Cenotes de Candelaria

The limestone country around Nenton in northern Huehuetenango is riddled with karst features, and at Candelaria a set of cenotes, deep water-filled sinkholes formed where the roof of a cave system collapsed, sit among dry scrub and farmland. The water is deep, still and an intense blue, walled by pale rock with vegetation hanging down from the rim, and steps cut down to the edge allow swimming. There are several pools of different sizes within a short distance. The community manages the site simply, with a fee and basic facilities. The surrounding country is hot, dry and much lower than the Cuchumatanes to the south.

What you actually see

• Deep blue sinkhole pools - water in collapsed cave chambers.
• Pale limestone walls - the rock enclosing the cenotes.
• Vegetation hanging from the rim - plants growing down the walls.
• Swimming from cut steps - the access down to the water.

When to go

January to April in the dry season, when the roads are passable and the water clearest. Half a day. It is hot; go early or late.

Honest expectations

The water is deep with no shallow edge, which does not suit weak swimmers. Facilities are minimal. Access tracks are rough. It is a long way from the main visitor routes and takes a full day from Huehuetenango.

Nearby

Nenton is south; Hoyo Cimarron lies nearby.