Aktun Chen, Mexico

Aktun Chen

Aktun Chen is a Mayan term which essentially translates to "cave with an underground river inside". Located 107 kilometers from Cancun, along the Riviera Maya, between Akumal and Xel-Ha, this cave system within a park is believed to have been formed some 5 million years ago by water and calcium carbonate. The three caves that comprise the place are all heavily decorated with incredible backdrops of numerous stalactite and stalagmite formations and, towards the its end, a 12-meter deep fresh-water cenote can be found. The largest of the three caves is approximately 600 meters long and has greatly benefited from improved indirect lighting. A carved out foot path can now be easily explored and is perfect for a walking tour. This is the best place to see the stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as other natural structures and patterns of the place.

Just before entering the Aktun Chen caves, you can experience and enjoy the tropical rain forest and exotic wildlife at its finest. Visitors can take a trek through the jungle trails or join a rain forest tour on board four-wheel all-terrain vehicles. Upon your arrival at the Aktun Chen, you will be welcomed by an authorized tour guide who will take you on an organized and systematic tour of the place. The tour usually last about an hour and 15 minutes and will inform you about its history and the ancient Mayan civilization that used to live there as well as provide all sorts of interesting facts that are particularly significant to the area. When you exit the cave system, there is a small restaurant that serves some of the native dishes and cuisine, delicious tropical fruits, ice-cold beer and beverages.

Aktun Chen is open daily from 9:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m and normally, the last tour is scheduled at 4:30 p.m. However, during the peak summer months of July through August, it remains open until 7:00 p.m with the last tour scheduled at 6:00 p.m.