Cuevas de B'omb'il Pek, Cave museum in Chisec, Guatemala.
Cuevas de B'omb'il Pek is a cave system in Chisec featuring underground chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient rock paintings. The complex consists of interconnected passages and halls that visitors can explore throughout their visit.
French explorer Daniel Dreux discovered the cave system in the 1970s, and it remained closed to visitors until opening to the public in 2002. This long period of isolation helped preserve the paintings and geological features from damage.
The name B'omb'il comes from the Q'eqchi' language and means Painted Cave, referring to early Guatemalan rock art depicting jaguars and monkeys. These paintings remain part of how local communities understand their ancestral connection to the land.
Entry requires descending through a chasm created by a cave collapse, with visitors choosing between a steep wooden ladder or rappelling. Plan for the complete experience, including descent and exploration, to take about two to three hours depending on your fitness level.
The cave system remained virtually unknown for decades before opening to visitors, which means many of the rock paintings have stayed relatively undamaged. This makes it a rare example of ancient art protected by natural isolation.
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