Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa

Introducing Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa

One of central Mexico’s most stunning natural phenomena is the Cacahuamilpa caverns (104-01-55; www.cacahuamilpa.conanp.gob.mx; tours adult/child M$60/50; 10am-7pm, last ticket sold at 5pm), a must-see for anyone visiting Taxco or Cuernavaca. The sheer scale of the caves is hard to conceive, with vast chambers up to 82m high leading 1.2km beneath the mountainside and containing stalactites and stalagmites that will blow your mind.

Sadly, though, the current visitor experience on offer is rather ho-hum – individual access is not allowed to the (perfectly safe) pathway, so visitors have to indulge the guides who lead each group (departures each hour on the hour) stopping off to point out various funny shapes (Santa Claus, a kneeling child, a gorilla) in the rock. Speleologists prepare to be appalled, and non-Spanish speakers might just be bemused, as the guides do not generally speak English. Thankfully, after the one-hour tour, you can wander back to the entrance at your own pace, although you’re often virtually in the dark.

From the cave exit it’s possible to hike down a path to the fast-flowing Río Dos Bocas, which runs through the mountainside. There are some tranquil pools to swim in, and the views alone are spectacular. Bring some bug spray.

Saturday and Sunday can be very crowded. There are restaurants, snacks and souvenir shops near the entrance.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009