Over Night A.T.M. Tour
We lead you through thick jungle paths, intricate labyrinths of beautifully formed wet and dry limestone caves that reveal the secrets of a lost underworld. Our adventure includes an adrenaline rushing rappel descent through jungle canopy and camping to the echoes of the night forest.
We lead you through the lush subtropical forest of the Tapir Mountain Reserve to the crystal blue waters surrounding the entrance of this remarkable limestone cave. Through its passages we encounter sparkling centuries old stalactites and stalagmites and discover hidden chambers full of Maya artifacts and remains that reveal the rituals and ceremonies of a lost world.
We start the day with an hour long drive, leaving San Ignacio, east for a half hour on the Western Highway and southeast off road for another half hour towards the Tapir Mountain Reserve.
At the bush line we leave our vehicle and gear up for a 45 minute jungle hike through the subtropical forest of the reserve. Hiking through the reserve (6741 acres) you may see some of Belize’s amazing wildlife, as this area is home to the Tapir, Jaguar, Howler Monkey, Silky Anteater, White Tail Deer to name a few.
We arrive at base camp which is used by the BVAR Archeology group. A hearty healthy lunch is followed by an introduction to the cave and the Maya. After gearing up with professional cave helmets, lights and waterproof bags, we venture to explore the underworld of the Maya.
At the cave entrance we have a short swim through crystal cave water, into passages filled with cave formations. Through the passages we learn about cave geology, as we encounter stalactites and stalagmites. We then follow the flowstone that leads into a hidden dry chamber. Here we start the tour of the Maya rituals and ceremonies, explore the remnants left and evidence of their activities. Our headlights help reveal hundreds of ancient Maya artifacts that were used in various ceremonies. We reach a breathtaking scene at the end of the cave. From here we make our way out of the main chamber and through the jungle tour vehicle back again to the town of San Ignacio.