Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave & Nature Hike From San Ignacio
This full-day adventure begins with a pickup at your San Ignacio hotel. From there, drive 45 minutes to a turnoff at Teakettle Village, then another 30 minutes along a dirt road to reach the Tapir Nature Reserve. During a flat, 45-minute hike through the tropical reserve, you'll encounter many native plant species and wade across the Roaring River three different times. At the entrance to the cave, you'll receive a safety briefing, and gear up with hardhats and headlamps. Enjoy a picnic lunch here either before or after exploring the cave, depending on what time your tour arrives. Your caving adventure will begin with a quick, refreshing swim across a pool of water at the hourglass-shaped cave entrance. Just a few minutes into the darkened depths, you’ll approach “the Breakdown” — the most challenging part of the adventure — where you will wade, swim, and scramble through rocky passages and squeeze through some tight crevices. Your guide will instruct the group how to safely navigate challenging areas. While passing through various chambers, stop to admire massive stalactite and stalagmite formations created by thousands of years of water passing through the cave. Light from your headlamp will illuminate shimmering columns and dripping formations that resemble waterfalls and chandeliers. To reach the cave’s highlight, climb up a stone platform to an expansive chamber where archaeologists discovered a treasure trove of ceremonial Mayan pottery and the remains of more than a dozen victims of human sacrifice. Most of these artifacts remain exactly where they were discovered, allowing you to get an amazingly up-close view. For the grand finale, climb a ladder into the uppermost chamber of the cavern, where you can marvel at the famous Crystal Maiden — a complete human skeleton covered in a crystalline substance caused by natural calcification. After spelunking your way back out of the cave, you’ll emerge into the sunlight and the cool water of the Roaring River, then prepare for the return hike and drive back to San Ignacio.
Highlights
- ✓Go spelunking with an expert guide in the cave, featured by National Geographic
- ✓Enjoy the landscapes by land and water for unique perspectives
- ✓Beat the crowds of better-known archeological sites at this hidden gem
- ✓Let someone else take care of logistics so you can focus on the sights
What's included
- ✓Local guide
- ✓Use of all necessary equipment
- ✓Entrance fees
- ✓Local Lunch (Stew Chicken Rice and beans or Vegeterian option)
- ✓Juice
- ✓In-vehicle air conditioning
- ✓Bottled water
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
- ✓Hotel pick-up and drop-off outside of San Ignacio Town
Good to know
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum height requirement is 40 inches
It is recommended that you wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing (short Pants, Long pants, T-shirt or long Sleeve) that can get wet, a change of clothes.
Hotel pick up and drop off is for hotels within San Ignacio town limits. For hotels outside of San Ignacio, a surcharge applies.
Pair of socks is required as portions of the cave shoes are removed.
Bring reusable Water bottle
National Park provides a waiver to be complete and sign before entering the National Park
Cameras, phones, and bags are strictly prohibited inside the cave to protect the site's integrity
No cameras allowed
We provide complimentary pick up for hotels within San Ignacio Town, hotels outside of town, a small surcharge applies contact our Office if you are outside of town
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave & Nature Hike From San Ignacio
This full-day adventure begins with a pickup at your San Ignacio hotel. From there, drive 45 minutes to a turnoff at Teakettle Village, then another 30 minutes along a dirt road to reach the Tapir Nature Reserve. During a flat, 45-minute hike through the tropical reserve, you'll encounter many native plant species and wade across the Roaring River three different times. At the entrance to the cave, you'll receive a safety briefing, and gear up with hardhats and headlamps. Enjoy a picnic lunch here either before or after exploring the cave, depending on what time your tour arrives. Your caving adventure will begin with a quick, refreshing swim across a pool of water at the hourglass-shaped cave entrance. Just a few minutes into the darkened depths, you’ll approach “the Breakdown” — the most challenging part of the adventure — where you will wade, swim, and scramble through rocky passages and squeeze through some tight crevices. Your guide will instruct the group how to safely navigate challenging areas. While passing through various chambers, stop to admire massive stalactite and stalagmite formations created by thousands of years of water passing through the cave. Light from your headlamp will illuminate shimmering columns and dripping formations that resemble waterfalls and chandeliers. To reach the cave’s highlight, climb up a stone platform to an expansive chamber where archaeologists discovered a treasure trove of ceremonial Mayan pottery and the remains of more than a dozen victims of human sacrifice. Most of these artifacts remain exactly where they were discovered, allowing you to get an amazingly up-close view. For the grand finale, climb a ladder into the uppermost chamber of the cavern, where you can marvel at the famous Crystal Maiden — a complete human skeleton covered in a crystalline substance caused by natural calcification. After spelunking your way back out of the cave, you’ll emerge into the sunlight and the cool water of the Roaring River, then prepare for the return hike and drive back to San Ignacio.
Highlights
- ✓Go spelunking with an expert guide in the cave, featured by National Geographic
- ✓Enjoy the landscapes by land and water for unique perspectives
- ✓Beat the crowds of better-known archeological sites at this hidden gem
- ✓Let someone else take care of logistics so you can focus on the sights
What's included
- ✓Local guide
- ✓Use of all necessary equipment
- ✓Entrance fees
- ✓Local Lunch (Stew Chicken Rice and beans or Vegeterian option)
- ✓Juice
- ✓In-vehicle air conditioning
- ✓Bottled water
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
- ✓Hotel pick-up and drop-off outside of San Ignacio Town
Good to know
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum height requirement is 40 inches
It is recommended that you wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing (short Pants, Long pants, T-shirt or long Sleeve) that can get wet, a change of clothes.
Hotel pick up and drop off is for hotels within San Ignacio town limits. For hotels outside of San Ignacio, a surcharge applies.
Pair of socks is required as portions of the cave shoes are removed.
Bring reusable Water bottle
National Park provides a waiver to be complete and sign before entering the National Park
Cameras, phones, and bags are strictly prohibited inside the cave to protect the site's integrity
No cameras allowed
We provide complimentary pick up for hotels within San Ignacio Town, hotels outside of town, a small surcharge applies contact our Office if you are outside of town
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.