Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, Mexico: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Grutas de Cacahuamilpa contains one of the world’s largest cave systems, with 90 massive “salons” stretching through limestone mountains? This breathtaking underground wonderland welcomes over 350,000 visitors annually, generating around 8 million pesos in tourism revenue for Mexico. Yet despite its impressive scale and beauty, it remains relatively unknown to international travelers.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park is located in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains in the northeastern part of Guerrero state, approximately 156 km (97 miles) southwest of Mexico City. The park sits near the border between the states of Guerrero and Morelos.

From Mexico City

The most convenient way to reach the caves is to first travel to the colonial silver town of Taxco (about 25 km or 15.5 miles from the caves) and then continue to Grutas de Cacahuamilpa.

From Taxco to the Caves

• By bus: Regular buses depart from Taxco’s Terminal de Autobuses Flecha Roja. The fare is approximately 46 pesos (about $2.50 USD) one way. The journey takes 30-40 minutes.
• By taxi: A taxi from Taxco costs around 200-250 pesos ($10-13 USD) each way and is a good option if traveling in a group.
• By rental car: Having your own vehicle offers the most flexibility for exploring the area.

The scenic route through Sierra Madre del Sur mountains to Grutas de Cacahuamilpa

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park is open year-round, but certain seasons offer better visiting conditions than others.

Recommended Months to Visit

• November to April (Dry Season): These months offer the most pleasant weather conditions with less humidity and rainfall. The caves maintain a constant temperature, but the surrounding park areas are more enjoyable during this period.
• December to February: The coolest months, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities in the park.

Months to Avoid

• June to September (Rainy Season): While the caves themselves aren’t affected by rain, the surrounding areas can experience heavy rainfall, making outdoor activities less enjoyable.
• July and August: These are typically the rainiest months, with potential for flash floods in the region.

Temperature Inside the Caves

The temperature inside Grutas de Cacahuamilpa remains relatively constant year-round at about 19°C (66°F). However, the high humidity (around 90%) can make it feel warmer. Light clothing is recommended, but bring a light jacket as some visitors find the constant temperature cool after extended time underground.

The spectacular formations inside Grutas de Cacahuamilpa maintain their beauty year-round

Getting Around Locally

Once you arrive at Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, getting around is relatively straightforward. The park is designed for visitors to explore on foot, with paved pathways leading to the main attractions.

Within the Park

• Walking: The main mode of transportation within the park. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you’ll be covering approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) during the cave tour alone.
• Zipline: For an additional fee, you can take a zipline from the visitor center to near the cave entrance, offering both convenience and a thrilling experience.

Inside the Caves

The cave tour follows a well-maintained concrete pathway with artificial lighting. The path is mostly level with some stairs. The entire cave tour covers about 2 km (1.2 miles) each way, totaling 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking. Visitors with mobility issues should note that there are no alternative transportation options inside the caves.

Where to Stay

While there are no hotels within Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park itself, there are several accommodation options in the surrounding area, particularly in the nearby town of Taxco.

Staying in Taxco

Most visitors choose to stay in Taxco, a beautiful colonial silver mining town about 25 km (15.5 miles) from the caves. Taxco offers a range of accommodations from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. The town itself is a tourist destination with its picturesque streets, silver shops, and historical architecture.

Camping Options

For the adventurous traveler, Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park does offer camping facilities. The camping area provides basic amenities including restrooms and shower facilities. This option allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park.

The colonial town of Taxco, the ideal base for exploring Grutas de Cacahuamilpa

Adventure Tour with Overnight Stay

For a truly unique experience, adventure tour companies offer overnight expeditions into the Chontalcoatlan River section of the caves. These tours include camping on an underground beach beneath a natural skylight in the cave ceiling. This option is only recommended for physically fit travelers comfortable with rappelling and canyoning.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park has limited dining options, so planning your meals is important when visiting.

At the Park

• Visitor Center Cafeteria: Offers basic Mexican fare including tacos, quesadillas, and beverages.
• Food Stalls: Several small vendors near the entrance sell snacks, fruits, and drinks.

