Spend a day south of Mérida visiting San Agustín’s cooperative and exploring the crystalline Grutas Chocantes. This private tour combines community-led cultural experiences with cave passages and a ridge-top zip line.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave Mérida before dawn and the road narrows into limestone hills rimed with thorn forest. Morning light picks out the low stone houses of San Agustín as the village wakes—women bring out woven hammocks, men tend small plots, and the scent of wood smoke and fresh corn tortillas fills the air.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12–13 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to walk on uneven ground, climb short stair sections and tolerate heat
Wildlife
History
The Puuc region was a heartland of Classic Maya architecture; nearby ruins and local craft traditions reflect centuries of occupation and resource use.
Conservation
Community-based tourism supports local livelihoods while incentivizing protection of cave formations and native vegetation—avoid touching speleothems and pack out waste.
Reserve your spot on the A Journey to the Puuc: San Agustín + Grutas Chocantes today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate early and often
Bring at least 2 liters of water; the inland heat and walking between sites can dehydrate you quickly.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Uneven limestone trails and slippery cave floors require durable footwear with good grip.
Prepare for tight spaces
Some cave sections are low and narrow—if you have claustrophobia or mobility limits, discuss alternatives with the operator.
Support local commerce
Buy a handicraft or a meal at the cooperative—this tour is designed to funnel tourism dollars directly to the village.
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Protects feet on rocky trails and inside the cave's damp passages.
Headlamp or strong flashlight
Necessary for navigating dark cave passages and hands-free use.
Insect repellent
Reduces mosquito and fly nuisance in forested and rural areas.
summer
Light rain jacket
Useful in sudden tropical downpours during the rainy season.
summer