Tucked just beyond the colorful streets of Flores lies one of Guatemala’s little-known adventures: the Actún K’an Cave. Unlike the polished tourist attractions elsewhere, this cave offers a rugged, authentic experience. With only a flashlight and a helmet, you’ll descend into the darkness. You will be guided through tight tunnels, echoing chambers, and mysterious rock formations. Whether you are an intrepid backpacker or simply looking to get off the beaten path, Actún K’an is an unforgettable way to connect with Petén’s natural and cultural landscape.
About Santa Elena de la Cruz and Flores
However, Flores is the most known, Santa Elena de la Cruz is one of Guatemala’s most important cities. Also, the town is the largest economic, political, cultural, and demographic center in Petén. Santa Elena de la Cruz and San Benito are the entrance to the Island of Flores. Flores is a hub for travellers visiting the Petén region in northern Guatemala. Together these three towns form an urban agglomeration of nearly a hundred-thousand inhabitants.
Moreover, these towns are the gateway to the country’s Mayan region both by air and land. I arrived in Petén by land, by bus from Guatemala City. After we did the Acatenango volcano hike, we hopped on a shuttle bus to Guatemala City, where we changed a bus. We travelled with a bigger bus from Guatemala City to Flores. It was around a 10 hour journey, at night. The bus was very comfortable, I slept like a baby and woke up right before we stopped in Flores.
Beyond the most visited Mayan Tikal ruins in the region, or the ARCAS Wildlife Center, the Actún K’an Cave is a hidden gem for adventurous travellers. The Actún K’an Municipal Regional Park, or Actún K’an Caves is located in Santa Elena de La Cruz.
About the Actún K’an Cave near Flores
The Actún Kan Cave is a network of caverns and was discovered by hunters around 1920. The cave is located right outside Flores to the south.
The main entrance to the caves is in Santa Elena de la Cruz. Additionally, there is also an opening in the municipality of San Benito. This is where you come out of the caves if you choose to do the full length tour. But, more about that a bit later.
In Mayan probably “Actún K’an” means “Yellow Cave” or “Serpent Cave”. At the entrance, you can see the map of the caves, on which the caverns meander like a snake.
According to the legend, the Actún K’an Cave was the home of a giant serpent. The cave system is rather big and well developed with trails, staircases, railings and electric light. Like all the caves in the region, they hold mystical and religious significance for the Maya. They said to come to perform rituals or celebrations during certain times of the year. They say they even held weddings in the Cave.
What to expect in the Actún K’an Cave?
You can choose between two tours in the Cave:
- Full length tour: this tour will take about two-three hours. You have to have a guide, otherwise most definitely you will get lost in the caverns. Sometimes you have to crawl in the narrow passages, therefore you will surely be dirty. You will go out at the other side of the cave.
- Half tour: you can do this by yourself, without a guide. It will take about an hour to do this option. We arrived late to the caves, so, we could only did this one. You can wander in the caves until number 30, and then you have to go back and walk out at the main entrance, where you entered.
This first part of the labyrinth is illuminated and arrows guide your way both in and out. The underground formations of the stalagmites and stalactites are given funny and sometimes odd names. The names are based on the shapes they represent. For example: “The Elephant’s Foot,” “The Virgin of the Grotto,” or “The Face of the Monkey,” among many others. According to the rumours, the grottos were once submerged at the bottom of the sea, but then the waters receded and the caves emerged.
You will probably also see animals in the cave. E.g. cockroaches, spiders or bats can be seen hanging among the formations. Moreover, a curious and observant owl guards the entrance of the caves. Outside, there is a huge garden with various trees, these also worth to take a look at.
How to visit?
Opening hours: open all year daily between 8-17 hours.
Entry fee: the cost of the short tour is Q25 ($3), and you can hire a guide for an additional Q35 ($4,5). Local tour guides are available, they are often informal but knowledgeable.
Gear provided: helmet and headlight on the helmet.
Cave features: karst cave with narrow tunnels, chambers, cave formations. Maybe you will find some water depending on the season, so the paths can be slippery.
How to get there: follow the road right off the Flores causeway through Santa Elena. From the Santa Elena Bus terminal, it takes about 15-20 minutes to get there on foot. Take the left fork at the edge of town, then go right. At the end of the road you will reach the caves. By car or tuk-tuk it takes about 5 minutes from the bus station to get there.
Tips for visitors
Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip.
Bring water, and don’t forget bug repellent and a waterproof bag can be also useful. You can also bring your own torch, if you want to have more light in the cave.
Not recommended for claustrophobic travellers.
It is a great half-day trip if you are based in Flores and a good way to add adventure to your Petén itinerary.
Actún K’an Cave near Flores is definitely not as famous as Tikal, but that’s exactly what makes it special. With its raw beauty and sense of mystery, this cave is perfect for travellers seeking an authentic and adrenaline-tinged experience. Pair it with your stay in Flores or a visit to Tikal to round out your exploration of northern Guatemala and don’t forget to pack a spirit of adventure.
