What to Wear to the ATM Cave 2026: Socks, Shoes & Rules

Booking choice: The MayaWalk ATM cave tour, from $145 per person. Check dates Compare the options below

Packing for the ATM cave is easier than it sounds, because the tour provides the helmet, headlamp and life jacket, and you are not allowed to carry cameras, phones or bags inside.

What you do need to get right are your shoes, a pair of socks and clothes that meet the site's rules, which are stricter than many people expect.

The quick answer

Wear quick-dry clothes you can swim in, with sleeves, and closed-toe shoes with grip that can get wet. Bring a pair of socks for the dry chamber, a reusable water bottle, and a full change of clothes and sandals for the ride back. Cameras, phones and bags are not allowed inside; helmet, headlamp and life jacket are provided.

A flat lay of water shoes, a long-sleeve shirt, shorts, socks, a towel and a water bottle on wood — The essentials: water shoes, sleeves, socks and dry clothes for later.

What should you wear to the ATM cave?

Quick-dry clothes that can get soaked, with sleeves: the site requires long-sleeve shirts, and some operators ban shorts and sleeveless tops.

The Institute of Archaeology lists long-sleeve shirts and footwear as mandatory. MayaWalk asks for modest clothing and does not allow spaghetti straps, bikinis, shorts or sleeveless shirts; other operators, like Belize Family Adventure, accept short pants. Check your operator's rules. Wear a swimsuit underneath if you like, and pick fabrics that will not weigh you down in the water.

Clothes sorted? The MayaWalk day provides the helmet, headlamp and life jacket.

Check dates for the MayaWalk ATM cave tour

What shoes should you wear?

Closed-toe shoes with a grippy sole that you do not mind soaking: water shoes, old trainers or hiking sandals with a toe cap.

Every listing asks for closed-toe footwear. You cross the river on the walk in, wade over stones inside the cave and climb wet rock, so grip matters more than comfort. Flip-flops and open sandals are not suitable.

A calm jungle river with dense forest on the far bank — You cross the river on foot on the way to the cave.

Why do you need socks in the ATM cave?

Because you take your shoes off in the upper dry chamber to protect the artifacts, and socks are required there.

Guests say it again and again: bring socks. One recommends thick socks, as you walk without shoes for a significant part of the tour. Pack a spare dry pair for the ride back too.

Visitors in helmets walking single file across the textured floor of a dry cave chamber — In the dry chambers, shoes come off and socks go on.

Can you bring a phone or camera into the ATM cave?

No. Cameras, phones and bags have been banned inside since 2012, and most operators ask you to leave them in the vehicle.

The ban followed a visitor dropping a camera onto an ancient skull, as told in the Crystal Maiden guide. MayaWalk says no cameras or electronics on the hike or in the cave. Guests describe leaving everything in the car except water bottles.

Visitors in helmets walking past tall stalagmites in a lit cave chamber — You will have to remember this part: no photos inside.

What should you leave in the van?

A full change of dry clothes, sandals or flip-flops, a towel and your ID.

MayaWalk asks for an extra set of dry clothing and sandals to change into after the tour, and ID at check-in. Guests describe changing into dry clothes after the hike, before the ride back. The combo tour provides towels; on others, bring your own.

Want towels, snacks and a second site thrown in? The combo adds Xunantunich after lunch.

★ 5.0 77 reviews · 9 hours · from $240

Explore the ATM cave and Xunantunich day

What gear does the tour provide?

A helmet with a headlamp and a life jacket, which the site requires, plus drinking water on most tours.

Bring a reusable water bottle: MayaWalk refills bottles, and Belize Family Adventure asks guests to bring one. You do not need your own flashlight or dry bag.

Swimmers in red helmets in a turquoise cave pool lit by daylight — Helmet, headlamp and life jacket are provided for the swim.

Do you need bug spray?

It helps on the jungle walk: MayaWalk says eco-friendly repellent is optional, and the Belize City tour lists mosquito repellent.

Long sleeves already help. Apply it only if needed and keep it to eco-friendly products, since you swim straight into the cave.

Packed? The pickup day includes lunch after the cave, so you only bring the clothes.

Check dates for the ATM cave tour with hotel pickup

What should you eat before the ATM cave?

A good breakfast: MayaWalk warns that lunch will be late.

Lunch comes after the cave, around the end of the tour. Guests praise the lunches, from MayaWalk's picnic to Belize Family Adventure's stew chicken, rice and beans. Vegetarian options are available on request.

A picnic table with plates of food, fruit and water bottles — Lunch is served after the cave.

Ready to go? The MayaWalk day ends with a picnic lunch and cancels free up to 24 hours before.

Check dates for the MayaWalk ATM cave tour

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear shorts to the ATM cave?

It depends on the operator. The site lists long-sleeve shirts as mandatory, MayaWalk does not allow shorts, and Belize Family Adventure accepts short pants. Check your booking.

Do I need hiking boots for the ATM cave?

No. Closed-toe shoes with grip that can get soaked are better than heavy boots, which fill with water.

Is there anywhere to leave valuables?

Guests leave everything in the tour vehicle except a water bottle. Bring as little as you can.

Does the ATM cave tour run in the rain?

Usually, yes: MayaWalk operates in all weather and cancels only for severe rain or flooding, when the site can close for safety. Dress to get wet either way.

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