Once
considered sacred spots by the Mayans, caves in Guatemala are a
newly-discovered adventure for tourists in Guatemala. Following is a
list of the most popular and accessible:
AKTUN KAN:
Location: Peten area, near Santa
Elena
Known as the "cave of the
serpent," because of a large snake that used to live there, Aktun Kan
is an easy cave to tour without a guide. Lights have been installed
and there is a small charge for entering the cave.
AVAILABLE TOURS
CANDELARIA:
Location: Cobán
area, 7 miles west of Raxrúja
To explore this very large system of caves,
a guided tour arranged through one of the agencies is almost always
required. A river, the Rio Candelaria, runs through the cave making
most of the rooms only accessible by raft or kayak. NOT
EASILY ACCESSIBLE, LA
CANDELARIA CAVES has no facilities and is located in the small
village of Chisec-- 66 kms on bad dirt road, only for
real adventurous people, isolated, difficult.
AVAILABLE TOURS
JOBITZINAJ:
Location: Peten area, near Santa
Elena
This smaller cave has not yet been
developed
as far as lighting or tours. You must bring your own
flashlight and explore on your own.
AVAILABLE TOURS
LANQUÍN:
Location: Cobán
area, about 2 hours
outside of the city
A very interesting cave to see, because of
the unique rock fromations, Lanquín is a national park in Alta Verapaz.
The setting is quite spectacular, with the Rio Lanquín flowing out the
cave into the jungle-covered canyon. This cave has electric lights
which can be turned on with the assistance of the caretaker. It is
not necessary to have a guide.
AVAILABLE TOURS
NAJ
TUNICH:
Location: Petén area, near Poptún
Naj Tunich is well worth a visit because of
its beautiful walls decorated with frescos and hieroglyphics, made by the
Mayans in about 800 B.C. It was considered a sacred spot by the
ancient Mayans. Today, access is limited and you may need to go on
an organized tour, which can be arranged at Finca Ixabel, a farm right
outside of Poptún.
AVAILABLE TOURS
SAN JUAN
CHAMELCO:
Location: Cobán area, right outside
of the town of San Juan Chamelco
San Juan Chamelco is a large cave that
requires going on an organized tour, as most of the cave has water running
through it. Check with tourist agencies in Cobán.
AVAILABLE TOURS
SAN PEDRO MARTIR:
Location: Guatemala City area, near
the town of Palín
San Pedro Martir is famous for its
beautiful blue-green river and waterfall, which both appear to be flowing
uphill. Check with the locals, in the town of Palín, about
access.
AVAILABLE TOURS
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