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New ATM Cave Tour Requirements (2025 Update)

Official Notice — Pacz Tours, San Ignacio, Belize

The Institute of Archaeology (IA) under NICH (National Institute of Culture and History) has introduced new entry requirements for all visitors to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, effective January 2025.

These regulations apply to all licensed tour operators and visitors and are designed to maintain safety, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure smooth coordination between Pacz Tours and NICH.

⚠️ Information Required Before 4:30 P.M. on the Day Before Your Tour

To confirm your participation, you must submit the following details no later than 4:30 P.M. on the day prior to your scheduled ATM Cave tour:

  • Full Name (First and Last)
  • Email Address
  • Phone Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Nationality
  • Passport Number

This information is mandatory for NICH visitor registration.
Guests who do not submit these details cannot be cleared for entry into the cave.

⏰ Important: Because NICH requires this information by 4:30 P.M., last-minute bookings made after 4:30 P.M. the day before your tour cannot be accepted.
Same-day or late-evening reservations will need to be moved to the next available tour date.

🧾 Download & Complete the Official Liability Release Form

All visitors must also complete and sign the official ATM Cave Liability Release Form issued by the Institute of Archaeology.

This form confirms your understanding of the physical nature of the tour, including swimming, climbing, and walking through water and rock passages inside an active cave system.

You can:

  1. Print, sign, and bring the form with you on the morning of your tour, or
  2. Sign electronically and email it to Pacz Tours before 4:30 P.M. the day before your scheduled tour.

Note: No guest will be allowed to enter the cave without both a completed form and pre-submitted information.

🧍‍♂️ Additional 2025 ATM Cave Requirements

As outlined by the Institute of Archaeology (NICH), the following rules are now enforced for all visitors:

  1. Helmet, Light & Life Vest:
    All visitors must wear a helmet, have a light source, and wear a life vest before entering the cave.
    ✅ These items are required — and fully provided by Pacz Tours.
  2. Proper Footwear:
    Closed-toe shoes or water-shoes with grip are required. No flip-flops or open sandals.
  3. No Cameras or Phones:
    Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the cave. This protects both artifacts and the sacred environment.
  4. Height Requirement for Minors:
    Children must be at least 40 inches (1.02 m) tall and accompanied by an adult.
  5. Physical Fitness:
    Visitors should be reasonably fit, able to swim short distances, and comfortable in confined spaces.
  6. No Bags or Backpacks:
    Only guides may carry dry bags for emergency or medical items.
  7. Respect for Cultural Heritage:
    Touching, disturbing, or removing any object or formation is strictly prohibited under Belizean law.
Pacz Tours guide Jahir with three travelers in caving gear after completing the ATM Cave tour in Belize on December 6, 2024
Pacz Tours guide Jahir with three travelers in gear after completing the ATM Cave tour in Belize, December 2024.

📩 Submit Your Details to Pacz Tours

Use the form below to send your personal details and send your signed waiver(s) via email or whatsapp.

Or download our PDF form, fill out and send back to us. Download tour registration sheet

🕒 Why 4:30 P.M. Is the Cut-Off

NICH requires Pacz Tours to submit all guest names, nationalities, and waivers by 4:30 P.M. the day before each tour.
This rule ensures proper registration and guarantees that your guide is authorized to take you into the site.
If the cutoff is missed, your entry cannot be processed, and your booking will be moved to the next available day.

🧭 Your ATM Cave Experience with Pacz Tours

Pacz Tours provides:

  • Certified guides trained by the Institute of Archaeology (NICH)
  • All required safety gear (helmet, light, and life vest)
  • Transportation, park fees, and lunch
  • Safe document handling and permit coordination

Our mission is to make your visit unforgettable while fully compliant with Belize’s cultural protection laws.

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