Pass the gateway of the Mayan Underworld, stepping into hidden chambers revealing ancient Mayan artifacts, human skeletons and geological processes that have helped to shape the Mayan underworld.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 8 hours
- Starting time 8:00 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- Spanish, English
- Pickup included
- Hotels within San Ignacio Town or surrounding area
Experience
Highlights
- Enjoy amazing geological formations such as sparkling stalactites, stalagmites and flow stones
- Discover the parallel unseen world where kings and shamans could enter to communicate with gods
- Swim in the crystal clear water of the underworld
Full description
Your tour will begin as you depart San Ignacio at 8:00AM, before heading to your hike starting point. You will make your first river crossing before hiking for 45 minutes to the cave entrance, where you will listen to some safety tips and learn how to use your equipment. You will then make your way into the cave, swimming and then walking through the main water passage until you reach the boulder and head to the dry chamber. To enter the chamber, you will be required to slip off your shoes in order to protect the cave.
Most of the cave's artifacts have been calcified into the ground, unmoved even by archaeologists, this is a living museum. You will hear your guides talk about the rituals and ceremonies, bloodletting offerings, food offerings and human offerings. The cave contains a total of 15 human remains, five of them still visible, which have been uncovered by archaeologists.
To access the last chamber, you will climb up a ladder to see a full skeletal remains before exiting the cave in the same way you came in. You will hike back to the parking lot before replenishing yourself with lunch and returning to San Ignacio.
Includes
- Entrance fees
- Water, snacks
- Lunch
- Rum punch
- Tour guide
- Transportation
- Equipment rental
- Gratuities (optional)
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- Wheelchair users
- People under 3 ft 3 in (100 cm)
Covid-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Insect repellent
- Socks
- Closed-toe shoes
Not allowed
- Cameras
- Video recording
Know before you go
- Cameras are not allowed
- Please bring a complete change of clothes, closed-toe footwear, a pair of socks, mosquito repellent, and a towel
