Las Grutas Cacahuamilpaย  ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝย  Guerrero, MEXICO
16ยฐ51.0616′ Nย ย  099ยฐ48.495′ W

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The Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park in Guerrero, Mexico, is best known for the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa Caverns, which are one of the largest cave systems in the world. It is also home to the Grutas of Carlos Pacheco, a smaller system, as well as two subterranean rivers which have carved out tunnels in the rock. The park has outdoor pursuit attractions such as rappelling, and rock climbing in Limontitla Canyon as well as the two underground rivers to explore. It also has a small botanical garden, a pool and places to camp. It’s near Taxco.


The site is located in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains in the northeast part of Guerrero state. This section of the Sierra Madre del Sur is made of rock, mostly limestone, which formed under oceans millions of years ago. The caverns extend through the municipalities of Pilcaya, Tetipac and Taxco of Guerrero state over 2,700 hectares of land located southwest of Mexico City, near the silversmithing town of Taxco.


Cacahuamilpa is one of the largest cave systems in the world. A “live” cave system as groundwater still filters down into it, and that the formations there are still growing. Inside the cavern system are ninety large “salons” separated by large natural rock walls and connected to one another via a central gallery. Only about twenty of these are fully explored and open to the public. Most of these salons are located under the Cerro de la Corona, a limestone mountain ridge.

These salons average about forty meters wide, and vary in height from twenty to 81 meters. Most have names which reflect the major formations found in them such as the Goat Salon, the Throne Salon and the Cathedral Salon. All the openings numerous rock formations growing from both the ceiling and the floor. One of the drier salons has been dubbed the โ€œAuditoriumโ€. It has a large flat floor and has been outfitted with seats.

LOCATION

Visiting Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, one of the largest cave systems in the world located in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, can be a thrilling and educational experience. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:

Planning Your Visit

  1. Best Time to Visit:
    • The caves are open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (November to April) when the weather is more pleasant and the roads are in better condition.
  2. Getting There:
    • By Car: Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa is about 2 hours from Mexico City. You can take the Autopista del Sol (Highway 95) towards Cuernavaca and then follow the signs to the caves.
    • By Bus: Buses run from Mexico Cityโ€™s southern bus terminal (Terminal de Autobuses del Sur) to Taxco or directly to the caves. From Taxco, you can take a local bus or taxi to the caves.
  3. Entrance Fees:
    • There is an entrance fee to visit the caves. The fee typically includes a guided tour. Check the official website or local tourism offices for the most up-to-date prices.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable Shoes: The tour involves a lot of walking on uneven terrain.
  • Light Jacket: The temperature inside the caves is cooler than outside.
  • Water: Stay hydrated, but note that food and drinks are usually not allowed inside the caves.
  • Camera: Photography is allowed, but flash photography may be restricted to preserve the cave’s natural environment.

During Your Visit

  1. Guided Tour:
    • Most visits are conducted as guided tours, which last about 2 hours. The guides are knowledgeable and can provide interesting information about the history and geology of the caves.
  2. Highlights to See:
    • Stalactites and Stalagmites: These impressive formations are a major draw.
    • The Salon del Luchador: A chamber named for its rock formations that resemble a wrestler.
    • The Cathedral: A vast chamber often used for concerts due to its excellent acoustics.
  3. Safety Tips:
    • Stay with your group during the tour.
    • Watch your step as the ground can be slippery.
    • Follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Nearby Attractions

  • Taxco: The nearby town of Taxco is famous for its silver jewelry and colonial architecture. Itโ€™s worth spending a day exploring this charming town.
  • Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa: The surrounding national park offers hiking trails and picnic areas for a day out in nature.

By planning ahead and knowing what to expect, you can make the most of your visit to Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa and enjoy this natural wonder to its fullest