Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic
Highlights
- Mysterious journey into the Maya underworld
- Explore a natural museum of ancient Maya artifacts
- Witness the sacred burial place of the Crystal Maiden
- Swim across a crystal clear spring-fed pool
- Enjoy a homemade picnic lunch in the jungle
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Duration 9 hours
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Includes lunch and drink
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Expert guide provided
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All necessary equipment included
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Transportation from San Ignacio
Embark on an extraordinary adventure through the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, where you will discover the ancient secrets of the Maya civilization. This mystical cave served as a sacred ceremonial site, where the Maya performed sacred rituals and made sacrifices to confront the challenges of their harsh environment. Swim across a crystal clear spring-fed pool to enter the cave and be amazed by the stunning artifacts, altars, and the crystallized skeleton of the "Crystal Maiden." Led by experienced guides, you will spend three captivating hours exploring the extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways, and chambers. After the adventure, enjoy a delicious homemade picnic lunch in the lush beauty of the surrounding jungle. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and spirituality of the ancient Maya at Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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9 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in Spanish; Castilian, English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the ancient Maya world at Actun Tunichil Muknal with a guided cave tour and picnic in the beautiful Belizean jungle.
Included
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Includes transportation to and from our office in San Ignacio
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Explore the cave with an expert, specially licensed guide
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3-hour walking tour of cave system
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Necessary equipment - Helmet, headlamps, Lifejackets
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Lunch with a drink
Excluded
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Gratuities
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Hotel pickup and drop-off only if requested
Meeting Point
Directions: MayaWalk Tours Main Office located between Tandoor Restaurant and Belize Bank Return point: Returns to original departure point
19 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio , Belize
End Point
Directions: MayaWalk Tours Main Office located between Tandoor Restaurant and Belize Bank Return point: Returns to original departure point
19 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio , Belize
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Taking a journey into the Maya underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) or the “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre” for 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 your licensed guide. Recently deemed the #1 Sacred Cave destination in the world by National Geographic, the ATM cave is not only beautiful geologically with its crystalline stalactites and stalagmites, but also historically, as is a natural museum of ancient Maya artifacts, as well as a sacred burial place. This is the final resting place of “Crystal Maiden,” an ancient Maya ceremonial victim, as well as the remains of 13 other sacrificed men, women and children. Your professional guides have led government officials, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, The British High Commission and US Embassy officials into the ATM Cave. This sacrificial site is accessed by a 45 minute drive from our office in San Ignacio.
Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve
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 crystallized skeleton of the “Crystal Maiden”. We spend approximately 3 hours in the cave at the guidance of our experienced guides. 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. Difficulty level: Moderate (involved some easy swimming and life jackets are provided for non-swimmers, who will also be escorted by our highly trained guide).
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Bring along a change of dry clothes to be worn after the tour. This is a wet tour.
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Bring along a water bottle. We will have water available to refill your bottles.
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Cancellations only due to severe rain or flooding
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Clothes to be worn for the tour needs to be modest to respect the cave. Clothing such as macaroni straps, bikini, shorts and sleeveless shirts for both male and females are not allowed.
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Eco friendly bug repellent is optional (Apply only if needed)
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Form of Identification (ID) is required at check-in
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Guests must bring a pair of socks for the dry chamber in the cave
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Guests must wear appropriate (Closed toe) shoes for walking through jungle and water
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Have a good breakfast before the tour. Lunch will be late.
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Minimum height requirement is 40inches
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No cameras/ electronics are allowed on the hike and/or on in the cave.
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
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Tours are limited to 6 guests per guide. Larger groups (7+) will travel together while being assigned different guides.
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Vegetarian meal option available upon request
What our experts say
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Wear closed-toe shoes for safety.
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Bring a change of dry clothes after.
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Consider packing eco-friendly bug spray.
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Enjoy lunch at the nearby picnic area.
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Visit Tandoor for a great dinner nearby.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic is an extraordinary journey into the ancient Maya civilization and their rich traditions. This tour offers a captivating experience, taking travelers deep into the mystical cave system that served as a sacred site for Maya rituals and ceremonies. Immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of the Maya as you explore this mystical place surrounded by lush jungles.What to expect?
Embarking on the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic promises an awe-inspiring adventure. As you venture into the heart of the ATM Cave with a licensed guide, you will be greeted by the breathtaking beauty of crystalline stalactites and stalagmites. Prepare to be amazed not only by the geological wonders but also by the historical significance of this natural museum, housing ancient Maya artifacts and serving as a sacred burial site. Discover the remains of the "Crystal Maiden," an ancient Maya ceremonial victim, and thirteen other sacrificed individuals.Who is this for?
This tour is designed for history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and spiritual explorers who are eager to delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Maya civilization. Whether you have a deep love for archaeology, a fascination with ancient rituals, or a curiosity about the Maya's connection with the spiritual realm, this tour caters to diverse interests and backgrounds. The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic is for anyone who appreciates discovering hidden gems and immersing themselves in ancient history.Why book this?
Uniquely positioned as the #1 Sacred Cave destination in the world by National Geographic, Actun Tunichil Muknal guarantees an extraordinary experience. Led by experienced guides who have accompanied esteemed organizations and officials, including National Geographic and the British High Commission, this tour ensures a safe and enlightening journey. Explore the extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways, and chambers, and witness the archaeological wonders curated by the ancient Maya themselves. Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic offers unparalleled historical and spiritual insights that no other destination can provide.Good to know
The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic requires a moderate level of physical fitness, involving some easy swimming. Life jackets are provided for non-swimmers, ensuring everyone's safety. The tour lasts approximately 540 minutes, including a 45-minute hike through the jungle and a 3-hour exploration of the cave. After the tour, you'll enjoy a delicious homemade picnic lunch in the scenic surroundings. Don't forget to bring your curiosity, camera, and a sense of adventure to fully immerse yourself in this captivating experience.Reviews
Travelers who have embarked on the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic have praised its ability to transport them into the heart of the ancient Maya civilization. They rave about the knowledgeable and professional guides who provide fascinating insights into the historical and cultural significance of the cave. Visitors are left in awe of the stunning artifacts, altars, and the crystallized remains of the sacrificed girl. The overall satisfaction with the performance of the tour is evident in the glowing reviews, leaving travelers with memorable and life-changing experiences.This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is