Tour Time: Aktun Chen

Atkun Chen, which means “underground river cave” in Mayan, is a 1,000-acre nature park with a large cave and jungle tour. The main cave (600 yards long) is said to have been a natural bunker for the native Mayans, who sought its protection during serious storms. An hour-long guided walk through the park reveals badgers, iguanas, spider monkeys, tropical birds, and wild turkeys.


There is also a motorized ATV tour, if you’d rather ride than walk. Along the way, you’ll see many tropical flowers, coconut palms, and a gum tree called the “chicozapote.” The cave itself has amazing formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and an amazing underground cenote that is more than 35 feet deep. Though the cave winds its way several hundred yards through the ground, there are frequent openings and areas where fresh air and the sun shine through, so it’s not as claustrophobic as it may sound. A restaurant at the cave exit serves fresh fruit drinks, traditional Mayan and Mexican dishes, and cold drinks. Open 9–5 daily. Adults $24, children $13. Highway 307, km 107, between Akumal and Xel-Ha.

More:
Aktun Chen Official Site
Riviera Maya Hotels
Airport Transportation
Tours & Activities
Riviera Maya Guidebook