Candelaria Caves, Verapaces Travel Guide

4.3 (52)

Discover a vast underground network of caves in Guatemala, sacred to the Maya, with stunning rock formations and river tubing adventures.

Home
Travel Guides
Guatemala
Verapaces
Candelaria Caves

Explore the Candelaria Caves, a vast network revered by the ancient Maya as an entrance to Xibalbá (the underworld). This impressive cave system features stunning geological formations, a subterranean river for tubing adventures, and significant Mayan artifacts, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history.

A brief summary to Candelaria Caves

RP76+MQ9, Chisec, GT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Candelaria Caves.

Book tours in advance, especially during the dry season (November to April), to ensure availability for popular activities like tubing.
Wear comfortable shoes that can get wet, as some tours involve walking in water or tubing on the river.
Bring a waterproof bag to protect electronic devices and other valuables from water damage during cave explorations.
Consider staying overnight at Candelaria Lodge to fully experience the caves and surrounding natural beauty.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

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.

Cuevas de B'omb'il Pek

Parque Nacional Las Victorias

Natural Park Las Conchas

Finca Sacmoc

Tulán Santa Cruz Verapaz Park

Explore Candelaria Caves on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Candelaria Caves, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Cobán, drive approximately 100 kilometers (about 3 hours) to Raxruhá. The roads are generally in good condition. From Raxruhá, follow local signs towards the Candelaria Caves. Several communities manage different entrances, such as Candelaria Camposanto or Complejo Cultural y Ecoturístico Cuevas de Candelaria near San Antonio Las Cuevas. Parking is available at the entrance points, but it can be limited.
Public Transport

From Cobán, take a bus to Raxruhá. From Raxruhá, local transportation (such as tuk-tuks or pick-up trucks) can take you to the Candelaria Caves. Negotiate the fare beforehand. The cost for local transport should be around Q15-Q25 per person.

Discover more about Candelaria Caves

The Candelaria Caves, nestled in the limestone mountains of northern Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, represent one of Central America's largest and most impressive cave systems. Stretching over 22 km (14 miles), with ceilings soaring up to 60 meters (200 feet), these caves offer a dramatic underground landscape formed by the Río Candelaria.Historically significant, the caves were considered by the ancient Maya as an entrance to Xibalbá, the underworld. Archaeological evidence, including pottery and rupestral paintings, suggests the caves were used for ceremonial purposes. Today, local indigenous communities still hold the caves sacred.Visitors can explore the caves through various tours, including tubing along the Candelaria River, hiking through dry cave systems, and witnessing unique geological formations like stalactites and stalagmites. The main gallery, Tzul Tacca, is particularly stunning, featuring natural 'windows' that illuminate the vast stalagmites.The caves are managed by the local Q'eqchi' Maya people, who ensure the area's protection and promote sustainable tourism. This allows visitors to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Candelaria Caves while supporting the local community.