Overview:

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is an ancient Maya sacrificial cave located in western Belize. The cave is near the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and was opened to the public in 1998. Tourists visit the cave to explore the remains of Maya ritual activities, which include human and animal sacrifices, offerings of food, ceramics, jade, and pottery. ATM has become a popular tourist destination in Belize, as it offers an unique look at the history and culture of the ancient Mayans. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), also known as the Cave of the Stone Sepulchre, is an ancient Maya sacrificial cave located in Belize near the border of Guatemala. The cave has become famous for its rich archaeological treasures, including large skillets and ceramics filled with pieces of jade, shell, and obsidian. The cave also contains a number of skeletal remains, making it one of the only places in the world where the ancient Maya practiced ritual human sacrifice. The cave itself is believed to have been used as a sacred space by the Maya over a period of around 1000 years, from 250-750 AD. The cave is over a mile in length and contains a large central chamber, a labyrinth of tunnels, and several smaller caverns. In addition to its treasure-filled artifacts, the cave hosts some remarkable natural features, such as calcified formations, and a large central pool of water known as the Twilight Cenote. ATM is also the only known cave in the world to contain a pre-Columbian ceremonial altar, which is thought to have been used for human sacrifices. The location of the altar on top of a large boulder within the cave is something of a mystery, as it is placed far away from any of the other artifacts typically associated with ancient Maya rituals. Today, Actun Tunichil Muknal is an important archaeological and tourist site. The cave is carefully monitored and regulated by the Belize government, and tourists must be accompanied by a certified guide in order to enter the cave. Going to ATM has become a bucket list item for many travelers to Central America, and the area around the cave is now home to several tour companies offering guided tours. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is a unique cave located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in western Belize. It was first discovered by local villagers in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but it took 18 years for archeologists to gain access to the site. The cave is believed to have been used by the ancient Maya culture as a sacred place of ritual sacrifice. Archeological evidence indicates that it was in use from the Maya Classic period (c.250-900 AD) up to the end of the Terminal Classic period (c.900-1000 AD). Researchers have found a wide range of artifacts within the cave, including ceramics, flint blades, animal bones, jewelry, and various other remains. Most notably, they have found the skeletal remains of 14 individuals and one complete skeleton, which was believed to be a teenage pregnant female. The ritual sacrifice of human victims inside the cave was almost certainly part of a complex religious ceremony performed by the Maya. Analysis of the artifacts found in the cave and their general placement has revealed more information about Maya culture, specifically their spiritual beliefs concerning death and the afterlife. ATM is now a major tourist attraction in Belize, with hundreds of visitors flocking to the cave each day. It is not surprising then that the cave has been declared a National Monument by the government. Moreover, it is protected by a team of specialized guides and workers, who are there to protect the unique archeological finds within the cave. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Actun Tunichil Muknal, also known as ATM Cave, is a partially submerged cave in Belize that was used for sacrificial purposes by the ancient Maya. 2. This cave was first explored in 1989 and became open to tourists in 1998. The Mayan name for the cave means the “Cave of the Crystal Skelton”. 3. It is one of the most sacred sites of the ancient Mayans and has been described as an underworld portal to the ancient Maya world. 4. The cave is filled with crystal skulls, ceramics, tools and skeletal remains from 14 sacrificial victims from the pre-Classical Maya era (150-900 AD). 5. The most remarkable skeleton found in the cave is known as the “Crystal Maiden”. It is believed that she was sacrificed and her body covered in jade powder. 6. The cave has remained almost unchanged since the Mayans left it and continues to contain valuable artifacts from that time. 7. Due to its archaeological significance, the cave was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.