The Candelaria Caves comprise a cave system that stretches some 18 miles underground. The main gallery, Tzul Tacca, is nearly 200 feet high, 100 feet wide and 650 feet long, with huge stalactites, stalagmites and roof windows throughout. The Candelaria River crosses the entire system, and you can even tour the caves while comfortably seated on an inflated inner tube. Many of the side galleries contain artifacts from ancient Mayan rituals; the site is still considered sacred to the Q'eqchi Maya, who visit the caves to pray and perform ceremonies. You can reach the caves on a day trip from the city of Coban or even stay on-site at the Candelaria Lodge (candelarialodge.com).
The Grutas de Lanquín are located a short drive from the town of Lanquín. In addition to rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites, the caves hold a huge population of bats. Most tours will take you through the first chambers of the system along an iron walkway, while more adventurous tours will go further into the untouched portions of the cave. At sunset, the bats emerge from the cave en mass, nearly covering the sky outside the cave entrance for a few seconds. The caves are also within walking distance of the national park of Semuc Chamey -- a natural bridge over the Cahabon River covered in flowing turquoise ponds.
Although not a particularly large system, the Actun Kan Caves are a good day trip destination from the city of Flores. You can even walk to the caves from Flores -- they are about an hour each way on foot -- or take a taxi from the city center. Known locally as the "cave of the serpent," Actun Kan includes a number of rock formations resembling animals and is still visited today by local Maya performing rituals. The main system is well lit and developed, while the Jobitizinaj Caves nearby, also open to the public, require you to bring your own flashlight.
A testament to the importance of caves in Mayan ritual life, the caves of Naj Tunich are a subterranean archaeological site full of tombs, paintings and hieroglyphs. The site is still being studied by archaeologists, but the findings already include over 500 hieroglyphs -- some dating back to 100 B.C. -- that have reshaped our understanding of Mayan religion and culture. The caves are located near the border with Belize in northern Guatemala. Due to their archaeological sensitivity, they are only accessible to visitors on guided tours. Finca Ixobel (fincaixobel.com) near Poptun offers tour packages in the area.
