Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)
Actun Tunichil Muknal
A Maya ceremonial cave entered by swimming through the entrance and wading inward. Inside, pottery remains, and the “Crystal Maiden,” a skeleton covered in calcite that shines like crystal.
ATM Cave was an underground world where the ancient Maya held ceremonies. Visitors must swim through a pool at the entrance, then wade and climb along an underground river for about 1 km until they reach a dry chamber. There they can see pottery jars, stone tools and human remains more than a thousand years old. The most famous is the skeleton of the “Crystal Maiden,” which is covered in calcite and glimmers with reflected light.
You must go with a licensed guide. The full trip takes about 7 to 8 hours, including hiking, and the tour costs about US$100 to 125. Cameras are not allowed inside the cave, and you must wear socks to enter the core area.
Opening hours
Guided tours only, about 7:30 am–4:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Thousand Foot Falls
- Barton Creek Cave
- Big Rock Falls
- St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park
- Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
- Rio On Pools
- Nohoch Che'en Cave Tubing
- Rio Frio Cave