Overview:

: Actun Tunichil Muknal, commonly known as the Crystal Maiden Cave or ATM (a play on its initials), is an ancient Mayan ritual site located in Belize's Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. The cave is a limestone cave and contains a variety of artifacts, including clay pots, stone tools, and the remarkably preserved skeletal remains of a young woman, referred to as the Crystal Maiden. The Crystal Maiden is thought to have been sacrificed some time between 600-900 AD as part of a Mayan religious ritual. Actun Tunichil Muknal is open to experienced cavers and is often referred to as one of the top three cave experiences in Belize. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is one of the most popular attractions in Belize, located near San Ignacio Town. It is famous for its stunning crystalline formations, beautiful limestone formations, stunning underwater bodies of water, and the famous Crystal Maiden - a calcified skeleton of a teenage girl which was discovered in the cave. This ancient skeletal remains are over 1,000 years old and are believed to have been a victim of a human sacrifice during the Late Classic period of the Maya civilization. The Crystal Maiden is one of the most well-preserved three-dimensional artifacts of the Maya culture found to date. A variety of species of bats and other animals inhabit the cave and visitors may also get to witness some amazing views of beautiful wildlife. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Actun Tunichil Muknal cave (ATM) is an ancient Mayan archaeological site located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in the Cayo district of Belize. This cave was discovered in 1989, and based on carbon dating, the earliest material found within this cave dates back to approximately 600 BCE. The site contains extensive Mayan artifacts and human remains, including the famous ‘Crystal Maiden’. The Crystal Maiden is the skeletal remains of a young woman, thought to be between 14 and 21 years of age, who was possibly a contemporary of the late Classic (AD600-900) period of Mayan culture. She was first found by archaeologist Jaime Awe, who at the time of discovery speculated she was probably a human sacrifice, as is consistent with some Mayan rituals. The Crystal Maiden was sitting with her legs crossed on a recessed stone bench inside the cave, and her bones and body had become partially calcified by the calcite dripping from the cave walls. Exactly how the Crystal Maiden came to be in the Cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal is unknown, but some believe she was sacrificed as part of a ritual ceremony in the cave, where offerings of human beings and valuable items were made to the Mayan gods. The ‘Crystal Maiden', as she has come to be known, had many ceramic jars and other ritual artifacts with her when she was found, leading some to speculate she may have been the ritualistic offering, making her one of the most treasured archaeological finds in Belize. Today, Actun Tunichil Muknal is a popular destination for tourists willing to pay for the special tour that led visitors into the cave. People are drawn to the site for its archaeological importance and the mystery of the Crystal Maiden who has begun to capture the hearts of those who visit the once forgotten site. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is a Mayan sacrificial chamber located in Belize. 2. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, and is over 1,000 years old. 3. The cave is home to the skeletal remains of seven adults and one young woman, now known as the Crystal Maiden. 4. Her skeleton is noteworthy due to the calcification process that has occurred, resulting in her bones becoming encrusted with a film of sparkling calcite crystals. 5. The Crystal Maiden's identity is unknown and has been the subject of much debate. 6. The site is believed to have been used by the Mayans for ceremonial purposes, such as rituals associated with human sacrifice. 7. ATM Cave is the only Mayan site in the Central American region of Belize where human remains were found. 8. The cave has more artifacts than any known Maya site in the region, including over 250 artifacts, some of which are more than 1,400 years old. 9. The cave is today one of the most popular tourist attractions in Belize. 10. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.