Local Specialties

The state of Guerrero is known for several culinary specialties worth trying during your visit:

• Pozole Guerrerense: A hearty soup made with hominy corn and meat, typically served with various toppings.
• Pescado a la Talla: Grilled fish marinated in a red chili paste.
• Mezcal: The region produces excellent mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave plants.

Traditional cuisine from the Guerrero region offers flavorful options after exploring the caves

Dining in Taxco

For more substantial dining options, the town of Taxco offers numerous restaurants ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Many restaurants in Taxco feature terraces with spectacular views of the town and surrounding mountains.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park offers several attractions beyond the main cave system, providing visitors with a full day of exploration.

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa Caverns

The main attraction of the park is the enormous cave system, one of the largest in the world. The guided tour takes you through approximately 20 of the 90 “salons” or chambers in the cave system. Each salon features unique stalactite and stalagmite formations with imaginative names based on their shapes.

The breathtaking stalactite formations in the Cathedral Salon of Grutas de Cacahuamilpa

Key Highlights of the Cave Tour:

• The Auditorium: A large, dry salon with excellent acoustics that hosts concerts and special events.
• Throne Salon: Features formations resembling thrones and royal figures.
• Cathedral Salon: The largest chamber, reaching heights of up to 80 meters (262 feet).
• Goat Salon: Named for a formation resembling a goat.

Grutas de Carlos Pacheco

Located 400 meters south of the main caves, these smaller caves are named after a Mexican general who fought against the French Intervention. Unlike the main caves, these are considered “fossilized” as they are drier and formations stopped growing hundreds of years ago. A separate tour is required to visit these caves.

Underground Rivers

The park features two underground rivers: the 8 km (5 mile) long Chontalcoatlán and the 12 km (7.5 mile) long San Jeronimo. Adventure tours are available for exploring these underground waterways, though they require good physical condition and some experience with canyoning.

Adventure seekers can explore the underground rivers with specialized tours

Other Activities in the Park

• Zipline: A thrilling ride from near the visitor center to the cave entrance area.
• Rock Climbing: The Limontitla Canyon offers excellent rock climbing opportunities with 45 routes of varying difficulty.
• Rappelling: Several locations in the park offer rappelling experiences for adventure enthusiasts.
• Swimming: The park has a large swimming pool located at the confluence of the San Jeronimo and Chontalcoatlán Rivers.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

While Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park is primarily known for its natural attractions, there are cultural elements to explore both within the park and in the surrounding area.

Botanical Garden

The Limontitla Botanical Garden within the park showcases the native flora of the subtropical, mostly deciduous forest ecosystem. Guided tours explain the various plant species and their traditional uses. The garden is particularly beautiful during the rainy season (June to October) when everything is green and flowering.

The Limontitla Botanical Garden showcases the region’s diverse plant life

Cave Concerts

The Auditorium salon inside the main cave system occasionally hosts concerts, taking advantage of the natural acoustics. Famous performers including Miguel Bosé and the Acapulco Philharmonic Orchestra have held concerts in this unique underground venue. Check with the visitor center for any scheduled performances during your visit.

Cultural Attractions in Taxco

The nearby town of Taxco offers numerous cultural attractions:

• Santa Prisca Church: An impressive 18th-century baroque church that dominates the town’s skyline.
• Silver Workshops: Taxco is famous for its silver, and many workshops offer tours where you can see artisans at work.
• Casa Borda Cultural Center: A cultural center housed in an 18th-century building that hosts art exhibitions and cultural events.

Local Festivals

If your visit coincides with local festivals, you might experience traditional celebrations:

• Holy Week in Taxco (March/April): Features impressive processions and religious ceremonies.
• National Silver Fair (Late November to early December): Celebrates Taxco’s silver-making tradition with exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.
• Day of the Dead (November 1-2): Celebrated throughout the region with altars, offerings, and special foods.

The Auditorium salon transforms into a unique concert venue with exceptional acoustics

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park offers numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature and enjoy adventure activities.

Wildlife Viewing

The park is home to diverse wildlife including green iguanas, rattlesnakes, lynxes, ocelots, raccoons, rabbits, eagles, and even cougars. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for wildlife spotting. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and never feed wild animals.

