Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic

San Ignacio , Belize

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic

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(1162 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a mysterious and beautiful portal to the ancient Maya and their traditions, ceremonies and spirituality. This cave system served as a ceremonial site where the Maya performed sacrifices and other ceremonies as they dealt with extreme and harsh conditions in times of drought.

Explore this lush area surrounded by beautiful jungles, and the cave entrance is traversed by swimming across a crystal clear spring fed pool. Spend 3 hours in the cave after hiking in through the rain forest. Here you will see stunning artifacts, altars and the crystallized skeletons of the sacrificed girl, The Crystal Maiden.

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Actun Tunichil Muknal

Explore the Maya underworld, where the sounds of ancient bloodletting ceremonies still echo off the walls of the crystal Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM). As featured in National Geographic! <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Includes transportation to and from our office in San Ignacio

Explore the cave with an expert, specially licensed guide

Necessary equipment - Helmet, headlamps, Lifejackets

3-hour walking tour of cave system

Lunch with a drink

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Taking a journey into the Maya underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) or the “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre” for one of the most enlightening, epic and unique experiences of your life.

Leave the world of the living behind as you venture into the heart of the ATM Cave with your licensed guide. Recently deemed the #1 Sacred Cave destination in the world by National Geographic, the ATM cave is not only beautiful geologically with its crystalline stalactites and stalagmites, but also historically, as is a natural museum of ancient Maya artifacts, as well as a sacred burial place.
This is the final resting place of “Crystal Maiden,” an ancient Maya ceremonial victim, as well as the remains of 13 other sacrificed men, women and children. Your professional guides have led government officials, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, The British High Commission and US Embassy officials into the ATM Cave. This sacrificial site is accessed by a 45 minute drive from our office in San Ignacio.

Here we enter the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and park our vehicles at the ranger post. From this point on we are on foot, hiking through the jungle for approximately 45 minutes to the entrance of the cave. To access the cave we swim across a small spring- fed pool and wade into the dark underworld of the cave that allows us access the extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways and chambers, climaxing in the ceremonial chamber housing stoneware, ceramics, the famed crystallized skeleton of the “Crystal Maiden”.
We spend approximately 3 hours in the cave at the guidance of our experienced guides.

We enter back into the jungle world and hike to our vehicles where we relax and enjoy a homemade picnic lunch with water and soft drinks before driving back to San Ignacio.

Difficulty level: Moderate (involved some easy swimming and life jackets are provided for non-swimmers, who will also be escorted by our highly trained guide).

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off only if requested

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

220 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

942 reviews

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918

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Cancellations only due to severe rain or flooding

Guests must wear appropriate (Closed toe) shoes for walking through jungle and water

Guests must bring a pair of socks for the dry chamber in the cave

Minimum height requirement is 40inches

Vegetarian meal option available upon request

Bring along a change of dry clothes to be worn after the tour. This is a wet tour.

Clothes to be worn for the tour needs to be modest to respect the cave. Clothing such as macaroni straps, bikini, shorts and sleeveless shirts for both male and females are not allowed.

Eco friendly bug repellent is optional (Apply only if needed)

No cameras/ electronics are allowed on the hike and/or on in the cave.

Bring along a water bottle. We will have water available to refill your bottles.

Have a good breakfast before the tour. Lunch will be late.

Meeting point

Directions: MayaWalk Tours Main Office located between Tandoor Restaurant and Belize Bank

Return point: Returns to original departure point

Important notes

Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If as a result your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:
Hiking shoes/trainers (will get wet, toes must be protected)
socks (mandatory for preservation reasons)
extra set of dry clothing, extra sandals/flip flops
small backpack
Bring reusable water bottles
liter of water
bug spray
snacks
swim wear with shorts (Please note cameras are not allowed & only the guide will carry a dry bag into the cave).

About San Ignacio

San Ignacio is a vibrant town nestled in the Cayo District of Belize, known for its rich Maya heritage, lush jungles, and proximity to incredible natural wonders. It's a hub for adventure travel and cultural exploration, offering a mix of outdoor activities and historical sites.

Top Attractions

Cahal Pech Village Resort

A beautifully restored Maya site in the heart of San Ignacio, offering a glimpse into ancient Maya civilization.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (entry fee around $10 USD)

ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal)

A challenging but rewarding cave system with ancient Maya artifacts and human remains.

Adventure Full day Expensive (tours around $150-200 USD)

Green Hills Butterfly Ranch

A sanctuary for butterflies and other wildlife, offering a peaceful and educational experience.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget (entry fee around $5-10 USD)

Big Rock Falls

A stunning waterfall in the Mountain Pine Ridge area, perfect for swimming and picnicking.

Nature Half day to full day Free

San Ignacio Market

A bustling market offering local produce, crafts, and street food.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to browse, budget for purchases

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stewed Chicken

Chicken cooked in a rich, spicy sauce with tomatoes, onions, and peppers.

Main dish Contains meat

Tamales

Corn dough filled with meat or vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Rice and Beans

A staple dish of red beans and rice, often served with fried plantains.

Side dish Vegetarian

Garnaches

Small fried tortillas topped with refried beans, onions, and pickled onions.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Caving Hiking Zip-lining Birdwatching Nature walks Spa treatments Visiting Maya sites Local markets

Best Time to Visit

November to April

The dry season offers the best weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Days are warm and sunny, with cooler evenings.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Maya languages
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Belize Dollar (BZD)

Time Zone

GMT-6

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

San Ignacio is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas

Getting there

By air

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport • 120 km (75 miles)
Maya International Airport • 25 km (15 miles)

By bus

San Ignacio Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are affordable and frequent. They are a good way to get around town and to nearby attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown San Ignacio Bull Falls Area San Jose Succotz

Day trips

Caracol

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

One of the largest Maya sites in Belize, featuring impressive ruins and a rich history.

Mountain Pine Ridge

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

A scenic area with waterfalls, hiking trails, and lush forests.

Xunantunich

13 km (8 miles) • Half day

A well-preserved Maya site with a towering pyramid and beautiful views.

Festivals

Battle of San Jose Succotz • September 10 Cayo Cultural Festival • Annual, dates vary

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for a more authentic and informative experience.
Visit the ATM Cave for a unique and adventurous experience, but be prepared for a challenging hike.
Try local specialties like stewed chicken, tamales, and coconut candy.
Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and crafts.
Be prepared for both hot and rainy weather, especially during the wet season.