La Caverna de Chicoy

Cueva de Chicoy - Cueva Chicoy - Chicoy Cave


Useful Information

Location: Finca Chicoy, Municipality of Purulhá.
1 km off Cobán-Guatemala highway at km 169, 4 km north of Purulha. From Cobán take a bus to Guatemala or Purulha and ask the driver to let you off at Finca Chicoy.
(15.255721, -90.262877)
Open: All year daily 7-16.
[2021]
Fee: Adults GTQ 10.
[2021]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave
Light: n/a
Dimension:  
Guided tours:  
Photography: allowed, during a ritual permission required
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:  
Address:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History


Description

La caverna de Chicoy is a natural cathedral, with a collapse in the roof about 60 m in diameter. The huge cavern contains up to 15 m high stalagmites and the ceiling is up to 75 m high.. Flashlights are not needed, as the cave is lighted by daylight, nevertheless we recommend bringing them. The area around the entrance is covered by rain forest, and in the morning the mist from the forest filters the light in a fantastic way. The mist vanishes at around 11am, destroyed by the rays of the sun, which now shines into the hole, lighting huge stalagmites on the floor up to 15 m tall.

The cave is said to be a esoteric place, with strange magnetic fields and strong vibrations. The Mayans are said to have used the cave of Chicoy for healing and making wishes, so it is also called Altar de los Mayas. There are ancient Mayan altars in the cave, which are still used. The Cueva de Chicoy is highly respected by today's indigenous Q'eqchís and Poqomchís. One important Mayan ritual is the ceremony Cuaxaquib Batz (8 Monkey) marking the beginning of the 260-day sacred year.

There are trails, stone staircases and railings, nevertheless the path into the cave is sometimes slippery. Good shoes are recommended. There are toilets and a picnic area below the cave.