Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour in Belize.

Geared up for our ATM Cave Tour Adventure

I plunged into the small spring-fed pool and swam inside of the cave. The crystalline water gave hues of blues and greens, especially at the entrance.

Our tour guide Abraham had led us through three river crossings in chilly water up to my chin, to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave. At first, I didn’t move, but with no choice, I took the plunge and swam to the cave and further inside since the water remained high for part of the way. The water was cold and being wet for the first half-mile, we felt chilled.

As a nonswimmer, I wore a life jacket to survive deep water levels and felt confident with the support. I wasn’t concerned with the panic of trying to keep my head above water and could enjoy the challenges ahead. As we walked or swam further into the cave, things started to get interesting, passing through narrow passageways.

Our group of six included myself, my husband Bill, two sons Matt and David, daughter-in-law Colleen, and our friend Patrick.

The stalactite formations were phenomenal because, according to our guide, they grow at a rate of 1/16th inch per year. Some stalactites were thousands of years old and formed in such a way that they were almost to the ground. We saw white stalactites and stalagmites that grew into each other resembling icicles hanging from the cave walls. I felt like we were in a winter wonderland inside of the cave. Abraham instructed us not to touch these sides of the cave because of the oils from our skin that could impact the formations by stunting the growth.

As we went more in-depth through the cave, the water level ranged from knee-high to neck high. We had to climb through narrow, rocky spaces, sometimes ascending massive tricky rock formations, and swim through tunnels. After about one-half mile into the cave, it became much more challenging as we approached the first boulder about 15 feet high.

My son David commented that the best part was seeing me looking at the rock as the guide was starting to give instructions on climbing it, and I was connecting the dots for the first time that we actually had to go up that rock. David said that my mouth dropped wide open as I stared at the boulder, thinking that everyone was joking, but they weren’t.

I honestly did NOT know how I was going to climb up that wet, slippery, mammoth boulder! Of course, I was elected to go first, so the challenge began. With our guide’s assistance from the top telling me where to put each foot every step of the way and the guys from the bottom, giving me a boost when needed, I made it. My son Matt was behind me trying to help. I couldn’t look back but said, “I don't care where you touch me, Matt, just get me up there!!”

We hoisted up to the next level, which was very high, where we sat on a ledge, took off our water shoes, and put on socks for the next half of the dry cave. We climbed a ramp, holding on to the edge of the cave wall to keep a grip. My son David hollered from up ahead, “Mom, don’t fall!” Then, he added, “Matt, stay close to mom.” Well, I had Abraham at my side holding my hand for support through challenging maneuvers. Abraham said,  “This is my new mamma.” 

We continued up to a higher level and entered the ceremonial chamber. We observed shards of pottery, ceramic bowls, and jugs that the Mayans brought in for offerings of food and water to the gods. There were smooth-rimmed, narrow-mouthed clay pots that held liquids and wide-mouthed that had contained food.

Abraham provided a wealth of information about how the Mayans performed ceremonial rites to the gods to try to appease them to get rain during the drought season in the late classic period, which was about 900 AD. When the gods didn’t give them rain, they started to bring in animals. Human sacrifices were brought in as well into the ceremonial cavern of young deformed skulls.

Further inside the cave, we came to the first set of scattered bones, deformed skulls, and human remains for live sacrifices. The Mayans brought into the cave typically young, strong children, usually of royal families, because they were more valuable to the gods.

We climbed a tall, narrow ladder that leaned against the cave wall up to the rear of the highest level of the cave. There, we saw a whole skeleton that was believed to be a sacrificial victim whose bones have been given a sparkling appearance by centuries of calcification, referred to as the Crystal Maiden.

We took a few moments to gaze at the climax of our tour before descending the ladder, walking back to the ledge where we took off our socks and put on water shoes. The dry part of the cave had passed. Now, we would return to the water and make our way out of the cave.

Through this tremendous energy-intense experience, I overcame the challenges of keeping up with the rest of the group in deep, cold water levels, as a nonswimmer, maneuvering through extremely narrow passageways, and climbing a gigantic boulder without missing a step.

The ATM Cave tour was the most adventurous highlight of the trip, and I was delighted to take the challenge and survive!