Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave with Local Lunch from San Ignacio

This full-day adventure begins with a pickup at your San Ignacio hotel. From there, drive 45 minutes to a turnoff at Teakettle Village, then another 30 minutes along a dirt road to reach the Tapir Nature Reserve. 

During a flat, 45-minute hike through the tropical reserve, you'll encounter many native plant species and wade across the Roaring River three different times. At the entrance to the cave, you'll receive a safety briefing, and gear up with hardhats and headlamps. Enjoy a picnic lunch here either before or after exploring the cave, depending on what time your tour arrives.

Your caving adventure will begin with a quick, refreshing swim across a pool of water at the hourglass-shaped cave entrance. Just a few minutes into the darkened depths, you’ll approach “the Breakdown” — the most challenging part of the adventure — where you will wade, swim, and scramble through rocky passages and squeeze through some tight crevices. Your guide will instruct the group how to safely navigate challenging areas. 

While passing through various chambers, stop to admire massive stalactite and stalagmite formations created by thousands of years of water passing through the cave. Light from your headlamp will illuminate shimmering columns and dripping formations that resemble waterfalls and chandeliers. 

To reach the cave’s highlight, climb up a stone platform to an expansive chamber where archaeologists discovered a treasure trove of ceremonial Mayan pottery and the remains of more than a dozen victims of human sacrifice. Most of these artifacts remain exactly where they were discovered, allowing you to get an amazingly up-close view. 

For the grand finale, climb a ladder into the uppermost chamber of the cavern, where you can marvel at the famous Crystal Maiden — a complete human skeleton covered in a crystalline substance caused by natural calcification. 

After spelunking your way back out of the cave, you’ll emerge into the sunlight and the cool water of the Roaring River, then prepare for the return hike and drive back to San Ignacio.

• Learn about the plants and wildlife of the Tapir Nature Reserve on a guided hike
• Enjoy a traditional lunch between hiking and caving
• Hotel pickup and drop-off make the excursion hassle free

Explore Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Caves and hike through the Tapir Nature Reserve on a guided trip that combines spelunking and exploring the jungle. While venturing into a cave on your own can be intimidating, traveling with a guide ensures the experience is safe, fun, and educational. Along the way, your guide points out Mayan artifacts and shares historic legends that you wouldn’t discover on your own.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking<br>Minimum height requirement is 40 inches <br>It is recommended that you wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing that can get wet, a change of clothes and bug spray. <br>Not wheelchair accessible<br>Not recommended for travelers with back problems<br>Not recommended for pregnant travelers<br>No heart problems or other serious medical conditions<br>Hotel pick up and drop off is for hotels within San Ignacio town limits. For hotels outside of San Ignacio, a surcharge applies.<br>Pair of socks is required as portions of the cave shoes are removed.<br>No cameras allowed<br>Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level<br>This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund<br>This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund<br>This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers