A guided walk through one of Mexico's largest known cave systems, illuminated to reveal chambers of stalactites and stalagmites along a paved interior path inside the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, which sits mainly in the municipalities of Pilcaya and Taxco de Alarcon in Guerrero state, with only a small extension of the cave system reaching into neighboring Morelos.
The Grutas de Cacahuamilpa are reached by private vehicle from Taxco in about 30 minutes or from Cuernavaca in about an hour, both along the Cuernavaca-Taxco federal highway; parking is available at the park entrance and access is by guided tour only, included in the entrance ticket. The tour covers about 2 kilometres through the main gallery, on a paved interior path with steps at the entrance and exit but a flat, even surface through most of the cave itself, so there is no technical difficulty or elevation gain to speak of. Lighting is entirely artificial, illuminating chambers of stalactites and stalagmites, some of the formations reaching several stories tall, along the fixed 1.5-to-2-hour guided route. Landmarks include the largest named chambers within the main gallery, pointed out by the guide, with the tour's far point marking the turn-around before the group retraces the path back toward the entrance. There are no natural water sources inside the cave, but restrooms and a visitor area are available at the entrance and exit. The interior temperature stays cool and consistent year-round regardless of the season outside, and the cave system extends mainly through the municipalities of Pilcaya and Taxco de Alarcon in Guerrero, with only a small portion reaching into neighboring Morelos state.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, Pilcaya Municipality
- Best season
- Year-round; interior temperature stays consistent regardless of season
What to bring
- Closed-toe walking shoes with grip for damp cave floors
- Light jacket for the cooler interior temperature
- Water bottle
Location
Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Taxco Km 32, 40905 Pilcaya, Guerrero, Mexico
18.6697, -99.5100 View on map
Highlights
- Illuminated chambers of stalactites and stalagmites in one of Mexico's largest known cave systems
- Guided 2-kilometre walking route through the main gallery
- Consistent cool interior temperature regardless of outside season
- Paved path suitable for most fitness levels
Tips for visiting
- Bring a light jacket, since the cave interior stays noticeably cooler than the surrounding Guerrero heat
- Book the guided tour slot in advance during peak weekends and holidays
- Wear closed-toe shoes with grip, as the paved floor can be damp in places
- Keep pace with the guide, since the tour follows a fixed route through the gallery
When to visit
The cave can be visited year-round since the interior temperature stays consistent regardless of season; arriving early avoids the largest tour groups.
Accessibility
The interior path through the main gallery is paved and mostly flat, though the steps at the entrance and exit limit full wheelchair access without assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Can the caves be visited without a guide?
No, entry to the main gallery is by guided tour only, included in the entrance ticket.
How cool is the cave interior?
The temperature stays consistently cool year-round, noticeably lower than the outside temperature in the Guerrero lowlands.
Is the walking route difficult?
No, the 2-kilometre guided route follows a flat, paved path through the main gallery with only steps at the entrance and exit.
How long does the tour take?
The guided walk through the main gallery takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.