Cave 9 km southeast of San Cristóbal de Las Casas
A cave in the pine forest southeast of town with a lit walkway past stalactites, plus horses and trails outside.
The Grutas de Rancho Nuevo, also called the Grutas de San Cristóbal, are a limestone cave in the pine forest about ten kilometers southeast of San Cristóbal, just off the highway to Comitán. The cave was explored from the late 1940s by local cavers, and it runs far deeper into the mountain than the part visitors see.
The visit follows a concrete walkway, lit and fitted with railings, that winds for several hundred meters through a narrow, high passage full of stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone. Guides and signs point out shapes people have seen in the rock over the years, from animals to a map of Chiapas. Past the lit section, a guided extension continues in darkness with helmets and lamps.
The cave sits inside an ecotourism park with picnic areas, horse rides and short trails in the forest, which makes it an easy family outing. It is cool inside year round, so bring a sweater, and the walkways can be damp and slippery.
What to see and do
Walk the lit walkway through the cave's stalactites and stalagmites.
Add the guided extension into the unlit section with helmet and lamp.
Ride a horse or walk the short forest trails in the park.
Have a picnic in the pine woods by the entrance.
Getting there
The caves are about 20 minutes from San Cristóbal by car or taxi on Highway 190 toward Comitán; the turnoff is signed. Colectivos heading toward Teopisca and Comitán can drop you at the turnoff, and some agencies combine the caves with the Arcotete park on a half-day tour. There is an entry fee, and the park is usually open during the day.
9 km southeast of San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Directions from San Cristóbal de Las Casas on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather cool
Grutas de Rancho Nuevo shares the climate of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, 9 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
See the month-by-month climate of San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Make San Cristóbal de Las Casas your base
Grutas de Rancho Nuevo is an easy trip from San Cristóbal de Las Casas, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around San Cristóbal de Las Casas
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Tenejapa
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.