EXPERIENCES

This glassy underground river in the Yucatán reflects five million years of stalactite formations.
© BEL WOODHOUSE

Beneath the sun-dappled jungles of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula lies a hidden world of crystalized beauty—where delicate cream- and blush-colored stalactites hang like ancient chandeliers.

Venturing deep inside Akumal’s Aktun Chen Eco Park, a 5-million-year-old cave system in the Riviera Maya, was an ethereal experience. And it was immediately clear why National Geographic ranks the site No. 3 on their Top 10 Underground Walks in the world.

This prehistoric cave is an easy 650-yard walk for any fitness level. Cool and well-ventilated, there’s also a cenote and a boardwalk across an underground river. Almost glacial in clarity, the pristine water of the subterranean stream remains untouched. Swimming is not allowed.

Spotlights showcase underground vaults full of ancient formations and structures. In some places, the stalactites and stalagmites have joined to form colossal columns. In essence, it’s a living museum… so ancient that the Maya say you can hear the spirits of their ancestors.

I opted to take an informative tour offered by the Aktun Chen park service. But the group was excited and loud, shattering the stillness of the space. Were I to return, I would opt for self-guided exploration to better appreciate the peaceful silence of the caves.

Our guide, Carlos, explained that it took hundreds of thousands of years for these icicle-shaped formations to grow. (Stalactites are formed when mineralized rainwater seeps through the limestone ceiling of a cave. The water evaporates and the icicle shape is left. Stalagmites are formed from dripping stalactites, but grow upward from the ground.)

If you book online ahead of time, you’ll receive a 15% discount off the regular $29 admission. Once inside Aktun Eco Park, there’s a free 5-10 minute shuttle to take you through the jungle to reception, where you’ll begin the tour. Set aside the day, because there’s also ziplining and an awe-inspiring cenote—a natural sinkhole filled with water, where you’re allowed to swim.

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