The loltun caves

Have you ever wondered what the loltun caves are? This tourist site is one of the most extensive and well known areas within the cave system; located in the southern area of Yucatan, it is recognized as one of the only caverns with the potential for modification, in order to make tours that guarantee your safety and comfort.

The loltun caves

The route is approximately 1 kilometer long, inside you will find paths that are illuminated with natural light; where you can learn all about the natural and cultural history of the Mayan civilization.

Also, in this tour have been found various types of archaeological elements such as ceramics, seashells, stone artifacts, petroglyphs; all corresponding to the Mayan culture in its various evolutionary stages.

How to get to the loltun caves?

The caves are located very close to Oxkutzcab; so you can get there by car or by public transportation. If you decide to go to the loltun caves from Playa del Carmen you must take the road to Merida, trying to go at an appropriate time, since the trip takes 4 hours.

On the other hand, if you go more by public transportation, you can arrive from Merida; you will have to take a bus to Oxkutzcab and then get on another one to the caves.

The trip by private car consists of taking highway 180 to Mérida, passing through the area called Ticul and finally arriving at the tourist site. The signs to the caves begin to be seen from the entrance.

 

Approximate costs and schedules

The tour of the loltun caves takes place at specific times; you can enjoy this natural attraction at the following times during the week: 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

If you want to take this tour as a couple, it is necessary that you have a budget of approximately 1,000 MXN, which will only cover the expenses of the visit.

The entrance fee comes with a mandatory tour, with different rates for local and foreign visitors; it varies between 60 to 70 pesos, plus 86 pesos if you are not a Mexican national.

What to do in the loltun caves?

As they are subway caves, there are a great variety of activities inside and outside the facilities, one of the main ones are the guided tours; in which a good physical health and comfortable clothes are required.

Loltun Warrior

This is one of the first engravings you will find in the Loltun caves, a drawing that undoubtedly has an indescribable effect on anyone who contemplates it; it is an ideal area if you are looking for part of the history and legacy of these caves.

Cathedral

If you are a born lover of architecture, the cathedral cannot be overlooked in your visit; this is a huge vault that has a great resemblance to the architectural constructions of the caves. Its name came about thanks to the imagination of explorers.

Room of the paintings

This is an area where you can find much more than the traces that can be seen in several points of the caves; in this space are located the best preserved carved paintings, such as faces and animals of the time.

Music

If you are a music lover, you will not want to miss the tour of these caves; in them you will find a chamber called “room of the musical columns”, which are walls that can be hit in order to emit a pair of bass sounds, which flood the whole place.

Labná

It is one of the most visited archaeological sites by foreigners; perfect if you want to know the Mayan civilization in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. A tourist site that has undoubtedly captured the attention for its internationally known arch, of remarkable structure and fine ornamentation.

On the other hand, you can find a two-story castle with an approximate length of 120 meters; it is one of the largest constructions in the Puuc region. From the castle, there is a sacbé, which is a ceremonial stone path.

Xlapak Archaeological Zone

This is another archaeological site that will provide you with Maya knowledge of all kinds; it is located only 110 kilometers from the city of Merida, within the Yucatan. Its inhabitants, like most of the Maya civilization, had as their main function the cultivation of the land.

Chacmultún Archaeological Zone

Chacmultún is an archaeological area of the Mayan culture located in the modern town of Chacmultun; approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Merida, capital of the state of Yucatan, Mexico.

Recommendations when visiting the loltun caves

• Visit the caves with comfortable clothes of your preference, so you can be comfortable and move around without inconveniences.
• Bring a camera to immortalize beautiful landscapes.
• Wear shoes with anti-slippery shoes, since it is a very humid place and you can make a false step on the rocks.
• Bring toiletries and utilities such as water and insect repellent.