Caving in Belize
 

hello,

Wondering if someone could recommend their favourite spot to try caving in belize. Perhaps somewhere where we could get wet?

Thanks in advance

Actun Tunichil Muknal is the #1 accessible caving experience in Belize. Most people consider it the highlight of their trip. You will have to go through water to get to it.

--Lan Sluder
www.belizefirst.com

I agree that the ATM cave is the place to go, as long as you are in reasonably good physical shape. It was one of the coolest things I have ever done. It is a wet cave... you will be hiking through water (occassionally swimming) for most of it. You will love it!

I have to agree as well. Jumping in the water and swimming into the cave was out of this world. This is a MUST!! You will love it. Have a great time.

I've heard other good things about ATM and based on what ya'll have added I have decided to definately visit. Thanks for the help!

I agree -this is a great experience. However, it is absolutely true that you need to: swim chest high (and higher), you need to squeeze through very tight spaces, you need to be able to climb, & you do need stamina. It was a long day. On the way to & from the caves, you need to ford the river. On the day that we went, the river was too high & the current too strong on the way there, which meant that our guide needed to lead us by bushwhacking through the jungle path with a machete for a long way in order to get us there. On the way back out, the river was down, so we forded the river (about waist or chest high). The current was still swift, so we all held hands. I must say that our guide, Carlos, was simply outstanding. He not only kept us safe, & kept us focused, but he was extremely well informed about Mayan archaeology & and anthropology, and we learned so much. Inside the caves, it is simply stunning, in natural beauty & in having the privilege of seeing this archaeological treasure. The hike to & from the caves is long as well. The whole experience was amazing, but I will admit that it was very difficult for me, as a middle-aged, fairly fit woman. Towards the end, I was close to tears at several points, because I was pretty much at my utter limit. The other 3 couples in our group were all college age & were less fazed by the physical demands. Still in all, I am glad to have done itaHaving done it, though, it is a

Sorry - the last post got sent prematurely - the end should read that. still in all, I am very glad to have done it.

I have a question. How tight are the spaces that you need to squeeze through? My husband is in very good shape but he's a large man ( 54" chest! )and 6'2" tall. Is this going to be a problem? We're going in April and this sounds like a lot of fun for us and our teenage boys. Thanks!!

I am also interested in doing the ATM caves but have concerns about being capable. We have done some things like that, but some of the descriptions make it sound very challenging. I know the kids (young adults) will be thrilled, but we would love to do it with them. Are there any middle aged people out there who have done the caves? Are there any good alternatives if we decide to try something else?

The ATM cave is a MUST do!! I'm F 40's and 40lbs overweight and did just fine. You have head lamps on so the challenges are light up in 3-5 ft spaces. Most do-able at that pace. The next day you are a little sore in spots you did'nt think you used, so worth it. Guides help us momma's just like we were their own!!!