The caves of Caxlampon are located in the province of Izabal, in the east of Guatemala, and offer a truly adventurous excursion away from the crowds of more well-known destinations such as nearby Semuc Champey. Nomadaway Travel, based in Guatemala City, offers a three-day trip taking in the caves and El Boqueron canyon. For $75, they provide transportation, all of the necessary equipment and tents to sleep in, although you have to take your own food or buy it from the family-run restaurant at the campsite.
© Jack Guy | Caxlampon Caves
An early start means you make the hike to the entrance of the caves before the harsh Izabal sun begins to beat down too hard and its glaring light becomes a distant memory when you enter the cave complex. Parts of the route are navigable on foot, but the route also takes in a 20-meter rappel down a waterfall, and on numerous occasions the only option is to leap several meters from one rock pool to the next, meaning this is an adventure not for the faint of heart.
Although the route is only 4 kilometers in length, the nature of spelunking means it takes around 8 hours. During that time you will pass underneath ancient stalagmite formations, scrambling, swimming and jumping through the darkness, before emerging near a hot spring where you can rest your weary limbs.
Plan your visit to coincide with the dry season, which usually runs from November to April. Outside of these months, the caves fill with water and no one can enter.
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