'''Actun Tunichil Muknal''' (often abbreviated as the '''ATM''') is a cave formation in the Cayo region of Belize.

Understand

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (literally translated as "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher") is a relatively recent discovery and can be considered to be more of an eco-tourist destination rather than a traditional caving experience. Guides take great pains to stress the importance of Actun Tunichil Muknal as both a natural formation and a site of historical interest.

History

The cave was discovered in 1992, and was subsequently featured on the National Geographic Explorer film, ''Journey Through the Underworld''. Actun Tunichil Muknal represents one of the most well-preserved examples of pre-classical Mayan culture (around 700 - 900 AD), featuring skeletal remains of human sacrifices and scores of Mayan pottery and other ceremonial objects. Since then, the cave has been completely mapped and explored, covering a total distance of about 5.3 km.

The cave was opened to the public in 2000, and the artefacts within are in the same position as they were when the cave was first explored by researchers. These skeletal remains and Mayan objects are currently in the process of being properly demarcated by archeologists and the Belize Tourism Board to prevent damage unwittingly caused by tourists.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Get in/get out

Although the cave is relatively near to San Ignacio, the only road leading out of the town to the site is a bumpy and rural road that crosses a part of the Mopan River. In any case, a guide is required in order to have access to the caves, so taking a package tour with one of the licensed tour companies in San Ignacio would be the best option. Reputable tour companies offering the Actun Tunichil Muknal tour include: [http://www.mayatour.com/ Mayatour], [http://www.pacztours.net/ Pacz Tours] and [http://www.evasonline.com Eva's], each only several steps from the others in the heart of San Ignacio.

  • See

    Do

    Buy

    There is no gift store associated with this attraction.

    Eat

    As there are no dining establishments within the preserve, most tours will include a packed lunch, and recommend that you bring along a water bottle and snacks.

    Drink

    Sleep

    Lodging

    Camping

    Backcountry

    Stay safe

    As with any cave tour, the best way to remain safe is to comply with guide instructions and to keep with your group, refraining from exploring areas by yourself. As you get deeper into the cave, there is no natural light, and many areas require traversal through chest-high areas of water, as well as short rock formations to climb to to get to the main chambers. At no point should you separate from your guide/group.

    Additionally, because preserving the pristine nature of the cave - both its natural formations and its Mayan artefacts - is so important, following guide directions closely is a must. Help to retain the undisturbed nature of Actun Tunichil Muknal by complying with guide instructions on acceptable behaviour when exploring the cave. Planning is underway to create more clearly delineated paths in order to avoid inadvertent damage to the cave