Adventure Activities

• Rock Climbing: The limestone cliffs of Limontitla Canyon offer 45 climbing routes with grades from 10b to 13d, primarily on limestone with stalactites.
• Rappelling: Several locations throughout the park offer rappelling experiences for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
• Canyoning: Explore the underground river systems with specialized guides. These expeditions can range from a few hours to overnight adventures.

The limestone cliffs of Limontitla Canyon offer challenging routes for rock climbing enthusiasts

Hiking

While there are no formal hiking trails within the park, the area surrounding the caves offers opportunities for nature walks. The path from the visitor center to the cave entrance provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Swimming

The park features a large swimming pool located at the confluence of the San Jeronimo and Chontalcoatlán Rivers. This is a perfect spot to cool off after exploring the caves, especially during the warmer months.

Overnight Cave Expedition

For the ultimate adventure, specialized tour operators offer overnight expeditions into the Chontalcoatlán River section of the caves. These tours include camping on an underground beach beneath a natural skylight in the cave ceiling. This unique experience allows you to witness the extraordinary sight of sunlight streaming through the cave opening in the morning.

The swimming pool offers a refreshing break after exploring the park’s attractions

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Ensuring a safe and respectful visit to Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park enhances the experience for everyone. Here are important guidelines to follow:

Cave Safety

• Stay with your guide: Tours of the main caves are conducted by guides for safety reasons. Never wander off on your own.
• Appropriate footwear: Wear shoes with good traction as the cave floor can be slippery due to humidity.
• Watch your head: Some sections of the cave have low-hanging formations. Pay attention to your guide’s warnings.
• No touching: Never touch the cave formations. The natural oils on human hands can damage the delicate surfaces and stop their growth.
• No flash photography: Flash photography is generally discouraged as it can disturb the cave ecosystem.

Environmental Respect

The caves and surrounding park are protected natural areas. Follow these guidelines to help preserve them:

• Stay on designated paths and trails
• Do not remove any rocks, plants, or other natural items
• Dispose of trash properly in designated bins
• Do not feed or disturb wildlife
• Respect signage and barriers

Local Customs

When interacting with locals, keep these customs in mind:

• Greetings: A handshake is appropriate for first meetings. Friends may greet with a light hug or cheek kiss.
• Tipping: It’s customary to tip guides (10-15% of the tour cost) if they provide good service.
• Language: While tours are primarily in Spanish, basic Spanish phrases are appreciated. English tours can be arranged in advance.

Practical Travel Tips

Make the most of your visit to Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park with these helpful tips:

Tickets & Tours

• Entrance fee: 100 pesos (approximately $5 USD) per person, which includes a guided tour.
• Tour schedule: Tours depart every hour on the hour. The first tour starts at 9:00 AM and the last tour at 5:00 PM.
• Tour duration: The standard tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
• English tours: Tours are primarily conducted in Spanish. English-speaking guides can be arranged in advance for an additional fee of 500 pesos (approximately $30 USD) by emailing [email protected].

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes with good traction
• Light clothing (the cave maintains a constant temperature of about 19°C/66°F)
• A light jacket or sweater (some visitors find the cave cool after extended time)
• Water and snacks (no food services inside the caves)
• Camera (tripod not recommended due to space constraints)
• Bug repellent (especially if waiting for transportation outside the park)

Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the cave’s formation and history

Accessibility

The cave tour involves walking approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) round trip on a concrete path with some stairs. There are no alternative transportation options inside the caves. Visitors with mobility issues should contact the park in advance to discuss accessibility options.

Communication

Cell phone reception is limited or non-existent inside the caves. Make any necessary calls before entering the cave system. Wi-Fi is not available within the park.

Ready to Explore the Underground Wonders of Mexico?

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park offers a truly unique experience that combines natural wonder, adventure, and cultural heritage. From the awe-inspiring cave formations that have been growing for millions of years to the thrilling outdoor activities in the surrounding park, there’s something for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re marveling at the massive underground chambers, enjoying a concert in the natural acoustics of the Auditorium salon, or rappelling down limestone cliffs, this hidden gem of Mexico deserves a place on your travel itinerary. The nearby colonial town of Taxco adds a perfect cultural complement to your natural adventure.

Start planning your journey to one of the world’s most impressive cave systems and discover why Grutas de Cacahuamilpa has been captivating visitors since it opened to the public in the 1920s.