ATM Cave In Belize: 10 Helpful Things To Know Before Visiting

Tell me the truth: Are you craving an Indiana Jones style adventure where you surmount the jungle, paddle through a stirring river crossing, and climb through the depths of a dark cave to witness ancient history? If this sounds right up your alley, the visiting the ATM Belize Cave is a must.

When Evan and I first heard about the ATM Cave in Belize, we immediately knew we wanted to add this adventure to our Belize itinerary. Cave exploring was at the top of our itinerary along with snorkeling, zip lining through the emerald green jungle, and relaxing at a rainforest resort.

After rupturing my Achilles a year prior, I was cleared just before our trip to run, climb, and walk uphill. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how my heel would hold up during the ATM Cave tour. That’s why I created this post to make it easier for anyone second guessing if they should embark on this ancient jungle adventure.

Below you’ll find a rundown of the best things to know before embarking on an ATM Belize Cave tour. By the end of the post, if you’re still undecided, I highly recommend going for it — as there’s nothing else comparable to this adventurous and sacred attraction. It’s one of the best things to do in Belize!

Feel free to jump ahead!

1. The ATM Cave in Belize is the # 1 sacred cave in the world

According to National Geographic this cave is “THE cave”. The ancient ATM Cave in Belize ranks number one on the list of “Sacred Places of a Lifetime” by National Geographic.

2. The ATM Cave is also the #1 visited cave in Belize

Not only is the ATM cave “THE cave” globally, it’s also one of the most visited caves in Belize. It’s truly unlike anything I’ve ever seen, as you rely heavily on your senses to guide through a unique underground world. So if you’re traveling to Belize, this is a must-do activity.

3. There’s a short hike before you reach the ATM cave

Yup, you read that right! Before you enter the magnificent cave there’s a short hike to get to there. Right away there will be a river crossing with a rope to help guide you across. According to our guide the river height can vary depending on the season you’re visiting. For reference, I’m 5’10”, and the water hit me mid chest.

The hike is relatively flat with some shady areas. I found the hike through the surrounding jungle quite beautiful and we even got to sample fresh coconut from the trees.

Additionally, it takes about 45 minutes to get the entrance of the cave (depending on your guides walking and talking speed) and there’s more river crossings.

4. Expect to swim and get soaked

Like I mentioned previously, this Indiana Jones adventure literally begins 200 feet away from the parked cars. In other words, expect to get soaked right away. You’ll dry off as you hike through the jungle, then get wet again. There will also be other river crossings, but the big showstopper is the refreshing swim into the cave.

Everyone has to swim here because the water is deep, but there are ways to skirt around the edge. If you can’t swim, don’t worry. Tell your guide and they’ll supply you with a life jacket beforehand.

Inside the cave there will also be a ton of water, but the amount of water is highly dependent on the time of year and rain. Taller individuals can just walk through them, but shorter individuals may have to swim a little again.

5. Wear comfy clothes to get wet in

Since you’ll be swimming, make sure to wear comfy active clothes you don’t mind being wet in. To be honest, I think we were wet 50% of the time and I actually got a little cold inside the caves. With that in mind, I highly recommend wearing quick-dry gear to the Belize ATM cave excursion.

I wore these moisture-wicking Lululemon shorts and a non-brand quick-dry athletic shirt. They dried extremely fast, especially compared to those who wore jean shorts and a regular t-shirt.

6. This includes wearing comfy shoes

It’s recommended to wear tennis shoes, but I love Chacos and Tevas. They’re the ultimate adventure shoes and I didn’t want to be hiking through the jungle with wet shoes. Although, I was nervous I might stub my toes in the water, but I never had an incident!

Honestly, they worked like a charm and are extremely supportive shoes!

So wear what’s comfy and supportive, and you’ll be more than prepared.

7. Look out for skeletal remains and artifacts

After you journey into the ritual areas, you’ll find ancient clay pots, knives, tools, weapons, and pieces of skeletal remains everywhere. There is only one fully intact skeletal remain that’s been calcified in the cave and exudes a crystallized glow. Your tour guide will point each of these out and explain their historical significance.

8. Admire the beautiful stalagmites and stalactites

Inside the cave and ceremonial areas you’ll find fascinating geology — stalagmites and stalactites — each ranging in various colors, appearance, and sizes. You’ll witness a wide range of colors, from shimmering reddish crystalize stalagmites and stalactites to black sparkly ones. Some may even resemble familiar faces or things, just like clouds do as you watch them drift in the sky.

What’s even more impressive is inside the cave the Mayans forged an altar by sculpting stalactites (source). This altar is how the ATM cave received its name.

9. ATM actually stands for Actun Tunichil Muknal

The name of the cave is called the Actun Tunichill Muknal Cave, also known as the ATM caves in Belize. It’s a Mayan name that signifies the “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher”, and is named after the stalactite altar the Mayans created.

10. Book a tour that comes with lunch

While you’re booking you may be going back and forth between — Will I actually want lunch? Can’t I pack my own? In short, the answer to both of those questions is a huge yes. But, splurging on a tour that comes with lunch is 100% worth it.

