The very best underground cave walk in the Riviera Maya

As you probably all know by now I’m a huge nature lover — above and below the ground. Whether zip-lining through treetops or spelunking in a five million year old cave system, I’m happy. And spelunking is a special kind of happiness for me. So, when I found out that  Aktun Chen Eco Park had one of the world’s top underground walks, my friend and I were on the next ferry, ready for an adventure at the private park near Akumal, 40 minutes south of Playa del Carmen.

Now if you’ve never been spelunking before, it’s just dawdling around exploring caves. I’ve been spelunking all over the world. So far, my favorites were bat caves in Cambodia and Slovenia’s huge Škocjan Caves Park. But this one, at Aktun Chen right here in the Riviera Maya, tops my list! National Geographic has listed it as #3 on their Top Underground Walks of the World.

A living museum

I love the tranquil peace of a cave system — especially one this old. Five million years is a long time, but not that long in the evolution of this planet. Whatever created this system, I’m thankful to experience it. Exploring the creamish-white caves is stunning. The ancient stalactites formed over thousands of years are amazing. The sparkle of the gemstones and mineral deposits in the stalactites is breathtaking. It’s a beautiful world rarely seen, which, to my eyes, makes it a little bit of magic here on Earth.

Plus, my inner child likes to pretend I’m in a Lord of the Rings movie on an epic quest, slowly moving deeper into the earth, listening to underground rivers and seeing a whole new world as your eyes adjust to the low light. But we didn’t need to on this walk.

The walk inside Aktun Chen, the cave system in the Riviera Maya

The caves aren’t that deep. A few meters under the surface, it’s well-lit and well-ventilated as you follow the guide. An easy 650-yard (0.36 mile, or 594 meters) walk. There are plenty of stops along the way as they explain about the cave system and its formation.

Geeking out on geological formations is a given in such an amazing place. Formations that fascinated me. Stalactites hang from the cave roof. Stalagmites grow from the ground up and the columns form as they grow large enough to meet. This takes thousands of years, forming from mineral deposits left from water dripping down. Occasionally, thick braids of tree roots hang from the ceiling, creating a living column through the cavern before disappearing into the earth again. The natural structure supports huge trees above, in the lush jungle. These caves support all sorts of life.

Life in the cave

In ancient times people lived in caves, using them for shelter. This makes them historically and geologically interesting, as well as geologically interesting. But the thing that I loved was the local legends. 

Echos are natural in any confined space like a cave. But in certain places, the acoustics make it sound like other people are there. So, the Maya used to think there were spirits and revered the caves. Now, I didn’t hear any spirits, but I would like to go back and try to. Our tour group was chatty, removing any spookiness that may be heard on a quiet day. I’d love a chance to talk with the spirits to see if they answer back. Imagine if they did?

Okay, I just gave myself goosebumps so let’s move on. I want to share my favorite part of the cave.

The underground river

Some moments in life concrete into treasured lifelong memories. For me, standing on the boardwalk crossing the underground river is one of them. Honestly, it is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places I have ever seen.

So much so, that I didn’t want to leave. My tour group moved on yet I remained to enjoy a moment of peace in the tranquility of the cavern. Pure, crystal clear water showed every underwater formation below my feet. Above, hung the honey and pale mustard of the stalactites, mixed with dusky pinks and pure whites of other formations. I could have spent hours in there marveling at the pristine beauty.

This area was my favorite. It’s easy to see why National Geographic has named it one of the top underground walks in the world. And it will remain that way. There is no swimming in the river so it remains protected. And you know what? Knowing that makes my nature-loving heart smile.