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
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Cave Entrance - Actun Tunichil Muknal
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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
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Ken
Ken and Betsy
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Ken
Ken
Ken and Betsy
Betsy
Betsy
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More squeezing through rushing water
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Here comes Betsy
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Sparkly mineral formation
Formations lit by headlamps
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Passing under a formation
Climbing up
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Hand and foot placement are key
Took off our shoes - went in socks to preserve formations and artifacts
Betsy still having fun
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Mayan Pottery
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More pottery
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Human skull
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Human remains
The cave takes its name from these Mayan remains
Water Sepulcher or Water Skeleton - gets covered in water during rainy season
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Human Skull - same one pictured earlier - we were coming out of the cave
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Careful climb down
Betsy coming through a crack to a small pool
The way out
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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