Deep, Dark, and Delightful – Cacahuamilpa Caves National Park, Mexico
Caves are a gamble. Some are so smelly and claustrophobic that they’re really only enjoyed by folks who love headlamps and own special sacrificial “caving clothes.” Other caves are totally accessible…but boring as a walk through someone’s cellar. Then there are caves which offer up amazing deep, dark, and delightful sights that can be enjoyed–even to those of us who can’t spell spelunker. Cacahuamilpa Caves National Park in Mexico is one such cave system.
The non-slip, level, and well-lit walkway through Cacahuamilpa cave.
Exploring Cacahuamilpa Caves National Park
The Cacahuamilpa cave system, in the northeast of Guerrero State between Taxco and Cuernavaca, is so awesome that Mexico made it a National Park called Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa (Cacahuamilpa Caves National Park). One of the largest cave systems in the world, it has not one but two rivers running through it.
Sixty-five pesos per person (about US$5.50) gets you into the park and gets you a guide for a tour that lasts about an hour. You can go into the cave without a guide but they’re the only ones who can turn on the lights and you definitely want the lights on.
A shimmery flowstone inside the Cacahuamilpa cave.
Cacahuamilpa is what speulunkers call a “live” cave system. This means that water is still present and working its magic, creating flowstones, stalagmites, stalactites, and who knows what else. Another plus? Really no cave-y smell from bird or bat guano except right at the entrance.
Explore one of the largest cave systems in the world for yourself in our video shot from inside the Cacahuamilpa cave.
Inside Cacahuamilpa cave in Mexico.
No cave guide worth his headlamp would let visitors go home without pointing out the “unique” formations in his or her cave. Our Spanish-speaking guide took great pleasure in pointing out witches and horse heads and something he called “El Negrito” (an unusual black rock formation) depicted in various natural formations during our tour.
Inside Cacahuamilpa cave in Mexico.
Here’s more about travel in Mexico
Here’s more about National Parks in the Americas
Great video, when it comes to caves you can never really fully appreciate them until you them in person. It has always been funny to me that humans are fascinated with caves, but once you are there it just seems to make sense. Keep up the great work.
great photos Eric!
Great site……Mexico’s on my list to do before I die!!