Stalactites
Huge columns.
Walter Rodriquez — CC BY 2.0 · Simon Burchell — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Walter Rodriquez — CC BY 2.0 · Betipá — CC BY-SA 4.0
A vast limestone cave system at the source of the Lanquín River, near the Q'eqchi' Maya town of the same name at about 380 metres in the mountains of Alta Verapaz. The river flows clear out of the cave mouth and winds through the trees towards town. Visitors enter a lit section of the cave on a raised walkway and metal stairs, between huge columns, stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years, with water gurgling in the dark. The path is damp and slippery, so bring sturdy shoes and a torch. The cave is best known for the thousands of bats that pour out at sunset in a dense cloud filling the sky over the river, which visitors watch from the riverbank near the mouth. Do not stand in their path at the entrance. The caves hold spiritual meaning for the Maya, who hold ceremonies there, so respect the place. Grassy banks in front of the cave are good for resting and getting into the river.
Huge columns.
A sunset cloud.
Flowing from the cave.
Grutas de Lanquín National Park, about 1 km west of Lanquín town
At sunset most evenings; arrive half an hour before and sit on the riverbank near the mouth.