Cave 9 km west of Aquismón
One of the world's largest open-air pits, famous for the swifts that spiral out at dawn and dive back in at dusk.
The Sótano de las Golondrinas is a vertical shaft in the limestone hills west of Aquismón, and one of the largest open-air pits on Earth. Its mouth is about 60 meters across and opens onto a chamber that widens far below, with a free fall of more than 330 meters from the rim. Counting the narrow pits at the bottom, the cave goes down roughly 512 meters. The Tének people have known it forever; outside explorers were first shown it in 1966, and the state declared it a natural monument in 1980.
The name means "pit of the swallows," but the birds are mostly white-collared swifts, along with green parakeets. At first light they leave the cave in great spirals, circling up the walls until they burst out over the rim. Around sunset they come home: flocks circle above the opening and then fold their wings and drop into the dark in steep dives.
That daily show is the reason to go, and it is worth getting up before dawn for. The pit is also a famous spot for rappelling, for experienced cavers with local operators.
What to see and do
Arrive before sunrise to watch the swifts and parakeets spiral out of the pit.
Come back late in the afternoon to see the flocks dive back in around sunset.
Look over the edge from the rim platform; stay behind the barriers, as the drop is sheer.
Rappel into the pit with an experienced local operator if you are a trained caver.
Getting there
The pit is about 15 kilometers west of Aquismón, roughly 30 minutes by car on a winding mountain road toward Tamapatz. From the parking area a long stone stairway of several hundred steps leads down to the rim, and the climb back up is steep. Local taxis and tour operators in Aquismón run early-morning trips for the birds' dawn exit.
9 km west of Aquismón
Directions from Aquismón on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather warm
Sótano de las Golondrinas shares the climate of Aquismón, 9 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Aquismón your base
Sótano de las Golondrinas is an easy trip from Aquismón, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
Also close to
- Xilitla · 27 km away
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.