ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL CAVE ALL INCLUSIVE DAY TOUR

Overview:

Deemed as the #1 Sacred Cave destination in the world by National Geographic, the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave is not only stunning with its crystalline stalactites and stalagmites but it is a natural museum providing insight into the world of the ancient Mayan. Taking a journey into the Mayan underworld at ATM, or the “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher”, will be one of the most enlightening, epic, and unique experiences of your life. Leave the world of the living behind as you venture into the heart of the ATM Cave with our knowledgeable and highly professional guides. Discover ancient artifacts and most excitingly, a sacred burial place containing the world oldest, fully preserved/intact, skeletal remains. This is known as the final resting place of the “Crystal Maiden”, who is believed to be an ancient Mayan Ceremonial victim along with 13 other skeletal remains which include men, women, and children.

This sacrificial site is accessed by a 45 minute drive from our office in San Ignacio.  Here we enter the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and park our vehicles at the ranger post.  From this point on we are on foot, hiking through the jungle for approximately 45 minutes to the entrance of the cave.  To access the cave, we swim across a small spring- fed pool and wade into the dark underworld of the cave that allows us access the extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways and chambers, climaxing in the ceremonial chamber housing stoneware, ceramics, the famed crystalized skeleton of the “Crystal Maiden”.  We spend approximately 3 hours in the cave at the guidance of our experienced guides.  

Leave your cameras behind and experience the power of ancient spirits with your mind, body, and soul.  This is not only a physical adventure but a journey into the spiritual realm.   We enter back into the jungle world and hike to our vehicles where we relax and enjoy a homemade picnic lunch with water and soft drinks before driving back to San Ignacio. 

Duration: 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Lunch Included: Vegetarian and Regular

Difficulty level:  Difficult

Involves climbing rock boulders, swimming, wading through water, navigating uneven surfaces. Life jackets are required and provided for all participants, who will also be escorted by our highly trained guides.

What to Bring:  Hiking sandals or trainers, socks (for preservation reasons), extra set of dry clothing, extra sandals or flip flops, small backpack, liter of water, bug spray, snacks, swim wear with shorts (Please note cameras are not allowed and only the guide will carry a dry bag into the cave). 

Age restriction: 8+