Belize Tours & Adventures with Trained Jungle Guides
Belize Tours & Adventures with Trained Jungle Guides
Hidden in the jungle near San Ignacio lies one of Belize’s most extraordinary treasures: the ATM Cave, short for Actun Tunichil Muknal, the “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher.”
This is not just a cave. It is a sacred Maya site — a place of rituals, offerings, and mystery. Inside, you’ll find pottery, tools, altars, and even human remains, including the famous Crystal Maiden, whose bones shimmer in calcite.
Today, the ATM Cave is both an adventure and a museum, and visiting it is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Belize.
This guide will cover everything you need to know before visiting — from safety rules and packing tips to history and what you’ll see inside.
The ATM Cave is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, about 45 minutes from San Ignacio by road, followed by a 45-minute jungle hike with three river crossings.
Most tours begin in San Ignacio, the adventure hub of western Belize. Travelers coming from Belize City, Placencia, Hopkins, or the islands usually stay overnight in San Ignacio to make the timing easier.
It’s a full-day adventure — plan for an early start and a late afternoon return.
The ATM Cave is considered moderate to difficult.
💡 Recommended for: Active travelers, ages 12+. Children under 40 inches tall cannot enter.
Because the ATM Cave is sacred and fragile, it has strict rules:
👉 With licensed, CPR-certified guides, Pacz Tours has safely led thousands into the cave for over 28 years.
Bring only what you need — keep it light:
💡 Pacz Tours provides helmets, headlamps, and life vests.
If you have a flexible itinerary, plan your ATM tour early in your trip. That way, if rain closes the cave, you can reschedule for the next day.
The ATM Cave is a living time capsule of Maya civilization:
Every step tells a story — of a people seeking balance through ritual.
Yes, with a licensed guide and proper gear. Pacz Tours checks daily cave status for safety.
You should be comfortable swimming, climbing, and hiking for several hours.
To protect artifacts — photography accidents damaged irreplaceable items in the past.
Tours are rescheduled. Pacz Tours can also suggest alternatives like Barton Creek Cave or Xunantunich.
Children must be at least 40 inches tall. Recommended for ages 6+ due to physical demands.
The ATM Cave isn’t just an adventure — it’s a sacred site that connects us to Belize’s Maya past. Visiting is a privilege, and Pacz Tours emphasizes respect, safety, and cultural integrity.
That’s why we’ve been trusted by travelers for decades — and why the ATM Cave remains Belize’s most legendary tour.
If you’re ready to see Belize’s most sacred site for yourself:
