climbing over rocks, and navigating narrow passages. Good fitness, swimming ability, and comfort in dark, enclosed spaces are important.
Is the ATM Cave dangerous?
The ATM Cave isn’t inherently dangerous when visited with a licensed guide and when you follow instructions carefully, but it does come with physical risks. The journey involves hiking over uneven jungle terrain, crossing rivers, swimming into the cave entrance, scrambling over wet rocks, and navigating narrow passages. The most common incidents are minor slips, bumps, and scrapes from rocks.
How deep is the ATM Cave?
The cave extends several miles underground, but tours generally go about 1.5 to 2.5 miles (3 to 4 km) before turning back. Depth varies, but you will encounter water up to chest level and sections requiring swimming.
How long is the ATM cave
The full mapped cave system is about 3 miles (4.8 km) long, though visitors only explore a portion of it during tours. It consists of a long river passage for around 2 miles (3.2 km) and a series of upper prehistoric passages for another mile. The cave’s upper passage is located about a third of the way in from the lower entrance, where artefacts and 14 skeletal remains have been found.
How long does an ATM Cave tour take?
A typical tour lasts between 7 and 9 hours door-to-door, including transportation, with the exploration inside the cave taking around 3 hours. Leave a full day clear for the experience.
How much to tip an ATM tour guide?
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. Many visitors give around $10–$20 USD per person for a full-day tour, depending on the quality of service.
How many skeletons are in an ATM Cave?
Archaeologists have identified the remains of at least 14 individuals inside the ATM Cave, including adults and children. Other caves in Belize have hundreds of remains, and it’s possible there are many more skeletons in the ATM Cave which haven’t been discovered.
How do I get from Belize City to ATM Cave?
From Belize City, you can drive or take a bus to San Ignacio or Belmopan to pick up a tour. Most ATM Cave tours depart from San Ignacio and include transportation to the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, followed by the guided hike and cave exploration.
Read next:
A Traveller’s Guide to San Ignacio
21 Incredible Things to Do in San Ignacio
Visiting Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins in San Ignacio
How to Visit Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
Exploring the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Is it worth visiting Caracol Mayan Ruins?
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