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ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal)
San Ignacio, Belize
8 hours
Art & Culture
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Walking Tours
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Bus and Driving Tours
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History
Date
Today
What You Will Do
Let our guides take you back in time, explore the impressive underworld of the ATM Cave and enjoy one of the most enlightening experiences of your life. When you venture into the hour glass shaped entrance you will be welcomed by clear blue waters from the perennial stream that flows throughout the cave.
Along the way you will see ancient tools, pots and pieces and learn the history of the Mayan Civilization. As you travel deeper into the cave you will meet sacred burials and the Crystal Maiden complete and intact female remains covered in sparkling mineral deposits. Her death is sacrificial ritual for agricultural fertility.
Along the way you will see ancient tools, pots and pieces and learn the history of the Mayan Civilization. As you travel deeper into the cave you will meet sacred burials and the Crystal Maiden complete and intact female remains covered in sparkling mineral deposits. Her death is sacrificial ritual for agricultural fertility.
What's Included?
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Other
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
1
Actun Tunichil Muknal
3 hours
Actun Tunichil Muknal “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre” was first discovered in 1989. Located in the Tapir Mountain Reserve of the Cayo District near the village of Roaring Creek, this popular cave is rated as the #1 cave in Central America by National Geographic and listed as one of the top things to do in Belize. The ATM Cave is known to have been used by the Mayas for ceremonial purposes during the Classic Period. Most of the ceremonies and/or rituals were carried out at the entrance of the cave. The interior of the cave was considered to be more sacred for its proximity to the Mayan rain God, Chaak. Towards the end of the Classic Period, it is believed that the rituals moved deeper into the cave as a result of drought, thus believed to contribute to the collapse of the Mayan Civilization. The natural geological wonder of crystalline stalactites and stalagmites formations are not the only remarkable thing about the ATM. This 5-kilometer-long museum is filled with ancient Mayan artefacts and holds over 14 human skeletal remains of men, women and children.
Additional Information
This tour is independently operated by a third-party provider: Tukan Shuttles & Adventures.
Itineraries, descriptions, promotional content, and historic information are solely the responsibility of the tour operator and do not represent the views or positions of Marriott International, Inc.
Itineraries, descriptions, promotional content, and historic information are solely the responsibility of the tour operator and do not represent the views or positions of Marriott International, Inc.
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please disclose honestly all pre-existing relevant medical conditions accurately and fully when booking a tour or service, which may impact your ability to participate or travel to remote areas without access to medical facilities or may adversely affect the experience of others on your tour. We will maintain your information in accordance to the company privacy policy.
Guide Options
- Guide - English
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Become a Marriott Bonvoy member
Join Marriott Bonvoy for free and enjoy endless benefits. Travel is better as a member.