Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal, also known as ATM cave is a Maya archaeological site in Belize, which is near San Ignacio, Cayo district. Not only is it one of the most visited caves in Belize, but also one of the most outlandish caves in Maya cosmology.

In this cave, archaeologists have discovered more than 1,400 artifacts from the ancient Mayan culture including tools, weapons, ceramic and stone objects as well as a few parts of human bones scattered throughout the cave. It is believed that it was used as a religious site to perform sacrifices during wartime by the prehistoric Maya. More notably, the Actun Tunichil Muknal also has an extremely elaborate and sophisticated carved stone altar.

The ATM Cave is part of a larger cave system situated in the Tapir Mountain nature reserve, about a half-hour drive from Roared Creek via the West Highway. This cave is moist, therefore, visitors can swim into the mouth then paddle through ankle to chest high water before climbing to a labyrinth of dry chambers which lead to the cathedral-like main hall.

Location: Cayo District