It was our first full day at Pook’s Hill Lodge and we were ready for our excursion. I had spent months hearing about how amazing the ATM (Actun Tunichil Muknal) Cave was from my travelers and I knew I needed to try it out for myself. Nick and I woke up to the sound of birds chirping and got dressed. The ATM Cave has strict regulations for what you should wear and what you can and cannot bring. We both wore quick dry clothes and close toed shoes with socks. We also made sure to leave our camera behind. We later learned that the reason cameras have been banned is due to travelers accidentally dropping them in the cave and causing damage to the remains.
My outfit for the ATM Cave (Katie Thies)
Nick modeling his outfit at for the ATM Cave. Don't forget your socks! (Katie Thies)
After breakfast and a 20 minute bumpy van ride we arrived at the start of the trail. We were the first people to get there and the only ones in our group. We met our guide and he supplied us with head lamps and helmets and we were on our way. We crossed three rivers and walked along the trail to get to the mouth of the cave. Our guide spent the walk telling us about the history of the Mayans in Belize and what the ATM Cave was used for – sacrifices to the gods. It started as sacrificing pots and grew to human sacrifice. After a few well-placed jokes about us being the next sacrifice we made it to the cave. We got into the water and swam on in. Shortly after we were walking through the water and climbing over rocks. Our guide explained all the different kinds of rock formations we were seeing and continued to explain the history behind the cave. After a while we reached a large rock that we climbed up. When we reached the top we were asked to remove our shoes and keep our socks on to protect our feet. Our guide then took us deeper into the cave showing us pottery and the remains of three Mayans. It was fascinating! After we had seen everything we made our way back out of the cave. It wasn’t until we were almost all the way out before we saw another tour group. Pook’s Hill has a wonderful relationship with the ATM Cave and therefore their travelers get to the cave before anyone else. As we walked back to the van I knew that this excursion would be a hard one to beat.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
