Rancho Nuevo Caves Natural Park (Grutas de Rancho Nuevo)
Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, 30111
Discovered in 1960, Rancho Nuevo Caves Natural Park (Grutas de Rancho Nuevo) is home to massive limestone stalagmites and stalactites and surrounded by a towering pine forest. Wander through the caves by following the winding 2,475-foot (755-meter) walkway, before riding horseback or hiking among the trees for a rural escape just 20 minutes outside of San Cristóbal de las Casas.
The Basics
A popular half- or full-day trip destination from nearby San Cristóbal de las Casas, the Rancho Nuevo Caves National Park is the ideal outdoor escape. Try your hand at ziplining, horseback riding, or hiking, before venturing into the partly lit caves—adventurous visitors can go deeper with just a flashlight for an extra fee. Ideal for families, the Rancho Nuevo Caves National Park is also a prime picnic spot, with vendors serving up local dishes throughout the day.
Things to Know Before You Go
This is a great spot for families looking to escape the city for a day.
There are plenty of places to grab a tasty breakfast or lunch at the caves, so bring small bills and loose change.
There’s a small fee to access the park, caves, and some of the on-site activities.
Expect to spend at least half a day at the park enjoying all it has to offer.
The Rancho Nuevo Caves National Park is not accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
The Rancho Nuevo Caves National Park is situated 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) south of San Cristóbal de las Casas and 42 miles (67 kilometers) east of the state capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Easily accessed by private vehicle, the entrance to the park is just a short walk from the Pan-American Highway drop-off point. You can also board a combi (minivan) bound for Teopisca; tell the driver you’re headed to “Las Grutas.”
When to Get There
The Rancho Nuevo Caves National Park is open daily, typically from 8am to 5pm, and there’s a small fee to enter both the park and the caves. Arrive early to enjoy the caves more or less to yourself and tuck into freshly made quesadillas and other Mexican dishes for breakfast. Expect to spend around half a day in the park.
Natural Attractions Near San Cristóbal
If you’re looking to get back to nature in Chiapas, you won’t be short on options. As one of Mexico’s most naturally beautiful states, Chiapas is home to the Agua Azul Waterfalls, located 100 miles (160 kilometers) from San Cris; the massive Sumidero Canyon, just over an hour’s drive west; and the Palenque archaeological ruins, set against a lush forest backdrop.
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