Lanquin Caves

The Lanquin caves open in the hillside just outside the village of the same name, a river cave with a lit walkway running several hundred metres into the hill past stalactites, flowstone and chambers, with the river running through the passage below. The rock is wet and the walkway is slippery throughout. What most visitors come for happens outside at dusk: thousands of bats leave the cave mouth in a continuous stream that lasts a long time, flying out over the heads of anyone sitting on the steps and away down the valley. The cave has ceremonial significance for the Q'eqchi' and altars stand near the entrance.

What you actually see

• The dusk bat exodus - thousands leaving the cave mouth in a stream.
• Lit river cave passages - the walkway several hundred metres in.
• Stalactites and flowstone - the formations along the route.
• Q'eqchi' altars at the entrance - the ceremonial use of the cave.

When to go

November to April in the dry season; arrive before dusk for the bats. Two to three hours. It is usually combined with Semuc Champey the same day or the next.

Honest expectations

The walkway is genuinely slippery and lighting is patchy; sturdy shoes matter. The cave floods in heavy rain and can close. The bat flight timing varies and cannot be guaranteed. Lanquin village has limited facilities.

Nearby

Semuc Champey is south-east; Coban lies west.