Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Some of these continue to Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas. There are also regular minibuses
to Playa Grande (two hours), for the Parque Nacional Laguna Lachuá. Some
Cobán-Sayaxché minibuses and buses pass through Chisec.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Chisec
Cuevas de B'ombi'l Pek
(admission Q125; 8am-4pm)
A mere 3km north of Chisec, these painted caves remained un-
discovered until 2001. They haven't been fully mapped yet, but some claim that they con-
nect to the caves of Parque Nacional Cuevas de Candelaria. The community-run guide of-
fice is by the roadside. Pay the entrance fee and the guide will take you on the 3km walk
through cornfields to the entrance.
The entire tour takes about four hours. The first, main cavern is the most impressive for
its size (reaching 50m in height; you have the choice of rapelling or descending via a slip-
pery 'jungle ladder' to enter), but a secondary cave - just 1m wide - features paintings of
monkeys and jaguars. River tubing (Q60) is also possible, starting at the guide office.
Any bus running north from Chisec can drop you at the guide office.
CAVE
Lagunas de Sepalau
(admission Q170; 8am-5pm)
Surrounded by pristine forest, these turquoise lagoons are 8km
west of Chisec. Recently developed as a community ecotourism project by local villagers,
tours of the area include a fair bit of walking and some rowboat paddling. The area is rich
in wildlife: jaguars, tapir, iguanas, toucans and howler monkeys are all in residence.
There are three lagoons, the most spectacular of which is the third on the tour, Q'ekija,
which is ringed by steep walls of thick jungle. From February to June the first two lagoons
dry up.
Pickups leave Chisec's plaza for the village of Sepalau Cataltzul throughout the day and
there's usually a bus (Q9, 45 minutes) at 10:30am. On arrival at the village, you pay the
entrance fee and a guide will take you on the 3km walk to the first lagoon.
OUTDOORS
