This tour sounds fascinating but we have some concerns as to whether it is overly challenging physically for us. We are fairly fit and energetic seniors but are not sure from the description we read from Mariposa Lodge that we should sign up for it. The Pacz tour did not give much of a description. Many thanks.
Belize tour ATM (Actun Tunichil Muknal)
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I think you'd be fine. The hike in isn't steep, the swim in not long, and, though there are some places you have to scramble, the guides are good about showing the best places to put your hands and feet. I think you can get a good idea of what it's like from our pictures in the 2009 collection here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections/
We used Pacz and were pleased:
http://pacztours.net/actun-tunichil-muknal/
Have a great trip, whatever you decide!
look at it on youtube
How long is the hike in? Is the terrain fairly flat for that portion?
I think it's about a mile and it's not completely flat but not steep. You do have to ford a river 3 times during the hike, though. We were there in August and the water wasn't deep (photo in the set mentioned above). Happy trails!
I didn't find it too physically challenging. I would consider myself to be in moderate physical shape. Certainly not above average and I had no problem with any part of the excursion. The walk to the cave was mainly on a flat path. I wouldn't call it a hike, it's a walk. As hopefulist mentions, you do have to cross a river 3 times during the hike, but it's not deep, I think the water was just about to my knees, maybe my thighs at the deepest part. Our guide was walking fairly quickly to the cave because he wanted to get there before anyone else arrived. The swim into the cave is very short. My husband can't really swim and he had no problem. The guide had him go around the edges of the cave and sort of push off against wall. There are some smaller areas to climb through and some walking in dark areas. There is one large wall to climb up but they told us exactly where to put your hands and feet.
It's designed for a tourist to be able to do, I don't think you'd have to be overly fit - I know I wasn't!
Thanks for the great info.!
I hiked ATM last year, at age 67. I think I had more trouble than others in my group because I am short and there are some large boulders to climb. I stayed just behind our guide and he showed me exactly where to place hands and feet. I loved the swimming part. It's an amazing experience. Go for it!
Mariposa set up the ATM trip for us.