Belize's ATM Cave: Sacred Maya Underworld Expedition

Yesterday I took a trip with Mayawalk to the ATM cave for the second time in the last two weeks! From what I’ve see all the guides are personable and quite knowledgeable! I had the pleasure of having the same guide, Magdaleno both trips! He is a consummate guide and delivered a stellar experience both trips. The cave is a once-in-lifetime kind of experience that is hope to have many more times in my life! While I consider the cave experience itself t be a defining moment in my life, spiritually, personally and professionally, because of Magdaleno’s skill and passion, I know the trajectory of my life will be forever changed! All the staff from the driver Mr. Tate, to the lovely women who prepared and served the delicious post-hike picnic, Mayawalk delivers a world-class, one-of-kind experience that so wish everyone who comes to Belize gets a chance to experience! I know I’ll be back (booked third tour tomorrow to Xunantanich and cave tubing, and I’ve told everyone I’ve met and talked to since that this is an experience they must have firsthand. Mayawalk deserves the highest of praises and my sincerest appreciation for their attentiveness and service!

Hugh was awesome and was not only funny, he really knew the topic. He has been giving the tour for 15 years now and knows so much. I loved the way he took pride in explaining every detail. The lunch afterwards was great as was the whole experience. Highly recommend this tour, just be aware it’s has some challenges in the cave. Safe but exciting

I did the ATM Cave tour with MayaWalk Tours in November this year, and it was hands down one of the best tours I’ve ever experienced. Our guide, Christian, was absolutely amazing—friendly, helpful, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. I’m truly grateful for the wealth of information I learned from him, as well as the level of support I received throughout the tour. We visited the cave on a very busy day, but thanks to the way Christian timed our entry, it often felt like we had the cave to ourselves for long stretches of time. MayaWalk also keeps their groups small—our group consisted of just five people, and I was traveling solo—which made the experience feel much more personal and manageable. The tour itself is quite challenging, but Christian did a wonderful job guiding us every step of the way and pointing out areas where we needed to be more careful. I especially needed extra attention since I don’t know how to swim. We all wore life jackets, and Christian made sure I was able to move through the deeper waters safely, which I truly appreciated. Alex drove us to and from the cave, and I really enjoyed connecting with him as well and learning more about the region. He was also very friendly and helpful. A special shoutout to Sarah and Camy for accommodating my vegetarian meal request and serving a wonderful lunch. As a solo female traveler taking on a relatively challenging tour without knowing how to swim, I felt completely safe and well cared for throughout the entire experience.

Wasn’t sure what to expect, so I had quite a few surprises. This adventure is both fun and physical. Learning Mayan culture at the same time pushing my own comfort level. This is truly an unique experience!

This tour is a must-do when you are in San Ignacio. The organization MayaWalk is the most professional and I had a great tour with the best tour guide James and driver Eric. James gave us loads of useful information and gave us extra treatment in the cave like an extra challenging route. I had a great day.

Our group of six (ages 20 to late 60s) did the ATM Cave tour with James Martinez and it was the highlight of our Belize trip. The water was about a foot higher than normal due to recent rain, but we still felt completely safe. James Martinez was incredibly experienced and checked in with us constantly. Because our group was fit and adventurous, James took us through an advanced exit: the Washing Machine and Devil’s Spine. The Devil’s Spine was the most intense: a super narrow passage where you have to turn sideways, can’t touch the bottom, and rely on your life jacket and the limestone walls to guide you. At the final squeeze, your whole body goes under and only your head fits through the opening. Total adrenaline rush! Important to note, this route was optional and your guide will only take you if they know you’re capable. There’s an easier standard way out. Beyond the adventure, the cultural, biology, and archaeological aspects were unbelievable. Seeing preserved Mayan artifacts and ceremonial spaces was humbling and surreal. The guides do an excellent job of making sure everyone respects the cave and its significance. My husband and I highly recommend this tour.

It was, without a doubt, one of the most professional experiences I have ever had. From the very beginning, the level of organization and expertise was evident. James was an outstanding guide. He took the time to understand our interests in biology, geology, and archaeology, and tailored his explanations accordingly, always integrating the rich Maya culture into the experience. His knowledge was impressive and delivered in a clear, engaging, and respectful way. He was extremely kind, patient, and approachable, always happy to stop and answer questions, never rushing us, and allowing plenty of time to truly observe and appreciate everything that captured our attention. It was truly a privilege to experience the ATM Caves with him and MayaWalk Tours. I highly recommend them without hesitation.

It was a unique and unforgettable experience. This adventure was enriching and a lot of fun. Even though it was challenging, it was worthwhile in every way. The tour was well organized. James was my tour guide and he took excellent care of us as a group. He shared many interesting facts about history, archaeology, and mythology. Thank you so much, James. You made a huge contribution, as the guide is just as important as the sight itself. Above all, your passion for your work and this place was palpable. Many thanks to our driver, Orvin, who drove us safely and expertly, to Kamy, who provided us with delicious food, and also to Juan Carlos, who briefed us.

Richard was an amazing tour guide, rich with history of the Mayan people and well versed in the ecology of the area, so he was able to stop and show us a lot of different plants and birds. It is clear that he genuinely loves teaching people about the cave, Belize, & Mayan civilization more generally. The cave itself is phenomenal and such a worthwhile experience. The only thing I’d say is eat a big breakfast beforehand! Lunch can be late in the day (though it’s yummy!)

Not only is ATM a culturally significant site for the Mayans, it is also a beautiful cave. Add to that the adventure of getting into and navigating the cave, which makes this a must do activity in the San Ignacio area. We went with MayaWalk Tours and highly recommend them. I also want to give a shoutout to our guide Alex. He clearly has a passion for his job and his knowledge and sense of adventure greatly enhanced our experience.