The Candelaria Caves are a network of 7 caves, formed by the waters of the Río Candelaria. Some of the caves have ceilings that are nearly 200 feet (60 m) high. According to Mayan legend, these caves formed the entrance to Xibalba, or the underworld.

These caves have an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites, which were formed by years of gradual dripping and erosion. They add to the eerie quality of the cave’s interior. Visitors use their headlamps and flashlights to illuminate the shadowy recesses.

You’ll find these caves on the Candelaria River. The river flows into the caves, and the bottoms of some caves have pools of varying depths. Some visitors opt to tube down the river, and into the entrance of Candelaria. Your tour will include tubing on the river, and you have the option of a wet or dry tour of the caves.

On your tour, make sure to have a guide point out the Tzul Tacca chamber. In this part of the caves, you’ll come to a clearing where the water ends. An opening in the ceiling lets in sunlight, illuminating the vegetation that flourishes in this underground ecosystem. It is one of the most breathtaking spots in the Candelaria Caves, and looks to many visitors like something from another world.