The ATM Cave in Belize: What You Need to Know Before You Go

As soon as you make your way through the beautiful natural formations of the ATM cave in Belize, it’s crystal clear why it’s the most visited cave in the country.

Beyond the scenic environment there’s history and adventure in this archeological site where you’ll find artefacts and human remains that were part of sacred Mayan ceremonies.

The fame of the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal or Cave of the Stone Sepulchre) rose to new heights after grabbing the top spot on the National Geographic list of most sacred caves in the world.

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But before you make plans to enjoy one of the best things to do in Belize, there are a couple of things you need to know. In this guide I tell you what you should know before visiting the ATM Cave.

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What’s the Best Way to See the ATM Cave?

The only way to see the ATM Cave is by taking a tour with a company who has licensed guides on board, you can’t go by yourself. 

You must make reservations as only 125 visitors are allowed each day, in groups of up to eight people. Only licensed guides can get a hold of the tickets. 

We had a great experience with Pacz Tours (please note that this is NOT a sponsored review: I’m not being paid to write this, I wasn’t asked to write this, and we paid for the tour ourselves).

ATM Cave Tour including lunch: go on this exciting trip with knowledgeable and professional guides that will keep you safe, point out amazing natural formations inside the cave, and share interesting stories about the Mayan culture.
Explore ATM with Pacz Tours, with 89% 5-star rating of based on more than 55 reviews.

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What Should You Expect When Visiting the ATM Cave?

You’ll find some reviews saying that visiting the ATM Cave is a walk in the park and some saying that you have to be Bear Grylls. Based on my experience this is my take on it:

You’ll hike (more like a walk) for 45 minutes -one way- along the beautiful Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve on mostly flat, uneven terrain from the drop-off point to the entrance of the cave. 

Along the way the guide stops to point out native plants and trees and how Mayans used them in their daily life.

At three points (the first one happening early in the hike) you’ll cross the Roaring River holding on to a rope -a short swim that will take a few minutes-, with the water up to your chin or below your chest depending on your height and what time of the year you visit (rainy season or dry season).

“Is the water cold?”, I asked. 

“It’s refreshing”, the guide said. The Belizean way to say that it’s cold (not freezing, but cold).

You’ll cross the river one more time (with water around knee or waist level) and then swim a very short distance at the entrance of the cave. Your tour operator should provide you with a life jacket if you need one.

Once inside the cave there will be some walking, some crouching, some (easy) climbing, and lots of amazing natural formations that will deliver some Wow moments. You’ll make your way through spectacular formations courtesy of huge stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years.

Some spaces are wide and tall and made me feel like I was inside a cathedral. Some spaces are tight and narrow, where I barely had room to manoeuvre.

After crossing a few passages that are under ankle or knee-deep water (it doesn’t matter as you’re already soaked) and climbing a few big rocks and formations, you’ll arrive at the entrance of the impressive main chamber. 

When I say climbing I’m talking about going up three or four big rocks at a time, following instructions from your guide on where to place your hands and feet and in what order. I’m not talking about climbing as in going up a wall or requiring any equipment.

Once you’re on the lower section of the main chamber you must remove your shoes and walk on socks. Why? 

As you make your way up this section you’ll see many artefacts lying around in altars: pottery and tools used by early Mayans in funeral rites and worshipping ceremonies as early as 250 A.D., with more than a thousand objects recovered so far.

You’ll also see human bones semi-buried on the floor. 14 people (all male), including young children, were sacrificed here under the belief that it would make the gods happy.

Walking around in socks minimizes the damage to the site and makes you slow down and step more carefully.

My recommendation is to wear thick socks. I know thick socks are the last thing on your mind when you think of visiting Belize, but after feeling every single little prickly piece under my feet through my thin socks (hello, mineral deposits!), I wish I had thicker ones.

For the last part of the tour you’ll go up on a metal ladder (like a Louisville extension ladder) to see the other star of the show: the Crystal Maiden.

