Overview:

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a sacred cave located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in western Belize. The cave is carved out of limestone and features incredible crystal formations throughout the cave. Inside the cave you’ll find massive stalactites, stalagmites, columns and other formations. Most importantly, the cave features the remains of sacrificial victims that were placed here by the ancient Mayans who once inhabited Belize. Along with the human remains, hundreds of artifacts can be found in the cave including jade and pottery fragments, tools and jewelry. In 2009, Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in recognition of the sublime beauty and historical significance of this natural wonder. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is located in the Cayo District of Belize near San Ignacio in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. This cave has become a popular tourist attraction due to its fascinating geological features. The main attraction of the cave is its extensive cave formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites and columns, caused by groundwater seepage. The ceiling of the cave is covered with ancient artifacts including Maya pottery, obsidian spearheads, fish bones, bones of ancient animals and carved human skulls. It is also renowned for its collection of brilliantly colored and sparkling calcite crystals. The cave is illuminated with colorful lights which create a mystical atmosphere. The cave also contains a number of mysterious underground rivers and it is worth mentioning that no underwater exploration has been done so far. This is due to its religious significance for the local Maya who believe the cave is a sacred site. For this reason it is forbidden to swim, dive or use any kind of equipment in the cave. Only experienced and licensed tour guides are allowed to enter the cave. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is an ancient cave located in Belize that was used by the Mayan people for religious ceremonies and practices. The cave has remained largely untouched since the Mayan people’s last inhabitation sometime between 600 and 900 A.D. The cave is now important for its important archaeological discoveries and of course, for its unique crystal formations. The first account of the crystal formations in ATM dates back to 1994 when researchers from the United States investigated the site. Initially, they were unimpressed by the appearance of the crystals; however, as they explored further they began to see the true beauty of the rocks and minerals. The crystals come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes and are thought to have formed naturally millions of years ago. Over time, the cave became filled with water and minerals were slowly deposited, taking on the shapes we see today. Some of the most striking formations are the large, brilliant white gypsum crystals that can be found in abundance in the lower levels of the cave. The abundance of the gypsum crystals, combined with its whiteness, gave it the nickname of a “crystal palace.” In addition to the gypsum crystals, there are also a variety of quartz, fluorite, and calcite crystals scattered throughout the cave. The calcite crystals are particularly memorable, as they seem to glowing when exposed to light. These crystal formations in ATM are truly remarkable and have become a must-see tourist attraction in Belize. Despite their unique beauty, it is important to remember that they are still fragile and should be handled with great care to ensure their preservation. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, also known as ATM Cave, is located in Belize in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. 2. The cave is a part of the Teakettle Hill System, a formation of limestone formations that are part of a subsurface river system. 3. This archaeological site is of great importance, as it is one of the most spectacular sites of prehistoric Maya culture. 4. The cave was first discovered by the Westerners in 1989, when archaeologist Jaime Awe, accompanied by a team of guides, discovered the site by following an old Mayan Trail. 5. The name of the cave derives from the Mayan words “Actun”, which means “cave” and “Tunichil Muknal”, which means “the place of the stone sepulcher”. 6. The cave is believed to have been used for ritual purposes for centuries by the ancient Maya. The skeletal remains of 14 people have been found inside the cave, which are believed to be individuals that were part of the ritual sacrifices. 7. Inside the cave, over 25,000 artifacts have been discovered, such as pottery, rocks, tools, and even a complete human skeleton, believed to be the remains of a 20-year old Mayan woman that was sacrificed and decapitated. 8. Crystal formations, created by the limestone dripping over the centuries, can be found throughout the cave. The calcite depositions create unique structures of crystals that come in different shapes and sizes. 9. Due to the fragility of the site, ATM Cave was declared a protected archaeological reserve in 1998, which means that it can only be visited with a guide. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.