Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
MÉRIDA
Santa Rita
It is a mystical place considered as the door to the underground world of the Mayans. Surrounded by exuberant vegetation there are cenotes and caves. The most visited are the Aktun Taman Grotto and the Aktun K'ab Grotto, which offer rock formations that resemble animals, plants or faces, as well as natural pools with crystalline waters.
To get to the first cave you have to travel by bicycle through the Mayan jungle and at the entrance rappel down approximately 9 m (30 ft). During the tour you will have to walk, drag and climb to see all the wonders that the cave has, as well as some vestiges of the ancient Mayans.
In the case of the Aktun K'ab Grotto, it has an entrance 2.5 m (8 ft) wide and along the way, crossing small precipices, climbing rocks and sliding on some stones, you can see beautiful formations and three pools with crystalline waters. Located in the municipality of Chema, just 18 minutes from Mérida.
Grutas Loltún
This cave is about two kilometers in length and is one of the biggest attractions in Yucatan. Evidence has been found here of human contact going back 7,000 year such as recovered bones of mammoth, bison, feline and deer bones, beside you will find some cave paintings.
A special feature in these caves are the columns that when struck with the flat side of your fist, can be played like musical instruments creating a deep sound similar to bells.
The caves are equipped with illuminated paths that lead to the enormous gallery known as the Cathedral, dry riverbeds and the majestic collapsed vault. Located an hour and a half from Mérida.
Caving in Yucatán
Grutas de Calcetohk
Inside the caves are a large system of interconnected tunnels and caverns, where it is possible to detect vestiges of the ancient inhabitants. There are many different paths so it is essential to take the tour with specialized guides.
There are three types of option to explore the caves: an hour tour for the family, the tow-hour adventure tour that included included having to crawl on the ground, climb some walls, slide down natural toboggan type slides, admiring the stalactite formations that let our imaginations run wild. And the five-hour extreme tour that involves some experience in cave exploration. Located very close to Loltún, just over an hour from Mérida.
Grutas Santa María
The caves have a rustic entrance through which you have to descend approximately 4 m (13 ft) with great care. Then you walk through a flooded passage until you reach a part where the rock narrows and, although the path divides in two, it reaches the same place, a chamber with amazing rock formations and on one side is the cenote, with its turquoise blue waters, where you can swim. Located in Homún, one hour from Mérida.
Grutas Chocantes
Its entrance resembles a snail and you walk down for about 50 m (164 ft) until you reach three vaults. Later you have to crawl on the ground in a tunnel for 300 m (984 ft) and discover the underground beauty, since its walls and floors seem covered with snow. It is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Located in Tekax an hour and a half from Mérida.
Grutas Xma’it
This beautiful natural formation has rock and mineral formations that, when in contact with light, offer a unique spectacle. In these caves you can enjoy rappelling.
In the rainy season, a waterfall forms inside the cavern that simulates a bridal veil, since the water filters through the rocks. Located in Tecax an hour and a half from Mérida.
Grutas Yaxnic
To reach its interior, you must descend about 60 m (197 ft) vertically and you will walk through narrow passageways. However, your effort will be rewarded by its fascinating rock formations, glass curtains and incredible capricious formations. Located in Tecax an hour and a half from Mérida.
Grutas de Tzabnah
To access the caves there are two paths, the first is the longest and has thirteen cenotes, the second, leads through the ancient Mayan roads and is shorter. You have to descend 17 m (56 ft) until you reach the cenote where fresh and salty waters mix, surrounded by rocky walls with capricious formations.
As you advance, you will have to cross deep precipices and various tunnels that lead to thirteen cenotes of various sizes that are the habitat of exotic animals such as: the Yucatan blind fish, the blind white lady, the mud eel, sponges, bivalves and shrimp. Located 40 minutes from Mérida in Tecoh.
Grutas y Cenote de San Ignacio
The access is with wooden stairs that lead you underground to reach its beautiful rock formations that are illuminated by a hole located on one side.
Its transparent turquoise waters are home to hundreds of fish. The place also has a restaurant, swimming pool, palapas and other services. Located 40 minutes from Mérida in Chocholá.
VALLADOLID
Grutas de Balankanche
The Balankanche cavesonce served as a ceremonial center for the ancient Mayas. You can enjoy a very beautiful light sound show narrating the story of this mystical place. Deep within this cave, stalactites and stalagmites have formed a giant sacred tree of the Maya, which is surrounded by ritual offerings left by these ancient Mayas. Located 6 km from Chichén Itzá and 40 minutes from Valladolid.