Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM caves is one of Belize’s most impressive adventure experiences and a rare opportunity to see ancient Maya ceremonial sites and altars as they were and virtually untouched for centuries.

Area

Mayan Mountains

Type

History

Wildlife & Nature

Who

Adults

Older Kids

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

Full Day

Actun Tunichil Muknal "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher" is one of the most impressive caves in the Maya lowland. Located in the heart of the Belizean Rainforest, this cave was a sacred place to the pre-Hispanic Mayas of Belize, who first began to use the entrance during the early classic period (300-600AD.) The cave system consists of a series of chambers, ending in a 300 by 50-meter Cathedral where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. Visitors to this cave have the opportunity to travel into the Maya past and witness a living museum where the human sacrifices and artifacts can be viewed in their original context. On the tour, you will drive to the trailhead and trek for 45 minutes through dense Jungle in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, wading across three streams and learning about the flora and fauna of the Jungle. At the entrance of the Cave, you will be outfitted in the necessary equipment. Some swimming will be required as well as climbing and caving activity. This is a first-class caving and archaeological experience. Please note: For this intense tour, guests must have a good level of physical fitness, including swimming ability, and be comfortable in small spaces. Children must be a mature 8 years or older and taller than 102 cm (40 "). Guests must wear comfortable, light-weight long pants or shorts and shirt that allow for easy movement and can get wet, and bring a full change of clothes. (Swimsuits are acceptable but you may get cold). Well-treaded sneakers, hiking boots, or high-quality river shoes with covered toes, and socks are required footwear. Mosquito repellent is prohibited because it washes off immediately when you get into the water to enter the cave. Cameras are strictly prohibited inside.

Tours Featuring This Experience

Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.

Family Fun in Belize

A wonderfully varied adventure combining vibrant Miami with Belize's verdant rainforests, remote and lesser explored Maya sites and local villages, wildlife, picturesque scenery and colourful coral reefs offshore offering superb snorkelling and diving.

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Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

Gaia River Lodge

Gaia River Lodge is a wonderful and peaceful retreat in the highlands of Belize. Perfect for honeymooners, this is a relaxing spot to experience some of the abundant natural diversity of Belize and its Mayan heritage, alongside comfort and good service.

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Hidden Valley Inn

A wonderfully remote rustic-chic lodge situated in Belize's picturesque Mountain Pine Ridge area, Hidden Valley Inn is great for walking, bird watching and exploring the waterfalls, caves and Mayan temples of the region.

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The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Successfully blending refined comfort with endless adventure opportunities, The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an established sustainable eco-resort and 365-acre private nature reserve, set alongside the banks of the Macal River in the Cayo District of Belize.

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Turtle Inn

Movie Director Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn is a rustic Indonesian style beach retreat set back from a narrow stretch of pearly white sands gently lapped by the Caribbean Sea on Belize’s southern coast, outside the sleepy Creole village of Placencia.

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Black Rock Lodge

Black Rock Lodge is a unique eco-lodge in the Cayo District of Belize. Surrounded by jungle wilderness and perched above the rushing Macal River, it is superbly located to explore the best of the region.

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Blancaneaux Lodge

Blancaneaux Lodge is movie director Francis Ford Coppola's romantic Mountain Pine Ridge retreat in western Belize home to 20 villas and cabanas surrounded by Mayan ruins, shimmering waterfalls, turquoise pools, lush vegetation and exotic wildlife.

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More Experiences in This Area

Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.

Xunantunich

Explore the majestic Mayan ruins at Xunantunich with your very own private guide. This classic period site was a thriving city near the end of the Classic period and provides an impressive view of the entire Mopan River valley.

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Horseback Riding Cayo District

Follow trails through the rain forest visiting Mayan plazas and ceremonial sites, including Skeleton Cave. Finish the day at Big Rock Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to your lodge.

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Activities at Gaia Riverlodge

Choose from a range of complimentary activities during your stay at Gaia Riverlodge, which are scheduled on a weekly timetable available on your arrival at the hotel.

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