Mayan Ceremonial Cave Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM)

They came into Xib’alba with only wooden torches to light their way, the dancing flames casting ghostly shadows on the cave walls … it was the underworld to them, the realm of the spirits where they could make contact with their ancestors and please some of their most important gods. Located in Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve within the Cayo District, Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) was extensively used by the ancient Mayas between 300 and 900 AD. ATM, as it is known, is an archaeological museum in itself, its floors littered with over 200 ceramic vessels and numerous crystallized human skeletons – this cave was one of the main sacrificial sites in Maya times. We highly recommend this adventure for the fans of Mayan history, anthropology and archaeology.