19/04/2026
When researching what to do in Belize, this came up as one of the top recommendations.
ATM Cave, San Ignacio, Belize
It is unlike other tours you will ever do because…
Absolutely no phones or cameras are allowed on the tour. This is highly regulated by the government and they will look for bulging pockets, turning you around if you have one. (Thus these are not my pictures. I wanted a better sense of what to expect on our tour, and found these old pictures from an ATM Cave Google search for tour references.)
There are thousands of actual Mayan artifacts deep in the cave dating back to 900 AD including sacrificial skeletons.
You trek and traverse through water sometimes up to your neck, mostly at your ankles. You climb and crawl in other parts. At one point you take off your shoes and walk in socks. Your guide will tell you each and every step as needed for any hazards… then you pass the info along to those behind you like the game of telephone. Only 6 people max are allowed in each group with a guide. If your group has an additional amount they will split you up.
You can book this tour through your Belize lodging as most have connections with local guides. Otherwise you can book through a travel app like Get Your Guide (parentswhotravel5 will take off 5%) which provides a reputable local company as well.
You may also see a few scorpion spiders and bats off in the distance like we did inside the cave.
We wore old tennis shoes with socks for support through the water walking on rocks. Closed toed shoes recommended. I also wore leggings for warmth and scratch prevention. Or they recommend a long-sleeve rash guard.
It was a great adventure and one of our favorites of the trip!
