Cuevas de Candelaria, Los Nacimientos, Verapaces Travel Guide

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Discover the Mayan underworld at Cuevas de Candelaria, Los Nacimientos: a unique adventure through sacred caves and underground rivers in Guatemala.

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Cuevas de Candelaria, Los Nacimientos

Explore the sacred caves of Candelaria, Los Nacimientos, a place of spiritual convergence for the ancient Mayans. Navigate underground rivers, discover unique cave formations, and experience the magic of Xibalba, the Mayan underworld, in this protected natural reserve near Raxruhá, Guatemala.

A brief summary to Cuevas de Candelaria, Los Nacimientos

VW83+QQ9, Raxruhá, GT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cuevas de Candelaria, Los Nacimientos.

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and water activities. Water shoes are recommended.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes for the aquatic tours.
Consider bringing a flashlight, although guided tours usually provide them.
Book your tour in advance through Hotel Cancuen to ensure availability and proper equipment.
Be prepared for moderate physical activity, as the tours involve walking and some climbing.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Candelaria Caves

Cuevas de B'omb'il Pek

Parque Nacional Las Victorias

Natural Park Las Conchas

Finca Sacmoc

Explore Cuevas de Candelaria, Los Nacimientos on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Cuevas de Candelaria, Los Nacimientos, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Hotel Cancuen in Raxruhá, the entrance to Los Nacimientos is a short walk. The hotel serves as the reception area and provides transportation to the park entrance. Confirm meeting point and tour details at the hotel reception.
Public Transport

From Cobán, take a bus towards Raxruhá. The entrance to Los Nacimientos is located 115 km from Cobán on the road to Raxruhá. From Guatemala City, buses to Cobán are available from the bus terminal in Zone 1. The journey takes approximately 3-5 hours. From Cobán, transfer to a local bus heading to Raxruhá. Bus fare from Guatemala City to Cobán is approximately Q80-Q120. The local bus from Cobán to Raxruhá costs around Q20-Q30.
Taxi

From Raxruhá town, a taxi or tuk-tuk to Hotel Cancuen is readily available. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A short ride within Raxruhá should cost around Q15-Q25.

Discover more about Cuevas de Candelaria, Los Nacimientos

Cuevas de Candelaria, specifically Los Nacimientos, is part of the Candelaria Caves National Park, a site of immense historical and spiritual significance. Considered a sacred place by the Mayans, these caves served as a place of spiritual convergence for the ancient pre-Hispanic inhabitants of the area. The caves are believed to be the entrance to Xibalba, the Mayan underworld described in the Popol Vuh, the Mayan creation story.Rediscovered in 1974 by the Franco-Guatemalan Mission of Speleological Studies, led by French speleologist Daniel Dreux, the cave system extends over 12.56 kilometers, forming vast tunnels and unique hydro-speleological systems. Some studies suggest the main gallery stretches for 22 kilometers, with the total development of all the galleries exceeding 80 kilometers, making it one of the largest underground networks in Latin America.Visitors can explore the caves through various tours, including walks through dry caves with unique geological formations and aquatic adventures navigating the underground river. Tubing is a popular activity, allowing visitors to float through the crystalline waters and admire the stunning rock formations. The experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with Mayan history and the natural beauty of the Guatemalan landscape.