Balancanché Caves

Balancanché Caves (Grutas de Balancanché) are about 6 km (4 mi.) e. of the Chichén Itzá ruins via Mex. 180 (the free road to Valladolid), then down a very short gravel road to the entrance; follow signs. In 1959 a Chichén Itzá tour guide was exploring a network of caverns and discovered a secret passageway that led to a huge floor-to-ceiling stalagmite surrounded by Mayan ceremonial objects, offerings to the rain god Tlaloc. The artifacts are exhibited in the same locations in which they were found. There also is a small museum and a botanical garden at the site.

Note: The cave is hot and humid, with a dimly lit but well-maintained trail that includes many steep stairways; wear sturdy shoes. The tour is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic.

Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.