Here we see Patrick Marchese hiking the jungles of Belize into a river filled cave to an ancient Mayan ceremonial area called Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM caves for short. The underworld was very important for the Mayans (9 levels of the underworld and 13 levels of heaven). Watch Pat in action here:

From the magestic mangrove lined tropical shores of Caye Caulker island to vine covered jungle trails leading to ancient Mayan under-world, river filled caves, this adventure in Belize and Guatemala was one we would recommend. The Mayan ruins in Tikal and the entire Mayan culture is extremely interesting, not to mention swimming with sharks, 4-wheeling and getting detained at the border! See the complete picture galleries by clicking on the image below:

http://www.daviddilling.com/Belize-Guatemala-Mayan_Tikal_2012.htm

We visited the impressive Mayan ruins in Tikal, Guatemala and found ourselves synchronized with a very interesting and well-spoken person and our guide for the day.

Danilo Rodriguez is his name but he is quick to add his ceremonial title of the Black Jaguar, whom is a Mayan expert and has worked on this site for more than twenty years. It seemed liked he knew everyone there and also is an expert (had his own shop for years) in jade and the use of jade in the ancient Mayan culture and their ceremonies.