The park's name, Aktun Chen, translates from Mayan to 'natural well inside a cave'.
The cave system contains geological formations estimated to be over five million years old.
The park is part of a larger, vast underground river network characteristic of the Yucatan Peninsula's limestone geology.
The onsite wildlife sanctuary operates as a rescue center for animals impacted by regional habitat loss.
Aktun Chen is a protected nature park situated in the Riviera Maya featuring an extensive cave system filled with natural stalactite and stalagmite formations. The park offers a guided dry cave tour that spans several hundred meters of underground pathways. Visitors can navigate an underground river system featuring crystalline waters and diverse aquatic life. The park includes a multi-station zipline circuit that traverses the jungle canopy. It maintains a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of local species such as spider monkeys and white-tailed deer. The site is located within a tropical dry forest ecosystem near the town of Akumal. Guests typically move through the attractions as part of a structured circuit led by staff.
The entrance to the primary dry cave system where sunlight filters through the limestone opening.
Bring biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to comply with the park's environmental preservation policies.
Water shoes are highly recommended for the underground river portion of the visit.
Pack a change of clothes and a towel, as you will be entering the water during the river trek.
Attempting to explore the cave areas without a guide or straying from the marked trails.
Use only biodegradable products; touching the stalactites and stalagmites in the caves is strictly prohibited.
