Actun Tunichil Muknal is the name of the cave system.
It was never inhabited, but rather it was used as a location for various ceremonies. So far there have been 14 human remains and several artifacts found in the caves.
We started the day by flying from Caye Ambergris to Belize City. Then we drove deep into the interior of Belize to the capital city, Belmopan. From there we drove down some ruddy roads to a parking area for the Tapir reserve. We hiked a couple miles through the jungle to the cave opening. On the way we crossed the river three times. We went about a half mile into the cave. For the most part we were partially in water...stepping around and over rocks in the water and squeezing through watery tight spaces. At the deepest part of the journey we removed our shoes and climbed up to a dry part of the cave where several of the human remains and artifacts were found. We came out the same way we came in. After the hike through the jungle and the ride to Belize City we stayed at the Fort George Hotel in Belize City.
Carlos Panti - best guide for Cave Tours
David Andrews and Betsy
Carlos Panti - The Cave Man - and Betsy
One of three river crossings on the way to the cave
Jungle
Another river crossing- IMG_0080.JPG
- Cave Entrance - Actun Tunichil Muknal
IMG_0083.JPG
Gearing up (or down) outside the cave
Swim the cold waters into the cave
Betsy smiles even though the water is cold- Ken swimming in
The first corner in the cave- Betsy
Ken and Betsy
Getting settled for a safety talk
IMG_0100.JPG- IMG_0101.JPG
Ken
Ken and Betsy
IMG_0108.JPG- IMG_0111.JPG
- Ken
- Ken
Ken and Betsy
Betsy
Betsy
IMG_0121.JPG
More squeezing through rushing water- IMG_0126.JPG
- Here comes Betsy
- IMG_0128.JPG
- Sparkly mineral formation
- Formations lit by headlamps
IMG_0136.JPG
IMG_0138.JPG
IMG_0139.JPG- IMG_0140.JPG
IMG_0141.JPG- IMG_0142.JPG
IMG_0143.JPG- IMG_0146.JPG
- Passing under a formation
Climbing up
IMG_0154.JPG- Hand and foot placement are key
Took off our shoes - went in socks to preserve formations and artifacts- Betsy still having fun
IMG_0159.JPG- IMG_0162.JPG
- Mayan Pottery
IMG_0166.JPG- IMG_0174.JPG
IMG_0175.JPG
IMG_0176.JPG- More pottery
IMG_0180.JPG
IMG_0181.JPG- IMG_0182.JPG
- IMG_0185.JPG
Human skull- IMG_0189.JPG
- Human remains
The cave takes its name from these Mayan remains- Water Sepulcher or Water Skeleton - gets covered in water during rainy season
IMG_0206.JPG- IMG_0207.JPG
IMG_0208.JPG- Human Skull - same one pictured earlier - we were coming out of the cave
- IMG_0212.JPG
- IMG_0214.JPG
IMG_0216.JPG
IMG_0218.JPG- Careful climb down
Betsy coming through a crack to a small pool
The way out
IMG_0225.JPG
Pretty deep here- Near the exit - waiting for everyone to catch up
Cave exit
Cave exit- Still all smiles - now we have to walk through the jungle again
Airport in Belize City - right on the water
