I was invited by Tropic Air to go experience and explore the biggest and most amazing cave system in Belize called the ATM Cave as part of their tours that the airline provides. No! This was not the place where the Mayas use to go for a little cash; interested in knowing more, keep reading.
My adventure started as I departed on Tropic Air’s direct flight to Belmopan. On arrival I was greeted by my tour guide, Oscar Carbajal from Pacz Tours; then I hopped on to a minivan that took me on a 25-minute drive enjoying the green lands of San Ignacio. On arrival to the beautiful Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, I changed into my hiking clothes and was provided with my helmet gear. I was now ready for the 45-minute hike through the gorgeous dense Belizean jungle. During the hike I went through numerous jungle stream crossings; trust me the surroundings are picture perfect. With helmet gear on, Oscar took out the head lights for all the groups as we approached a crystal-clear stream flowing from the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM).
At the mouth of the cave instructions were assigned to me before entering the underground realm. Water-proof cameras are allowed, but if you don’t have one; don’t be bummed out your guide has his handy water-proof pouch to keep your camera safe. Once inside the cave, your guide then gives you the green light as to when you can use your camera to take memorable pictures.
The journey continued with a short swim at the mouth of the cave, taking me on my guided hike through this historical Mayan underworld. Quickly my mind shifted as my imagination took me back in time; I was in awe of the beautiful surroundings of the elaborate cave system. The massive cave stretches up to 3 miles in darkness and has 150,000 feet high chambers covered in limestone, streams and narrow passages. Keep note: you will get wet and great hiking shoes are totally necessary.
After a 15-minute hike, we got to a short snack break and given a brief history of the cave and why it was so special for the Mayas. The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave means the Cave of the Stone Sepulchre. During the time of drought and war in the Mayan cities, they chose caves to make their deadly and painful frequent sacrifices, because they knew that the gods considered the caves to be their domain.
After the impressive history lesson, the hike continued as we climbed a huge boulder. The tour guide asked me to take off my shoes and continue the hike with my socks; this is done so that artifacts are not damaged as you walk along the chamber. I made it to another chamber where there was evidence of a bloody sacrifice and amazing artifacts all over the floor and walls. My guide was proud to mention that most artifacts remain in place just as they were when they were discovered in 1989. The Mayas believed that the heart, blood and human breath were sacred substances in connecting to the gods, hence to continue the cycle of life.
Next we moved farther into the cave and we approached a ladder, which lead to the highlight of the ATM Cave. The Mayas started traveling deeper into the cave sacrificing their people because blood was not enough, but men were not the only ones being sacrificed. The Mayas started getting desperate because there was no rain for their crops to grow, so they started sacrificing virgins; women & children. Before me lay the limestone covered skeleton of the Mayan woman who was sacrificed hundreds of years ago. As I stared down at the impressive, yet sad scene, I turned my headlight off and paid my respects to a historical Mayan woman.
After 3 hours on this trail, it was then time to head back out of the amazing ATM Cave and as I hiked back I cherished every moment of this historical and impressive underground realm. My tour guide asked me to turn off my head light to enjoy the nature of the cave in its darkness and tranquility. Now the journey shifted to swimming and I noticed the amazing light coming from the mouth of the cave and I knew the unforgettable journey was over and it was time to head back to the reserve to enjoy a well deserved delicious lunch.
Soon it was time to get back in the minivan and off to a great flight back to Paradise. I would like to conclude by thanking Tropic Air for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this unforgettable experience. Take note, exploring this cave requires strenuous activity and confident swimming skills (children of the ages of 12yrs and older are allowed). I totally recommend this incredible excursion to everybody, and I mean Belizeans too.
Make note of all the strenuous activity inside the cave:
* Climbing
* Slithering
* Hiking
* Crawling
* Squeezing
* Swimming
* Squatting
For more information on this amazing excursion feel free to contact Tropic Air at 226-2012 or discount viagra europe
