King Marcos Cave
King Marcos cave is best known for its enormous natural formations. Some of its stalagmites and stalactites are so sculptural that they have earned nicknames – one large formation is called "the Tower of Pisa.”
- Duration:
- 4 hrs
- Available Days:
- Every day
- Schedule:
- 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM
- Hotel Transport Included
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
An underground river runs through the cave, and intrepid cave explorers will wade through it on the tour. You’ll have boots and a hard hat provided by your guide, and ropes inside the cave will allow you to navigate. Visitors only explore the first few hundred feet of the cave – the cave is just over half a mile (1 km) long, and toward the back it gets too dark for flashlights.
Nearby the caves, you’ll see an enormous waterfall. You’ll hear its rushing waters long before you arrive at the site. Once you explore the cave, you’ll already be wet, so why not go for a swim? Natural spring swimming holes wait nearby.
Making a wish while you’re in the cave is a local tradition. Wishes made in the King Marcos cave have a reputation for coming true.
Attraction Visited
The Rey Marcos Caves are set just outside the small Q’eqchi’ town of San Juan Chamelco. The caves have some interesting stalagmites and are definitely worth a look if you’re in the area.
Read more:Rey Marcos Caves
What to Bring
Sunscreen, bug spray, bottled water, swim suit, towel, a change of clothes, and money for personal expenses and gratuities.
What's included
Transportation, guided tour, entrance fee, and equipment (including a helmet),
Transportation
Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.
Similar things to do
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 high. According to Mayan legend, these caves formed the entrance to Xibalba, or the underworld.
Río Cahabón offers the best opportunity for whitewater rafting in Guatemala. The river rapids cover a variety of difficulty levels, ranging from class I to IV – all but the most difficult rapids. Much of this 7.5-mile route has class III and IV rapids.
Make a trip to the Bíotopo del Quetzál to look for quetzals with jewel-toned green plumage. Their feathers were used as currency by the pre-Hispanic Mayans. They dwell in the branches of the aguacatillo trees, which are identifiable by their avocado-shaped fruits.
