| Back in 1984, the Ancona family from Merida
bought 988 acres near Tulum that feature spectacular underground
caves and a cenote and began to make the limestone caves more
accessible. Discovered by chicle workers, who used the caves
for shelter in bad weather, the labyrinthine caverns were undesecrated
by human hands.
The name "Aktun Chen" in the Mayan language means underground
water. The one-hour guided walking tour in Spanish or English
covers 600 meters, about a half mile, all beneath the surface.
It is a trip through fascinating caverns with plenty of dramatic
icicle tips of slow-growing stalactites and stalagmites. The
lighting is cleverly well-hidden so that it appears as natural
as possible. In general the caverns are large and open and not
claustrophobic to most people, but the incredible natural cave
walls are close enough to appreciate their delicacy.
The tour climaxes at an amazingly beautiful deep green cenote,
peaceful and still, that has a deceptive 12-meter depth. A breathtaking
natural wonderland underground and above, an ecological preserve
of native trees and animals (including deer, spider monkeys,
badgers, wild boars, wild turkey, iguanas, snakes in cages,
and lots of birds).
The exit is at a different end than the entrance so you and
your group can eat or relax at their snack bar then walk back
on a road through the jungle. Wear insect repellent.
Getting There
Aktun Chen is located south of Cancun. It's hard to miss the sign
on Route 307, then drive 3.5 kilometers up a dirt road. Open 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. Web |
