If you are planning a trip to Belize, you’ve probably heard all about the Great Blue Hole and the incredible diving in the Caribbean. But let me tell you a secret: besides the underwater world, Belize’s biggest and best attraction is hidden underground, near San Ignacio.
I’m talking about Actun Tunichil Muknal, better known as the ATM Cave. I’ve visited many caves around the world in my life, but this was, without a doubt, the best cave experience I’ve ever had. Today, I’m going to tell you why you need to add this to your itinerary—and the things nobody tells you before you go. Or watch my video with all the complete tips:
What Makes the ATM Cave So Special?
The ATM Cave isn’t just a contemplative walk. It is a full-on physical and historical adventure. To start, you don’t just walk in; you actually have to swim to enter the cave.
Once inside, you hike through a subterranean stream with water up to your waist (or even your chest!), equipped with a life vest and a helmet. You spend about an hour and a half exploring massive chambers filled with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. There is even a narrow passage nicknamed “the neck-cut,” where you have to position your body just right to pass through, but I promise: it’s totally manageable and incredibly exciting!
A Deep Dive into History and Maya Sacrifices
What truly sets the ATM Cave apart from any other cave in the world is what has been preserved inside: actual human remains and untouched Maya offerings.
As you explore the upper chambers, you come face-to-face with skulls, full skeletons, and pottery that is thousands of years old. The Maya believed the cave was the entrance to the underworld (Xibalba). During a long period of drought, they performed human sacrifices to ask the gods for rain.
The most shocking part is learning that they often sacrificed the children of the elite, believing that “noble blood” was the best offering. Seeing these calcified bones on the cave floor is a spine-chilling experience and a historical lesson that no museum can ever replicate.
Practical Tips: What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’re excited to go, here are the “straight talk” facts so you aren’t caught off guard:
- No Cameras or Phones Allowed: Yes, you read that right. It is strictly forbidden to take any camera or cell phone inside the cave (a tourist dropped a camera on a skull years ago and damaged the relic, hence the ban). The photos you see online are usually provided by the tour companies after the trip. If you only travel for the “gram,” you might be frustrated, but if you travel for the experience, it’s worth every second.
- Physical Preparation: You’ll hike for about 30 minutes through the jungle to reach the entrance, and then you face the exploration inside the water. It’s tiring but extremely rewarding.
- Price: The tour costs between $125 and $150 USD per person. It’s a bit on the expensive side, I know, but considering it’s one of the most impressive caves in the world and includes a specialized guide and transport, it’s worth the investment.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! San Ignacio is the second-largest city in Belize and serves as the perfect base for this adventure. If you want to keep a memory that will last a lifetime—even without the photo on your phone—the ATM Cave is a must-do.
