ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL

For centuries the mysteries of the Mayan underworld have been hidden deep in the jungle. Discovered in 1989 and open to the general public since 1998, Actun Tunichil Muknal, the most wonderful and adventurous cave experience in Belize (and arguably the world!) was our destination for the day. Hiking through the Tapir Mountain Reserve through lush subtropical forest, CCSP staff and students came upon the crystal blue waters surrounding the entrance of the cave. To get into the cave you must enter the river and swim into the mouth of this deep, dark and mysterious underworld. For the next few hours we waded, hiked, climbed and swam in between centuries old stalactites and stalagmites. Not only is ATM a startlingly beautiful cave, but it is full of Mayan history, containing hundreds of artifacts that were left by people thousands of years ago. It was decided that the artifacts found in the cave would be left exactly where archaeologists found them so we had to be careful not to step on the clay pots, bones, and the full skeletons that rested beneath us on the ground. It is known that human sacrifice was a part of Mayan culture - the remains of 14 humans were found in ATM! Along the way we passed extraordinary calcite formations, a few which the Maya sculpted to create shadows of jaguars and kings on the walls when a fire is made.

After several hours in the dark wading through waste deep water the light at the end of the tunnel was refreshing. We learned so much today, not just about Speleology and the way caves were formed in Belize, but also the rich history played out in these caves by Mayan civilizations. What a peculiar and fascinating experience!