Caves of the Yucatan

Grutas de Balankanche


Lol Tún Caves

The caves will amaze and delight even the most jaded traveler, and are a special treat for children. A special feature in these caves is the columns that can be "played" like musical instruments. When struck with the flat side of one's fist, they strike two deep and beautiful bell-like tones. The caves seem to go on forever, and have not been fully and completely explored, even to this day. Your two-hour tour will take you from cathedral-like underground spaces, to dry riverbeds, beautiful glittering stalagmites that look like frozen fountains, and much more. The guided tours are at various times from 9 am to 4 pm. Entry is 119 pesos for foreigners, 88 pesos for Mexican nationals. The bilingual guides do not charge for their services, we recommend you tip them, as this is their income. Note: For your own safety, you cannot enter the caves without a guide.

Calcehtok Caves

Balankanché Caves
Located 6 kilometers from Chichén Itzá, these caves remain a significant reminder of the religious ceremonial spaces of the Maya. They believe the sacredness of life is especially concentrated at unique geographic points, such as caves and mountains. The humidity within the caves is a palpable force contributing to the continuing formation of stalagmites and stalactites. The most impressive of these is located 200 meters from the cave's entrance, at the side of the Balam Throne, a religious altar. The stalagmite there is said to resemble the ceiba tree, referred to as the "sacred tree inside the earth." In keeping with the religious context of these caves, ceremonial objects are seen throughout the walk, reproductions of the original artefacts discovered there. A succinct and pictorial history of that discovery is on display at the entrance. And a reminder for the adventursome visitor; good walking shoes are a must as the guides suggest. Entry is 119 pesos for foreigners, 88 pesos for Mexican nationals.

Tzabnah Caves
Located 25 miles south of Mérida in the village of Tecoh (Tee-ko'). The name Tzabnah (ZOB-na) is Mayan and means "The King’s Palace". There are stalactites, stalagmites, columns, deep crevices and thirteen cenotes within the caves. On the route within the caves, there is a huge chamber known as the "Cathedral Cupula" that oddly enough resembles the Cathedral of Mérida. Legend has it that a Mayan prince and the princess that had been kidnapped escaped to these caves and were lost. Stalactites meet stalagmites to form natural columns. To find a guide to take you through the caves call or visit the municipal palace in Tecoh, tel. (988) 952 0045. Entry 40 pesos.

Cenote San Ignacio

Calle 51 # 488 x 56 y 54
Centro Histórico, C.P. 97000
Mérida, Yucatán, México
Tel:  52-   999-9 87 37 10
Cel:    52-1-   99 91 05 46 14
E-mail: [email protected]



i absolutely LOVE caves....

i absolutely LOVE caves.... a actually wanna be a cave biologist... i love everything to do with them... its just amazing that this place isnt man made.... its just naturally beautifl :D


Tzabnah Caves

A few things to update the information
provided as we just returned from
the caves. !. Entrance fee at the
caves is $100 (pesos) per adult which
includes hard hat and flashlight(both
essential). 2. Guide is right at the
cave entrance 3. It is an adventure,
requiring essentially crawling to get
through two areas of 10 and 20 meters.
4. Bring a towel to dry off after the
arduous one hour in and 1/2 hour return. 5. It's always hot inside so
take something to drink. 6. Wear clothes so you don't mind getting very dirty. 7. Well Worth It !!!!

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