Tour companies can take dietary preferences and allergies into consideration. Plus, this is another way to get a tasty authentic Belizean meal. Our tour guide’s wife made our meal from scratch and it was amazing — sweet roasted plantains, savory rice and beans with a tinge of heat — you’ll never regret buying the food.

11. You can’t bring your camera into the ATM Cave in Belize

This is a new rule for any Belize ATM cave tour. Previously cameras were allowed, but there’s been a couple instances where flash photography has destroyed ancient ruins inside the cave. For example, our tour guide explained that there was another fully intact, calcified human skull. After repeated exposures to high amounts of flash, the forehead region of the skull collapsed. Now there’s no more cameras allowed.

I highly recommend snagging a couple photos before you trek through the jungle, then a couple after you’re done. This will make for an awesome before and after shot.

12. Pack water, but keep in mind you can’t bring it into the cave

Even though you can’t bring water into this sacred cave, it’s still really important to pack water. It’s a long trek into the jungle and through the caves, so you’ll likely be thirsty and hungry by the end. I know we definitely were!

13. This includes snacks too

When it comes to traveling, I always go heavy on the travel snacks. They work well in a pinch when you’re warding off a growling tummy and it’s a great travel hack for travelers with food allergies. (Just in case, here’s my go-to snack list and travel apps that are made with food allergies in mind).

Again, because this cave is sacred, you’re not allowed to bring snacks into the ATM caves. You are only allowed to carry water and snacks with you on the hiking trail before you enter the caves. There’s an area just before the entrance, where everyone leaves their waters or bags, so you’re safe to bring and leave your snacks here.

14. Almost any fitness level can do it

Flip through several tour companies reviews, blog posts, etc. and you may find conflicting views here. Some say it requires loose athletic abilities, while others claim absolutely anyone can do it. Speaking from someone who was a year out from Achilles repair surgery, I didn’t have any trouble caving in Belize.

During some portions of the journey I did have to take my time more than others since I moved slower, but I had no problem. I even wore Chacos, which held up well for hiking, swimming, and climbing.

15. Remember the ATM Cave in Belize is sacred

Ancient Mayans used this cave to sacrifice humans during the Classic Period. In fact, our tour guide mentioned, Mayans believed all caves were sacred as they symbolized the meaning of life. But the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave in particular is where the Mayans believed the gods of agriculture and rain dwelled.

While it’s truly amazing to witness this cave, just remember its sacred and treat it with care. Don’t veer off path, and don’t take anything. We’ve been told that people have stolen sacred and ancient artifacts from this cave before such as arrowheads.

What ATM Cave tour should you book?

When it comes to booking a Belize cave tour, you’ll be amazed by how many there are! Many tours can be found on TripAdvisor or at your hotel accommodation. Although, keep in mind if you’re booking a tour, I’ve found that smaller tour companies give you more “tour perks”.

For instance, our tour guide had his own tour company and worked for another company. When we booked straight through him, not only did he receive more commission, but our price was cheaper than others in our group.

To top if off, our tour included a home-cooked traditional Belizean meal — savory rice and beans, plantains, grilled chicken, salad, and a bottle Mama Sharp’s (aka the best hot sauce in the country).

My advice: book at your accommodation, but also ask them if you can book with a smaller tour company if possible. This worked like a charm for us!

Where should you stay in Belize?

To be honest, that will highly depend on the rest of your Belize vacation. Since we’re adventure enthusiasts who are obsessed with the jungle, we stayed at the Bocawina Rainforest Resort near Hopkins. There you’ll find zip lining through the jungle, waterfall rappelling, and so much more. To say the least, we loved our time here!

It’s an eco-friendly property that’s only a 30 minute drive to the nearby beach city, Hopkins. In addition, it’s about a two hour drive to San Ignacio, Belize. Here you’ll find the Mayan ruins, Cahal Pech, and the ATM Cave.

Keep in mind the ATM Cave isn’t technically in San Igancio. It’s located in Teakettle, which is 30 minutes away and closer to the city Belmopan.

Still, we made a day out of both!

First we drove to Teakettle for cave exploring, then ventured over to Cahal Pech in San Ignacio, grabbed dinner downtown, and drove back to the resort.

If you’re considering staying at a rainforest resort in Belize, read this popular post — What It’s Really Like To Stay In A Rainforest Resort.

However, if you’re planning to explore San Ignacio further, it may be best to stay in San Ignacio.

Here’s a couple jungle resort options:

Cassia Hill Resort

• Rating on Trip Advisor: 4 out of 5
• Price: $
• Pros: located on a private rainforest reserve, swimming pool, and spa

Black Rock Lodge

• Rating on Trip Advisor: 5 out of 5
• Price: $$
• Pros: Eco-friendly, wilderness lodge, and they grow their own produce

Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge, a Muy’Ono Resort

• Rating on Trip Advisor: 4.5 out of 5
• Price: $$$
• Pros: safari-chic vibes, romantic swinging bed, and they have a botanic garden

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