Candelaria Cave - Maya's Sacred Underworld, Guatemala

Outdoors Articles » Adventure-travel » Candelaria Cave - Maya's Sacred Underworld, Guatemala

Candelaria Cave - Maya's Sacred Underworld, Guatemala

Caving in Guatemala has become a top attraction for travelers. Quite a few caves systems are easily explored in the country, however, none can compare to the Candelaria Cave System. Besides a natural wonder it's also has a rich Mayan historic senses attached to it.

The Candelaria Caves are located in the limestone hills, 10km west of Raxruj where the Ro Candelaria goes underground. They are reputed to be 22km long, with five entrances. They are also thought to be the longest cave in Latin America. A typical passage widths 20-30m with a height of 10-60m.

This beautiful cave lies in the east-west running Cuchumatn Mountains. The Cretaceous limestone is intensively folded and forms a rugged landscape with many caves and sinkholes, covered with dense tropical forest. Most small rivers of this area flow into Usumacinta River, which runs north, forming the border between Guatemala and Mexico.

North of the village Chisec is where the Candelaria River emerges the first time. Near San simon Hills lies Candelaria Camposantos which is the beginning of Candelaria Caves. The whole caving system is quite complex with lots of passages. You will be amazed to see the huge size of the passages which are 20 to 30 meters in width and 10 to 60 meters in height! You will be even more amazed once you get to know the biggest chamber. It is 200 meters long and 200 meters wide and its height is up to 60 meters!!

Here is where the Candelaria complex begins. The passages are huge, a typical one widths between 20 and 30m, heights between 10 and 60m. The largest chamber is 200m long, 200m wide, and up to 60m high.

As you continue in the darkness, you will see the second window above and you can walk under it. In front of that window, there is a connection with another small cave which carries a little river inside. It will give you the feeling as if the cave was made by the river. This little part is like 10 feet wide and 15 feet tall, really small compared with the main cave.

One of the reasons why this place might attract you or an archaeologist is the ancient Mayan history attached to it. The Mayans had the belief that it was the entrance to the underworld of Xibalba. Major rituals used to take place in these caves which is thought to involve bloodletting and large audiences.

The whole thing will give you a heart-stopping moment.

About the Author

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America - Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. Traveling with her family to all parts of Costa Rica and Guatemala, she now loves organizing vacations for people and offers first hand experience. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!