Exploring Belize’s ATM Caves and Guatemala’s Tikal are two things you absolutely have to do if you visit Central America.
From the Belizian island of Caye Caulker, we returned to the mainland and travelled a few hours to the small town of San Ignacio. The town is home to a main square, large daily market, a few hotels, an iguana sanctuary and some ruins… But the main reason tourists visit the area is for the incredible Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves or the ATM Caves.
Taking A Tour Of The ATM Caves, Belize
The cave tour run is not for the faint hearted, although apparently it has been done by kids as young as 4 and as old as 90! It’s a combination of a jungle trek, river crossing, cave swim, rock climb and historical tour. You’re kitted out with helmets with lights and reminded you will definitely get wet!
After 45 mins we had waded across three rivers, and trekked through an amazing jungle. We reached the entrance of the caves, clambered over some slippery rocks and swam the first part of the journey into the depths of the cave. Once in it was a case of manoeuvring over rocks, sliding down slopes, squeezing through tiny gaps while always wading through the cold water. It was an exhilarating journey and the caves were so beautiful inside. Walls glistened with crystals, and looking up it was hard not be impressed by the cathedral-like ceiling.
