ATM Cave Belize: Hike, Swim & Explore Sacred Caves

Swim through underground rivers and climb through tight passages in a sacred cave formation

ATM Cave is a full-day activity in Belize where you hike through the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, then spend three hours inside a sacred cave system swimming, wading through river currents and climbing through rock passages with a guide. The experience includes a two-hour drive from Placencia, gear, lunch and an air-conditioned vehicle. It requires a high level of physical fitness and closed-toe hiking shoes with socks.

The experience

Your day starts with a two-hour drive through the Belize countryside to the village of Teakettle, passing through mahogany groves and orchards as you enter the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Once you arrive at the trailhead, you'll hike through the jungle for about 45 minutes before reaching the cave entrance. The terrain is uneven and the pace is steady, so the walk itself is part of the physical demand.

Inside the cave, you'll spend the next three hours hiking, swimming and exploring. You'll wade through moderately fast river currents while holding a rope, climb through rocks and navigate tight spaces: the guide leads you through the passages and explains the cave's significance as a sacred site. Cameras and pictures are not permitted inside, so you experience the cave directly rather than through a lens. You'll need to remove your hiking shoes partway through and wear socks instead. Neither bare feet nor shoes are allowed in certain sections.

This is a moderate-to-hard intensity activity. You need to be comfortable on uneven surfaces, crossing rivers with assistance, and squeezing through confined rock spaces. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, bug spray, socks and a backpack for personal items. The tour includes bottled water, park fees, all necessary gear, lunch and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• park fees.
• all cave gear.
• lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your hotel.
• a live guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Captain Jak's Tours and Rentals

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full-day cave adventure that combines hiking and swimming: the included vehicle pickup from Placencia means you can skip arranging your own transport and arrive ready to explore.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the drive time from Placencia to ATM Cave?

The drive to Teakettle village takes about two hours through the countryside, then you turn into the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and hike 45 minutes to reach the cave entrance.

Can I bring a camera inside the cave?

Cameras and pictures are not permitted inside ATM Cave, so you'll experience the passages and formations directly without recording them.

What physical demands should I expect inside the cave?

You'll cross rivers with moderately fast currents while holding a rope, climb through rocks and tight spaces, and wade through water: the guide assists you through each section. Closed-toe hiking shoes with socks are required. You'll remove your shoes in certain areas and wear socks only.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, lunch is included, along with bottled water, all cave gear, park fees and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What's the minimum age for this activity?

The minimum age is 12 years old. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.