Exploring the ATM Caves in Belize and Tikal in Guatemala

Looking out over Tikal, Guatemala

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

This is one of the best things to do in Belize! The cave tour 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.

Wanderlust Chloe ATM Caves

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Caye Caulker Boat Tour – What To Expect

Belize

Caye Caulker in Belize is a paradise island with a motto of “Go Slow”. It turned out, on this boat trip, we’d be lucky to be moving at all!

I travelled to the Belizean island of Caye Caulker by water taxi from Belize City. Many people said this would be one of the highlights of my entire tour down Central America! It’s a paradise island, next-door to the island Madonna sang about in La Isla Bonita. Shack-like brightly coloured homes and weatherboard hotels line the 3 main streets, some on stilts waiting for storms to set in. Fishermen returned with their catches as we disembarked the boat. Life on Caye Caulker seemed relaxed and tranquil, and I could see why the island’s motto was ‘Go Slow’.

Wanderlust Chloe Caye Caulker Sea

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