Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park features one of the largest cave systems in the world – find out what to expect from a tour, entrance fees & how to get there by local buses.
We here at DIY Travel HQ show no fear but claustrophobic people need not worry about visiting the amazing Grutas de Cacahuamilpa in Central Mexico – caverns only range from 30-80 meters in height.
* Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before any trip to Mexico. We’ve been using World Nomads for over 10 years. It’s the best-value provider we’ve found but there are other important things to consider. Check out our post and find out which of our claims were successful or denied.
Stalactites and stalagmites are still forming today at Grutas de Cacahuamilpa as the groundwater trickles through the porous limestone rock.
This section of the Sierra Madre del Sur was formed millions of years ago under the ocean, and have been carved out by two subterranean rivers relatively more recently.
The results are massive caverns and tunnels that stretch up to 10 kilometers in length.
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa Tours
Tours are mandatory when visiting Grutas de Cacahuamilpa (75 pesos / $4.00) despite the low value and a straight-forward path.
They start at 10 am, and depart roughly every hour until 3 pm.
What the guides bring to the table is a profound knowledge of all the caves stalactites and stalagmites.
If you expect a scientific explanation, then think again.
Instead, they have spent their time analyzing the different figures that can be identified along the two kilometer path.
Perhaps you wanted to see a goat, aspire to sit on a throne, drink from a fountain, or visit a cathedral… well, all your wishes could come true on this two hour tour…
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa tours are only in Spanish, but you can figure out what they are mentioning as guides will highlight particular formations.
Most people find this amusing for the first several illustrations, but tours are slow and repetitive.
The guide turns each cavern’s lights on as you enter, and shuts them off upon departure. This guarantees that you don’t sneak off in the middle of the tour…
However, you are left to return at your own pace when the tour is completed. The path is illuminated, but you will need a flashlight to explore the caves more thoroughly.
Located in the middle is a bathroom in case you always wanted to be civilized and use a toilet in a cave.
Another unique attribute to Grutas de Cacahuamilpa is the Auditorium, which has been fitted with seats for concerts.
Special performances have been held by musicians and orchestras over the years – talk about taking your career to new lows.
The walkway in Grutas de Cacahuamilpa is mostly flat with some stairs, and four kilometers round-trip.
Adventurous souls need to look elsewhere as the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa are extremely tame.
If you really feel the need for a thrill, then you can also purchase tickets to go:
- Rafting
- Horse riding
- Rappelling
- Zip-lining
The rafting (75 pesos / $4.00 extra) is rather lackluster and lasts for 30 minutes.
You enter an inflatable dingy, and paddle through the cave. The entire trip felt like just 300 meters.
The worst part is you are then forced to walk for another 30 minutes uphill to the entrance, unless you opt to hire a horse.
Pictures are not able to capture the grandiosity of Grutas de Cacahuamilpa.
If you’re based in either Cuernavaca or Taxco, a visit to the caves is a must to understand just how magnificent subterranean nature can be.
We recommend Lonely Planet’s Mexico Travel Guide to help you plan your trip.
How to Get to Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
The best way to reach Grutas de Cacahuamilpa is from Taxco, but it is also possible from Cuernavaca.
You can expect to pay 33 pesos / $1.75 for the 45 minute bus from Taxco with Futura/Estralla Blanca.
A combi leaving from the same terminal will be slightly less, but also reduced comfort.
From Cuernavaca, Pullman de Morelos runs buses to Grutas de Cacahuamilpa for 60 pesos / $3.20 and takes two hours.
Know Before You Go
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa entrance fee: 75 pesos / $4.00
Bus from Taxco: 33 pesos / $1.75, 45 minutes
Guided tours: mandatory, 2 hours, Spanish only
Optional activities (extra fees): rafting, horse riding, rappelling, or zip-lining.
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*** The Final Word: Grutas de Cacahuamilpa are an easy day trip from Taxco ***
Did you do any of the optional activities? Worth it?
Easy DIY travel outside city centres using public transport
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Visited in April 2014
Comments
Quisiera tomar el tour para las grutas de Cacachuamilpa, para el dia 1 de agosto, para dos personas. Me puede dar mayor informacion de como hacer?
Hi. You can join a tour when you arrive at Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park. They depart roughly every 30 minutes between 10 am and 3 pm. You can also book a day trip from Mexico City with Get Your Guide.