Belize Caving Expeditions — Local services in San Jose Succotz

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

I had my doubts about going for a tour of this cave, but our guide, Francisco (Cisco) Itza, prepared us very well. At the parking/staging area we were issued life jackets and helmets with lights, which were essential. We had packed our scuba flashlights, but forgot to bring them on the excursion. I think they would have been brighter than the headlamps, but we may not have been allowed to bring them.

We hiked for about 40-minutes on an often muddy path and crossed ‘refreshing’ Roaring River three times, which involved holding onto a rope and walking in chest-high water.

At the second staging site, a short walk before the mouth of the cave, Cisco went over safety information and the history of the Mayas’ association with the cave.

We swam into the cave single file behind Cisco. He instructed us where to touch for balance (three points of contact). We waded in knee-high to chest-high moving water, occasionally swimming, sometimes bending over, and even crawling. We stopped to see geologic formations in process, ones that are dormant due to no recent water contact, and inactive ones that are no longer touched by water.

As we progressed further into the cave, Cisco explained that the Mayans had traveled deeper and deeper into the underworld to appeal to their deities when their offerings closer to the cave mouth had not brought rain. The further in, the more gruesome the sacrifices. At the farthest point were human remains, the result of ‘sacrifices’.

The way back was fast because we were going with the river’s current and didn’t make any stops.

I have all confidence in Cisco, a real pro and a fountain of information that he received first hand. He lives in a Mayan community at the base of the Xunantunich ruin. He is a Mestizo (mix)—his father is a Yucatec Mayan and his mother is a Guatemalan of Spanish decent. His grandfather was a spelunker who mapped the caves in Belize and took young Cisco as his assistant.

This is a remarkable experience —exhilarating and educational. This is not Disneyland. It’s one of my top five. Thank you Cisco and Belize Caving...

This company run the shuttles from Flores- San Ignacio and from San Ignacio- Belize. I booked through another company but Belize Cave Expeditions actually run the bus and sort the logistics. The staff (Eli in the office and the drivers) were so helpful, particularly in arranging to pick me up and drop me off outside of town, where I was staying. Eli is easy to communicate with via WhatsApp to make arrangements. The drivers were so helpful and accommodating and also shared useful local information. I also did the ATM caves tour with this company. They offer a discounted tour rate if you are also using the shuttles, and the discounted rate put them at the cheaper end of the tours offered (although all Belize tours seem to be quite expensive). The guide for the ATM caves tour, Cisco, was brilliant. He shared lots of interesting information and took his time to make our cave experience enjoyable. We were the last group to leave the caves, so I felt we'd made the most of it. The lunch provided was also very good. The only downside to the trip was that we stopped at a shop on the way there for people to buy snacks, and waited for around 15 minutes, which felt like wasted time. I think it would be better if customers were asked to bring snacks with them if they need them. Overall, I loved the ATM caves tour. Definitely one of the best tours I've ever done. I wouldn't hesitate to book with Belize Cave Expeditions if I visit Belize...

Fantastic! Full day 12 hrs Mayan ruins and cave tubing. Marlin is super knowledgeable on the Mayan culture and college level knowledge of the site. A full day included lunch provided through the tour. They use a 3rd party vendor to cater the meal prep. I liked the idea from a health standpoint. Very good creole grilled chicken, chips, slaw, rice N beans, rum punch. I was afraid of climbing the Mayan ruins, but Marlin helped talk me through the high spots. His encouragement made all the difference in my experience. If you're lucky, he will spend some extra time in the cave explaining the geological formations. Helmets with light are provided. We rented Crocs for $3.00bz for the 30 min hike to the start. We had to carry the tubes and cross the river 2 times.You need a swim suit, there are showers and a bathroom at the start. There are no other facilities while on the tour. We were able to bring a bottle of water and pack out the empty.

Side note, as a group of 6, a cab just does not cut it. So, how do you get from the airport to the western side of the country? This company will also do transportation only to and from the airport, airport transfers. They met our flight with the last name of our group on a sign. They load and unload all the bags. They are on time. The vans have AC. They will stop when you want. We stopped several times on our 2 hour drive. Request them through your hotel...