The Loltun caves in Yucatan

In the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula lies a subterranean wonder. It has captured the imaginations of adventurers and explorers for centuries. The Loltun caves. They are the largest and most famous cave system in the southern region of Yucatan. These mystical caverns are logistically ready to offer visitors a safe and awe-inspiring journey into the depths of the Earth. With approximately 0.62 miles of pathways in mint condition, this captivating underground realm promises an unforgettable experience. Here are some tips on the Loltun caves in Yucatan.

What to expect

Its name comes from the Mayan words LOL and TUN. They mean “flower” and “stone”, respectively. These caves are 70 miles southwest of Merida in the Puuc region. They are among the largest in the Yucatan peninsula and the most studied. Scientists have found evidence of human settlements up to 7000 years old. The also found remaind of Mammoth, bison, feline and deer bones.

The caves will amaze and delight all visitors, and are a special treat for children. An interesting detail in these caves are the columns that can be “played” as a musical instrument. When the column is struck with the flat side of the fist, it creates two low and beautiful bell-like tones. The grottoes appear to go on forever, and have not been fully explored until today.

The Loltun caves In Yucatan: Secrets underground

The Loltun caves hold a rich history, boasting significant cultural elements from different periods. From the Preclassic period, the Warrior of Loltun bas-relief at the entrance Nahkab (beehive) stands out, believed to represent the god of the underworld. Inside, metates serve as evidence of past human activity.

During the Classic and Postclassic periods, cave paintings adorned the walls with motifs of hands, faces, animals, fretwork, and inscriptions, accompanied by a variety of petroglyphs, notably featuring flower motifs, giving the place its name. Additionally, from the XIX century, barricades constructed by Mayan rebels seeking refuge during the Caste War add to the caves’ historical significance.

The tour

The two-hour tour spans approximately 1000 meters, guiding you through cathedral-like spaces, dry riverbeds, shimmering stalagmites resembling frozen fountains, and more. The journey concludes with the sight of a majestic collapsed vault.

The tour starts at the Nahkab entrance, also known as the beehive, housing the famous bas-relief, The Warrior of Loltun. This representation is believed to depict the god of the underworld emerging from the caves. Additionally, cave paintings add to the attraction, featuring hands in negative on one wall, and more elaborate depictions of faces, animals, and intricate fretwork on another.