Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave
What to Expect on Your ATM Cave Tour in 2025
If you’re planning a trip to Belize in 2025 and wondering what adventure simply can’t be missed, the ATM Cave tour should be at the top of your list, and there’s no better way to experience it than with MayaWalk Tours, the trusted leader in Belizean cave exploration and the #1 Ranked Tour Operator in Western Belize (on TripAdvisor).
Widely regarded as one of the most incredible cave adventures in the world, the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave offers an unforgettable journey through history, nature, and the heart of Belize. This tour is not just about sightseeing, it’s about stepping back in time, immersing yourself in the mystery of the ancient Maya.
What Is the ATM Cave?
The ATM Cave, short for Actun Tunichil Muknal, meaning “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher”, is a sacred archaeological site located deep in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in western Belize. The cave is not only stunning with its crystalline stalactites and stalagmites, but also provides insight into the world of the ancient Maya. This remarkable cave was seen as a gateway into the underworld (Xibalba) and houses a wealth of artifacts such as Maya pottery, stone monuments, and stone tools, along with human skeletal remains. The cave is considered a significant site for the Maya and was used for sacrificial rituals, including human offerings. Of the 20 skeletal remains found in the cave, adults and children included, the most famous is a fully intact skeletal remains that sparkle with calcite crystals.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Refreshing water running through the cave
- A mix of tight spaces and huge chambers
- Impressive cave features
- Ancient Maya artifacts like pottery.
- The fully-intact skeleton of an individual thought to be a ceremonial ancient victim, along with several human remains preserved for over 1,000 years.
This is not a paved, museum-style experience. It’s a real, immersive cave expedition where you swim, climb, and explore, guided safely every step of the way.
What to Expect on Your ATM Cave Tour in 2025
Your journey starts with a scenic drive through the Belizean jungle. Once you reach the trailhead, you’ll hike for about 45 minutes, crossing shallow rivers and soaking in the lush tropical forest. Then, the real adventure begins:
- Swim across the cave’s entrance
- Navigate underground chambers and narrow passageways
- Witness ancient artifacts and skeletal remains, undisturbed in their original locations
The tour lasts roughly 8 hours from start to finish, and it’s physically demanding, so come prepared with a basic level of fitness, secure footwear, and zero fear of getting wet!
Is the ATM Cave Tour Safe?
Yes, but it’s important to go with experienced, certified guides. The cave is a protected archaeological site, and MayaWalk ensures all visitors follow strict safety protocols and respect the cultural significance of the space.
“We did the ATM Cave Tour with Our 5,8, and 10 year olds and it was incredible! Our guide Jr, was so good with the kids! He took so much time to explain everything that we were seeing.. including all of the plant and animal life on the hike to the start of the cave. We never felt rushed. Being in the cave was like being in another world and Maya Walk as a company really reiterates how important it is to respect where you are. We loved that about MayaWalk. All of the staff were professional and kind. The lunch after we came back from the cave tour was wonderful!” – TripAdvisor Review, 2024
Why Book the ATM Cave Tour with MayaWalk?
1. Expert Guides = A Deeper Experience
MayaWalk’s guides are not just there to lead you, they’re storytellers, historians, and adventure specialists. Visitors consistently praise MayaWalk’s team on TripAdvisor for their incredible knowledge, attention to safety, and passion for Belizean heritage.
“Our guide, Alex, was phenomenal. He shared so much great info about the cultural and historical reasoning behind the Mayans use of the cave. Everything was well planned and prepared. Lunch was great and the van and driver were also excellent. Highly recommend!” – TripAdvisor Review, 2025
“This was one of the most exciting and wholesome educational experiences ever! The trip was very smooth – the ride to the site, the gear that we needed to navigate the cave safely, the delicious lunch provided, and our very knowledgeable and entertaining guide, Andy, who helped make the excursion fun. Traveling through the cave waters was an adventure that couldn’t be replicated with other experiences. Learning about the Mayan people and rituals was enlightening. We would highly recommend this activity for anyone visiting Belize!” – TripAdvisor Review, 2025
2. All-Inclusive, Hassle-Free Adventure
The Tour includes:
- Highly Trained and Professional Guide
- Round-trip transportation from San Ignacio (PickUp Possible- Nearby)
- Safety gear: helmet, headlamp, and life jacket
- Park Entrance Fees
- A delicious homemade Belizean lunch
- Personal, small-group guiding experience
You just bring your sense of adventure, and MayaWalk takes care of the rest.
3. Top-Rated for Over 25 Years
MayaWalk has been guiding travelers through the ATM Cave for decades and has thousands of 5-star reviews to show for it. Their deep-rooted knowledge of the terrain and Mayan history ensures your experience is not only thrilling but meaningful.
4. More Privacy, More Comfort
We ensure the safety and comfort of our guests from start to finish. We are fully equipped with a fleet of highly maintained vehicles. In Addition, unlike other tour groups that often crowd around the same lunch areas, MayaWalk offers a more private and peaceful dining experience, allowing you to relax and refuel in nature, away from the hustle of other tour operators. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in your overall experience, giving you space to unwind and soak in the jungle atmosphere.
5. A True Bucket List Experience
Not all cave tours are created equal. The ATM Cave is consistently ranked as one of the top things to do in Belize, and for good reason. It’s raw, wild, and entirely authentic, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore a sacred Maya site that few people ever get to see.
6. Your Donation Matters
MayaWalk is a proud and dedicated supporter of the protection of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve (TMNR). Aaron Juan, the owner of MayaWalk Tours, is the founder and acting Executive Director of the Belize Karst Habitat Conservation (BKHC), the organization responsible for managing the reserve. The company is deeply intertwined with the conservation efforts spearheaded by BKHC. Aaron Juan’s dual role as the owner of MayaWalk and the founder of BKHC exemplifies this commitment. MayaWalk actively supports various initiatives to preserve the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the reserve. These include facilitating educational programs for visitors and locals alike, supporting scientific research, infrastructure development, and assist them in raising much-needed funds to carry out their various programs.
Tips for Visiting the ATM Cave in 2025
- Book early
- Bring a full change of clothes & a Towel
- No cameras allowed – To preserve the cave and its artifacts, photography is not permitted inside. But trust us: this is one memory you won’t forget. Plus, MayaWalk sends you images of the cave after the tour ends.
- Hiking shoes/trainers (will get wet, toes must be protected, NO WATER SHOES)
Final Verdict: Should You Book the ATM Cave Tour?
Absolutely. The ATM Cave tour with MayaWalk Tours will be one of the most enlightening, epic, and unique experiences of your life. It’s a journey into the past, a jungle adventure, and a deeply human experience rolled into one. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, or nature lover, or just looking for something unforgettable to do in Belize, the ATM Cave Tour is for you.
And in 2025, it’s still the #1 thing to do in Belize for good reason.
Ready to explore one of the most awe-inspiring caves in the world?
👉 Book Your ATM Cave Tour with MayaWalk today and unlock the mystery of the ancient Maya.
