San Ignacio: Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Full-Day Tour

Highlights

• Enjoy amazing geological formations such as sparkling stalactites, flow stones
• Discover the underworld where kings & shamans entered to communicate with gods
• Swim in the crystal clear water of the underworld

Description

Depart from San Ignacio, it is almost a 45-minute van ride to the Park Reserve. On arrival, participants are broken up into small groups with 6 participants to a guide. The guide starts with an overall explanation of the day's proceedings and assists everybody with adjusting the safety gear; we then head to the starting point. This would be the first of 3 river crossings, this being the deepest point, there is a rope bank across the river to assist with a safe river crossing. In the other crossings, the water level is fairly shallow, ankle-deep. After a 45-minute hike, we arrive at the mouth of the cave; with the guide swimming across to the ledge for a safety demonstration. Make your way into the cave, swimming and then walking through the main water passage until you reach the boulder and head to the dry chamber. To enter the chamber, you will be required to slip off your shoes to protect the cave as artifacts are lying on the cave floor. Marvel at the cave's artifacts, most of which have been calcified into the ground, unmoved even by archaeologists. Learn about the rituals and ceremonies, bloodletting offerings, food offerings, and human offerings, including the 15 human remains uncovered by archaeologists. To access the last chamber, you will climb a ladder to see full skeletal remains before exiting the cave in the same way you came in. You will hike back to the parking lot before replenishing yourself with lunch and returning to San Ignacio.

Includes

Entrance fees Water, snacks Lunch Rum punch Tour guide Transportation Equipment rental

Important Information

• Cameras are not allowed Please bring a complete change of clothes, closed-toe footwear, a pair of socks, mosquito repellent, and a towel

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund