Actun Tunichil Muknal Belize ☎ +501 668-4889 Last Updated: 03/01/2023 | |
Actun Tunichil Muknal, also known as ATM, is a cave system located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in Belize. The cave is famous for its extensive system of Mayan archaeological artifacts and skeletal remains, including the famous "Crystal Maiden," a calcified skeleton of a young woman believed to have been a sacrifice. | |
The cave system was used by the ancient Maya for both ceremonial and sacrificial purposes, and it contains numerous artifacts and remains from the Classic Period of Maya civilization (approximately 250 AD to 900 AD). The cave was first explored in the 1980s by a team of British cavers and archaeologists, and it has since become a popular tourist destination in Belize. Visitors to ATM are required to be accompanied by a licensed tour guide and must follow strict guidelines to protect the fragile cave system and its artifacts. The cave is accessed by a hike through the jungle and a swim across a river, followed by a challenging underground trek through water and rocky terrain. ATM is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, and it offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the ancient Maya civilization. |
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