Candelaria Caves: Full Day Tubing & Pools Tour from Coban

Summary

Step inside Candelaria Caves walk ancient paths float river pools

You’ll follow ancient Mayan footsteps through Guatemala’s Candelaria Caves with a local guide, float along an underground river by tube, and swim in chilly natural pools under stone ceilings. Expect laughter, quiet moments, and a sense of mystery that sticks with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect as we left Coban that morning—just a vague excitement and the promise of caves that meant something big to the Mayans. The drive north was longer than I thought (two hours, but it didn’t drag), with green hills rolling past and our guide, Carlos, pointing out villages and telling stories about the Q’eqchi’ people. He handed me a helmet at the entrance—“for your head, not your style,” he joked—and I realized this wasn’t just a walk in the dark.

The air changed as soon as we stepped inside the Candelaria Caves. It smelled damp and old, like wet stone and earth after rain. My shoes slipped a little on the smooth rocks, but Carlos moved easily, flashlight beam catching carvings on the walls. He explained how these caves were once a gateway to the infraworld for the Maya; I tried to picture ceremonies echoing in that cool silence. There were bits of pottery tucked into corners—leftovers from centuries ago. It felt weirdly intimate, like we’d stumbled into someone’s secret room.

Later we waded into a pool under a low ceiling of rock—water cold enough to make me gasp. After that came tubing down the underground river, which was both peaceful and kind of hilarious (I spun in circles at one point and Carlos laughed). The light filtering through cracks overhead made everything look greenish-blue. I kept thinking about how many people had passed through here before us, all for different reasons. On the way back to Coban I was tired but couldn’t stop replaying those echoes in my head—you know when something lingers longer than you expect?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Candelaria Caves and return

• Travel 2 hours from Coban to caves
• Walk inside the Candelaria Caves
• Drench in natural pools under rock formations
• Enjoy tubing on the Candelaria River
• Return 2 hours to Coban

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Coban to Candelaria Caves?

It takes about 2 hours by private transportation from Coban to reach the caves.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup from hotels in or around Coban is included.

What activities are part of this full day tour?

The tour includes walking inside the caves, swimming in natural pools, and tubing along an underground river.

Are safety equipment and entrance fees provided?

Yes, safety equipment like helmets and flashlights plus entry fees are included.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is mentioned as included; bring snacks or ask your guide for local options.

Who leads the tour inside Candelaria Caves?

A local guide accompanies you throughout the visit to share insights and ensure safety.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues; moderate fitness is needed.

What should I bring for swimming or tubing?

Bring swimwear, a towel, water shoes if possible, and maybe dry clothes for after tubing.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup from Coban or nearby areas, all entrance fees to Candelaria Caves, use of helmets and flashlights for exploring safely inside, tubing gear for floating down the underground river, plus guidance from a local expert who knows every story behind these stones before heading back in comfort at sunset.