Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In 2002, the Guatemalan government awarded management of the caves to local villa-
gers, though Dreux continues to operate a lodge he built adjacent to one of the cave's en-
trances. The lodge is staffed by local villagers working for Dreux and there are at least two
other options for visiting the caves operated by local tourism initiatives. Among the recre-
ationalhighlightsisthechancetoexplorethecavesviaundergroundriversonaninnertube
or inflatable raft.
Complejo Cultural y Ecoturístico Cuevas de Candelaria
The most convenient gateway for exploring one of Central America's largest cave systems
is a stop at the Complejo Cultural y Ecoturístico Cuevas de Candelaria (tel. 4035-0566,
www.cuevasdecandelaria.com
)
, at Km. 316.5 of the paved road (RN-5), near San Antonio
LasCuevas.ThecomplexisthebrainchildofDanielDreux,whoquicklysetouttomapthe
extensive cave system shortly after discovering it. His growing concern over the long-term
survival of this unique natural area led him to establish “Tierra Maya,” a conservation and
sustainable development organization that aims to protect the forests surrounding the cave
system while improving living conditions for local residents.
Entrance to the complex costs $3.50 (two-person minimum), including a guide and two-
hour tour of the “Cueva del Mico” section of the caves, featuring large chambers that in
places are 20-30 meters wide with ceilings 10-60 meters high. The impressive 200-meter-
long“TzulTacca”chamberisastandout,withetherealshaftsoflightshiningfromtheceil-
ing onto the rocks below.
For more in-depth explorations,
Maya Expeditions
(tel. 2363-4955,
www.mayaexpeditions.com
)
runs a fantastic three-day/two-night trip to the Candelaria
caves ($398) from Guatemala City, allowing the opportunity to journey on inflatable rafts
through rarely seen sections of this incredible cavern and its underground rivers.
