Description: The is a tour not to be missed if you plan on visiting Belize. ATM or Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is a fascinating place where you can see evidence of Mayan sacrifices, skulls and pottery in their original resting place. It is truly a journey into a place you would never think exists or actually have such great, close access to.
From San Ignacio it is a hour or so ride by shuttle to the trailhead. Then a half hour easy hike through dense green jungle and two shallow river crossings. i signed up with PACZ Tours, Francisco our guide led us through this great experience. Eventually you end up at a little shelter, stop to rest a bit. I went ahead and ate my provided lunch. Our group was about 8 people, ranging in age from teenager to adult. Guides must be certified by the state so using a tour company is a must. Eventually we gathered and headed into the cave. The entrance requires about a ten foot swim in crystal clear water. The rest of the cave is well..... I don't like to give away all the details. Just trust me, you won't want to pass this one up.
Here are some things to remember:
Even if you wear sport sandals BRING A PAIR OF SOCKS! You get to a point in the cave where it's dry and shoes are damaging the the fragile ground. So they are removed. The oils from bare feet are destructive to the cave floor. So wear socks or bring a pair in your pockets, please.
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