Or Crystal Boy… Some archeologists have debated this topic as women were not allowed inside the caves and the hips are on the narrow side. But, others say that this might have been a young woman with narrow hips.

What is clear is that the remains of the poor soul whose life ended here is partially buried under a thick layer of calcite, which gives it a mystic glow, as if it was covered in shiny crystals.

After spending around 3.5 hours inside the cave we walked back to the site entrance and went to the picnic area for a packed lunch that was included with the tour. There are bathrooms and changing rooms where you can change into dry clothes.

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How Difficult Is the ATM Cave?

For me, the level of difficulty was moderate.

In the section above I give you a detailed description of what you can expect so you can have a general idea of how difficult it may be for you.

If you can walk non-stop in the woods for 45 minutes you shouldn’t have any issues with the hike. The swims are short so no problem there either even if you can’t swim, as you can ask for a lifejacket.

The most challenging part takes place inside the cave, mostly because you must move carefully on the slippery sections and at times you must walk over boulders that are under water.

Some of the rocks you’ll climb are tall and you must be strong enough to push yourself up using your arms and legs.

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Is the ATM Cave Claustrophobic?

Even though there are wide sections with high ceilings, you’ll have to go through some tight passages where you don’t have much room to wiggle. 

It’s also a rather dark environment. Not pitch black, but not bright either as the headlamps provided by your tour company are the only light source most of the time.

If you can tolerate squeezing your way through a few narrow spots without freaking out, give it a try. Otherwise, I would skip this activity. Keep in mind that, after all, you’ll spend more than three hours inside a cave. 

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Does the ATM Cave Flood?

At the height of the rainy season the ATM cave floods. During that time all tours are cancelled. If this is up there on your bucket list (very well deserved spot!), plan your trip during the dry season.

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What Should I Wear at the ATM Cave?

These are the items you should bring with you to make your trip more comfortable:

-A pair of closed-toe water shoes with a good grip will be your best friend. Avoid wearing sneakers as it’s not fun to walk on soaked shoes.

-Quick dry shorts and tank tops or T-shirts that you don’t mind getting slightly dirty (not fun to walk in soaked cotton shirts or jeans).  If you don’t want the skin in your arms and shoulders to rub off against the walls of the cave (there are tight spots, remember?) bring a quick dry long sleeve shirt.

-Socks. This is non-negotiable: no socks, no tour. Better for your feet if they’re thick.

-A change of clothes (it will make your return trip -and whoever sits next to you in the van- more comfortable).

-A quick-dry towel

-Reusable water bottle (no single-use plastic)

You may also want to pack a light snack and bring a small dry bag to carry your socks, snacks, water, etc.

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Can I Bring a Camera to the ATM Cave?

Absolutely not. This includes cell phones, GoPros and any image-recording device.

Years ago a tourist on a quest to take a picture that would make the Mayan gods proud dropped his camera on a skull and broke it. 

Off With His Head!, must have screamed the gods.

And Off With Their Cameras!, said the Belizean government. No exceptions.

In addition to ensuring that no other holes are poked through any other skulls (other than the ones that were done for the sacrifices), the no-camera policy allows you to be aware of your surroundings and to pay full attention to the guide’s instructions on where to step and where not to step. 

Kind of hard to do when you’re playing with your phone.

But you won’t leave empty handed. Tour operators are happy to send you photos of the site.

Thank you Pacz Tours for sharing with me all the pictures published in this post and for giving permission to publish them.

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Where is the ATM Cave?

The ATM Cave is located inside the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, off the George Price Highway (Western Highway), between Belmopan and San Ignacio. 

You can arrange transportation with the tour operator or you can meet them at the ATM Cave sign on the highway, in the village of Teakettle.

This is also a popular day trip for people staying in San Pedro, in Ambergris Caye.

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The ATM Cave in Belize is a magical experience that combines adventure, nature, and archeology. After exploring its stunning formations and treasure, you’ll understand why it’s one of the top attractions in Central America.

Would you skip this adventure or are you eager to give it a try? If you prefer to pass, share this post with a friend you know would be first in line to go.

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