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Cenotes de Candelaria: Guatemala's Hidden Aquatic Wonders

Explore Guatemala's mesmerizing Cenotes de Candelaria: Swim, snorkel, hike, and camp in these stunning natural sinkholes near Nentón.

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Discover the Cenotes de Candelaria, two stunning limestone sinkholes near Nentón, Guatemala, offering swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and camping amidst the rugged beauty of the Cuchumatanes Mountain Range. These natural pools, with their crystal-clear waters and otherworldly landscapes, provide a refreshing escape and a glimpse into the Mayan underworld.

A brief summary to Cenotes de Candelaria

Local tips

  • The road to the cenotes is rough and unpaved, so it is best to visit in a 4x4 vehicle.
  • Bring cash, as there are no ATMs or credit card facilities available.
  • Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent for a comfortable visit.
  • Consider renting a life jacket and taking a rowboat tour for a unique perspective of the cenotes.
  • Expert swimmers only should swim in the cenotes, as the depths of the pools can reach 30 meters.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Nentón, the Cenotes de Candelaria are approximately a 45-minute drive, best undertaken in a 4x4 vehicle due to the rough terrain. Follow the road out of Nentón, observing the Río Lagartero along the way. You will pass through three checkpoints where you will be charged Q100 per vehicle for entry. Continue along the unpaved road, following signs for Cenotes de Candelaria 1 and 2. Be prepared for steep hills and potentially dusty conditions.

  • Public Transportation & 4x4

    To reach the Cenotes de Candelaria via public transport, take a bus from Guatemala City to Huehuetenango, then transfer to a bus to Nentón. From Nentón, hire a local 4x4 'picop' (pickup truck) to the cenotes. A roundtrip 'picop' from Nentón to the Cenotes de Candelaria costs approximately Q600 for the group. Alternatively, arrange a guided tour from Nentón, which typically includes transportation.

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Discover more about Cenotes de Candelaria

The Cenotes de Candelaria are a pair of captivating sinkholes located in the municipality of Nentón, in the department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala. These natural wonders are formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, revealing underground rivers and water reservoirs. Over time, the water dissolves the soluble limestone rock, creating vast caverns that eventually give way to these stunning, water-filled sinkholes. Cenote de Candelaria 1, the first cenote, is smaller and shallower, reaching a depth of approximately 42 feet (13 meters) at its deepest point. Steep trails lead down to the sinkhole, where enormous boulders provide an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. Visitors can take a refreshing dip, snorkel to observe cichlid fish and submerged roots, or simply admire the otherworldly landscape. Cenote de Candelaria 2 is larger and deeper, with a depth of at least 165 feet (50 meters). The color and clarity of its water can vary with the seasons and weather. Two wooden stairways descend to the water's edge, one featuring a floating dock. An underwater rock ledge offers a place to partially immerse oneself without fully swimming. The journey to the Cenotes de Candelaria is an adventure in itself, with the road winding through the Cuchumatanes Mountain Range and past rugged prairies. Along the way, you can observe the Río Lagartero and experience the transition to a drier climate beyond Nentón.

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