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Guatemala’s Underground Paradise — Why You Need to Visit Candelaria Caves
- Jessica Seiders
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
Ever seen those dreamy travel photos of women floating in crystal clear cenotes with a beam of sunlight streaming through the cave openings? I’m sure your immediate thought would be, “Oh, it’s probably somewhere in Mexico.”
But what if I told you that one of the most breathtaking cenote experiences isn’t in Mexico? Instead, it’s hidden in the Candelaria Caves of Guatemala.
This place is like stepping into an adventure movie. Underground rivers wind through massive limestone chambers, jungle vines creep down through skylights, and deep turquoise pools invite you to take the plunge.
These caves are remote, mysterious, and perfect for a group of adventurous women looking to explore somewhere untouched by mass tourism.
If you’re ready to venture into the unknown, here’s why Candelaria Caves should be at the top of your women’s group travel bucket list.
Why the Candelaria Caves Belong on Your Travel Radar
While Mexico’s cenotes get most of the attention, Guatemala’s Candelaria cenotes and caves offer something just as magical, without the crowds.
Hidden in the lush landscapes of Alta Verapaz, this vast underground world stretches for nearly 80 kilometers, with the Río Candelaria weaving through 12.5 kilometers of its tunnels. It’s a place where nature, history, and adventure collide.
Why You’ll Love This Place:
A Slice of Untouched Beauty
No big crowds, no souvenir stands, just pristine waters, dramatic limestone formations, and the quiet hum of nature all around you. Whether you’re floating through the caves or marveling at towering rock formations, it’s impossible not to feel in awe.
A Sacred Place with a Story to Tell
For the ancient Maya, these caves were portals to Xibalba, the underworld. Rituals, ceremonies, and offerings once took place here, and as you explore, you can’t help but feel the deep history embedded in these walls.
Adventure with a Side of Peace
Some places make you feel alive and adventurous. Others make you feel calm and connected. The Candelaria Caves somehow do both. You can float down an underground river, crawl through hidden tunnels, or just sit in the silence and take it all in.
A Journey to the Underworld—A Peek Inside the Candelaria Caves
Getting There
The caves are tucked between Chisec and Raxruhá in Alta Verapaz, and getting there is part of the adventure. The drive from Guatemala City takes you through mountains, jungles, and small villages, offering a glimpse into rural life along the way.
Since the caves have multiple entrances managed by local Q’eqchi’ communities, your best bet is to hire a guide or join a tour, not just for convenience, but to fully appreciate the stories and history behind this place.
What Awaits Inside
From the moment you step in, you’ll feel the temperature drop and hear the gentle echo of water trickling through the caves.
The whole place feels alive, yet untouched by time. Here’s what makes it so special:
Underground Rivers – Imagine floating on an inner tube through the darkness, guided only by the soft glow of filtered sunlight and the sound of moving water. It’s an experience like no other.
Otherworldly Rock Formations – Giant stalactites hang like chandeliers, while stalagmites rise like ancient sculptures, shaped by thousands of years of dripping water.
A Glimpse into the Past – Archaeological finds, fragments of pottery, altars, and ceremonial remnants), give insight into how the Maya once used these caves for sacred rituals and offerings.
What You Can Do at the Candelaria Caves
Swim in the Cenotes
Forget your average swimming hole, these cenotes are straight out of a dream. The water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom, and the silence makes it feel like you’ve stepped into another realm.
Go Tubing Through the Caves
One of the most unique ways to experience Candelaria is by floating through the cave system on a tube. The river carries you through massive chambers, under natural skylights, and into shadowy tunnels, making for an unforgettable mix of adventure and tranquility.
Explore Deeper with a Spelunking Tour
Feeling extra adventurous? Guided spelunking (cave exploration) tours take you into the heart of the cave system, where you’ll go through tunnels, wade through underground rivers, and discover hidden cenotes that most visitors never see.
Take Stunning Photographs
Between the otherworldly rock formations, mirror-like reflections, and beams of golden sunlight filtering through cave openings, this place is a photographer’s paradise. Pro tip: bring a waterproof camera!
Meditate & Soak in the Silence
Not everything here is about adrenaline. Find a quiet cavern, sit on a cool rock, and just listen. The echoing water drops and the sheer stillness make it a perfect place for mindfulness and reflection.
Why the Candelaria Caves Are Perfect for Travel Groups
There’s something powerful about shared adventure. Wading through an underground river, gasping at the glow of the water, or daring each other to take the plunge, creates unforgettable memories and deepens friendships.
Safety and Guidance
Exploring with a group and an experienced guide ensures a secure, safe, and stress-free travel experience.
Local guides know the caves inside out and share fascinating history.
Traveling with other women means having a built-in support system, whether it's helping each other on slippery rocks or offering a hand through challenging sections.
A Customizable Experience for Every Type of Traveler
For adrenaline junkies – Swim through dark tunnels, spelunk through tight passages, or cliff-jump into cenotes.
For nature lovers – Marvel at the rock formations and listen to the sounds of the caves.
For wellness seekers – Meditate in the serene darkness or float peacefully in the cenotes.
Nearby Must-See Attractions for Your Group Adventure
Volcano Hikes – Trek up Acatenango for a nighttime view of lava-spewing Volcán de Fuego.
Antigua, Guatemala – A colonial city with cobblestone streets, world-class coffee, and colorful markets.
Cultural & Historical Sites – Visit Semuc Champey’s turquoise pools or explore ancient Mayan ruins at Tikal or El Mirador.
Tips for Visiting the Candelaria Caves
Best Time to Visit:
December–April (dry season) for the clearest water and safest conditions. Check out our article on when to visit Guatemala to find out more about the best times to visit this gorgeous country.
What to Pack:
Water shoes
Quick-dry clothes & swimsuit
Headlamp or flashlight
Dry bag for valuables
Travel Logistics:
Book a tour in advance.
Plan a full day for the experience.
Bring snacks and water (limited options nearby).
Conclusion
This isn’t just another travel destination, it’s an experience that will stay with you. So gather your adventure crew, pack your bags, and get ready for a journey you’ll never forget.
Ready to take the plunge? Let’s make it happen!
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If Guatemala is calling your name, why not experience it with a group of adventurous, like-minded women? Traveling Women Official is heading to Guatemala on an exclusive women-only group tour, and we’d love for you to join us!
Don’t miss this chance to turn your travel dreams into reality, secure your spot now, and let’s make this adventure unforgettable!
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About Jessica Seiders (Founder of Traveling Women Official)
After her daughter left for college, Jessica Seiders sold everything and set off on a journey of self-discovery, leading her to create Traveling Women Official—a community empowering women to explore, embrace new adventures, and reinvent themselves.
Through relocation coaching and her book, she helps women confidently start fresh and build a life of adventure.
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