Booking choice: The MayaWalk ATM cave tour, from $145 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The day starts with a jungle walk with river crossings, then a swim into the cave, then about three hours of wading, scrambling over boulders and squeezing through narrow gaps, before you climb up into the dry chambers in your socks.
None of it is technical, and the guides show you where every hand and foot goes. But it is physical, wet and dark, and a few people are better off choosing something else.
The quick answer
Moderately hard. Expect a 45-minute jungle hike with three river crossings, a swim across a pool about 6 feet deep at the entrance, and around three hours of wading, climbing and tight squeezes. You must be able to swim, children must be at least 40 inches tall, and tours are not recommended if you have back or heart problems or are pregnant.
How hard is the ATM cave tour, step by step?
The hike is easy to moderate, the swim is short, and the inside of the cave is where the real effort is.
| Stage | What you do | How hard |
|---|---|---|
| Jungle hike | About 45 minutes, three river crossings | Easy to moderate |
| Cave entrance | Swim across a pool about 6 ft deep, in a life jacket | Short, but you must swim |
| Inside the cave | About 3 hours of wading, boulder scrambling and squeezes | The hard part |
| Dry chambers | Climb up and walk in socks past the artifacts | Careful rather than hard |
| Walk out | The same route back to daylight | Tiring after a long day |
Up for it? Guides set the pace in groups of up to six on the MayaWalk day.
Check dates for the MayaWalk ATM cave tourDo you have to swim in the ATM cave?
Yes: the cave entrance is a deep pool you swim across, and the Institute of Archaeology says visitors must be able to swim.
You wear a life jacket and helmet the whole time, and inside you are often wading chest-deep. Guests report guides keeping a close eye on weaker swimmers. If you cannot swim at all, this is not the tour for you.
How fit do you need to be?
Moderately fit: comfortable walking for hours, climbing over rocks and holding your own weight in awkward positions.
Most listings ask for moderate fitness; the Belize City and San Pedro trips ask for strong fitness. Guests describe scrambling up and down rocks, crawling through tight crevices and crouching, and many say it was more physically challenging than they expected. One guest rated it 5 out of 10 for difficulty; another said you should be capable of bouldering. When the river is high, guests report it gets more strenuous.
Is the ATM cave scary or claustrophobic?
It can be: there are narrow squeezes and dark water, but guides are patient and many nervous guests finish the tour.
One guest who does not love heights or small spaces was glad they went; another credits their guide with bringing them back from a claustrophobic freak out to complete the whole cave. But guests also warn it is not for anyone scared of the dark or small spaces. If tight gaps truly panic you, choose a gentler cave day.
Can kids do the ATM cave?
Yes, if they are at least 40 inches tall, can swim and are happy in water; most operators suggest older children.
Guests report doing it with an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old, and one parent did it with an 11-year-old on their 52nd birthday. One operator, Caves Branch, recommends ages 10 and up, and the Placencia trip does not recommend it for kids under 7. Age bands differ by listing: MayaWalk has a child rate for ages 6 to 11, while others treat everyone as an adult.
Bringing a strong young swimmer? Guests report patient guides with their 8-year-old on this day.
Explore the ATM cave tour with hotel pickupIs the ATM cave OK for older travelers?
For active, fit older travelers, yes; but guests warn it is not easy for the less fit or for many people over 50.
One guest wrote that it is not easy especially for the elderly (50 to 60 plus) and not if you are out of shape, citing very tight spaces and holding your body weight. Tours list age ranges up to 70 or older, so fitness matters more than age. The combo guests report guides being accommodating with slower members of the group.
Who should skip the ATM cave?
Non-swimmers, pregnant travelers, anyone with back or heart problems or serious medical conditions, and anyone who panics in tight dark spaces.
These come straight from the tour listings. If that is you, cave tubing is the gentler way to see Belize's river caves: see ATM cave or cave tubing.
Want an easier cave day? Cave tubing floats you through river caves with lunch included.
Check dates for the cave tubing dayHow can you make the day easier?
Eat a good breakfast, wear shoes with grip, go early, and keep a spare day in case of rain.
MayaWalk warns that lunch will be late, so eat well first. Guests recommend the morning tour to beat the crowds. After heavy rain the river rises and the site can close. See what to wear to the ATM cave for the kit.
Feeling ready? Pick an early date in your stay so a rain day does not cost you the cave.
Check dates for the MayaWalk ATM cave tourFrequently asked questions
Is the ATM cave dangerous?
It is physical rather than dangerous with a good guide: you wear a helmet, headlamp and life jacket, and guides tell you where to put your feet. Follow instructions and it is a safe day.
What is the minimum age for the ATM cave?
There is a 40-inch minimum height rather than a fixed age. Operators recommend anything from 7 to 10 and up.
Can non-swimmers do the ATM cave?
No. The Institute of Archaeology says visitors must be able to swim, and you swim into the cave entrance.
How long are you inside the cave?
About three hours, on a day that runs 7.5 to 9 hours from San Ignacio.
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Choose your tour
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
ATM Cave Tour and Picnic from San Ignacio
- Specially licensed ATM cave guide
- Transport from the MayaWalk office, 19 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio
- Helmet, headlamp and life jacket
ATM Cave & Nature Hike with Local Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio town
- Licensed local guide and all caving equipment
- Park entrance fee
Cave Tubing & Swim Adventure from San Ignacio
- Local guide, river tube and life vest
- Hotel pickup within San Ignacio town
- Lunch, snack, water and punch
