Cueva del Chicho
Discover a hidden gem: Cueva del Chicho, a breathtaking cave with crystal-clear waters and ancient Taino sculptures. An off-the-beaten-path adventure ...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the midday heat
Cueva del Chicho
Best Time
Escape the midday heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a hidden gem: Cueva del Chicho, a breathtaking cave with crystal-clear waters and ancient Taino sculptures. An off-the-beaten-path adventure awaits!
"Brutally beautiful will visit again soon, a truly unique natural wonder."
🔦 Bring a Headlamp!
Essential for exploring the cave's depths and spotting ancient Taino sculptures. Cell phone lights work but aren't ideal.
🚗 4WD Recommended
The dirt road to the cave can be rough; a 4WD vehicle is best. If not, be prepared for a walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal-Clear Cave Waters
Inside the cave
Dive into incredibly clear, cold water for a refreshing swim surrounded by stunning cave formations.

Ancient Taino Sculptures
Within the cave
Discover fascinating pre-colonial Taino sculptures, a hidden historical treasure within the cave.

Subterranean Grandeur
Cave interior
Marvel at the high ceilings and natural beauty of this off-the-beaten-path cave, a truly unique natural wonder.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Path to Paradise
Essential Gear for Cave Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Headlamp!
Essential for exploring the cave's depths and spotting ancient Taino sculptures. Cell phone lights work but aren't ideal.
🚗 4WD Recommended
The dirt road to the cave can be rough; a 4WD vehicle is best. If not, be prepared for a walk.
💰 Exact Change for Entry
Pay 200 pesos per person at the rope gate. Having exact change speeds up the process.
🩱 Swimsuit & Water Shoes
The water is cold but refreshing! Water shoes help with the rocky cave floor.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Headlamp!
Essential for exploring the cave's depths and spotting ancient Taino sculptures. Cell phone lights work but aren't ideal.
🚗 4WD Recommended
The dirt road to the cave can be rough; a 4WD vehicle is best. If not, be prepared for a walk.
💰 Exact Change for Entry
Pay 200 pesos per person at the rope gate. Having exact change speeds up the process.
🩱 Swimsuit & Water Shoes
The water is cold but refreshing! Water shoes help with the rocky cave floor.
🗺️ Trust Google Maps
The route might seem sketchy, but it leads to the cave. Follow it carefully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cueva del Chicho for its stunningly clear, cold waters and the unique experience of swimming within a cave. The presence of ancient Taino sculptures adds a historical dimension, making it a truly off-the-beaten-path gem. However, the challenging access road and lack of signage are frequently mentioned drawbacks, requiring careful planning and preparation.
"Beautiful cave! Not easy to get down in the water, but it was amazing and refreshing to swim in Crystal clear cold water! We loved it."
justine le flahec
"A beautiful 🤩 place great experience
Recommendation if you’re visiting this place make all posible to take with you a flashlight 🔦 you will be surprised 😳 of the amazing view. Also recommend to wear a swimming suit.
I did not have a flashlight 🔦 with me and only with the lights of the cell I was amazed
Brutally beautiful will visit again soon"
Salvador Vargas
"Somehow it was so difficult to know how to get to this cave because neither the Internet nor the locals know much about it. Ended up walking on a sandy road under the hot sun for about 45 minutes because we weren't sure if we were going in the right direction. However, if you do know where you're going (especially if you're driving instead of walking), you would have more time to enjoy this cave, which really is worth all the walking in the heat and humidity. I've been to quite a few cenotes in Mexico. This one is different because you go down deep into a cave, which makes the ceiling very high. There are no safety railings nor lighting, so it's necessary to bring your own light. Quite off the beaten path. But the water is so clear that you can see the white rocks all the way to the bottom even with little light. Also there are some pre-colonial Taino sculptures, which is a bonus. Well worth the journey and very close to the center of Bayahibe. Glad the mass tourism companies have decided to keep this out of their itinerary."
Jeneen G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Follow Google Maps, which will lead you off the main road onto a dirt road. You'll encounter a rope gate guarded by locals who collect a 200 pesos per person entrance fee. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for the rough road, but walking is also an option if you park further back.
The road is a dirt road and can be rough, especially after rain. While some visitors manage with regular cars, a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended to avoid getting stuck.
Yes, you can walk to Cueva del Chicho if you don't have a suitable vehicle. It involves walking along the dirt road from where you can park, which can be about a 45-minute walk under the sun.
Signs can be lacking, and locals may not have much information. Relying on Google Maps and looking for the distinctive rope gate is the most reliable way to find it.
Cueva del Chicho is located relatively close to the center of Bayahibe, making it an accessible destination for those staying in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 200 pesos per person, payable at the rope gate you'll encounter on the dirt road. It's advised to have exact change.
No advance booking is typically required. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the gate.
Specific opening hours are not widely published, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to arrive in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Parking is available along the dirt road leading to the cave. You can park wherever there is space, but a 4WD is recommended to reach closer spots.
The entrance is guarded by a friendly couple at a rope gate who collect the fee. Beyond that, facilities are minimal, so come prepared.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are swimming in the crystal-clear, cold water and exploring the cave's natural beauty. You can also discover ancient Taino sculptures hidden within.
The water is clear and the cave is beautiful, but be mindful of the rocky terrain. Wearing water shoes is recommended. There are no safety railings.
Wear a swimsuit for swimming and water shoes for navigating the rocky cave floor. Comfortable walking shoes are also good if you plan to walk from the main road.
Yes, photography is encouraged! However, bring a flashlight or headlamp as the cave can be dark, making it difficult to capture the details.
Yes, there are bats in the cave and bees at the entrance, but they are generally not bothersome and do not disturb visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The most striking photo opportunities are within the cave itself, capturing the interplay of light and shadow on the rock formations and the clear water. The ancient Taino sculptures also make for unique shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the cave's expanse. Crucially, bring a powerful flashlight or headlamp for illumination, as natural light is limited. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable if you plan to swim.
Utilize your flashlight or headlamp to illuminate the cave walls, water, and any sculptures. Experiment with different angles and distances to create dramatic effects. Consider a tripod for longer exposures if your camera allows.
No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned. However, always be respectful of the natural environment and any other visitors.
While the cave is dark, the afternoon can offer a slightly better chance of ambient light filtering in. However, your own light source will be the primary determinant of photo quality.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to bring flashlights or headlamps for everyone to explore safely and make the cave experience more engaging for children. Water shoes are also a good idea to protect their feet on the rocky surfaces. While there are no safety railings, supervising children closely while they swim and explore is paramount. The historical aspect of the Taino sculptures can also spark curiosity in older children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and water is essential, as facilities are minimal. Bringing your own flashlight/headlamp and water shoes avoids rental fees and ensures you have what you need. This destination offers a significant 'wow' factor without the hefty price tag of more developed tourist attractions, making it a gem for those looking to explore on a budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Journey to Cueva del Chicho
This off-the-beaten-path nature is part of its charm, setting it apart from more commercialized cenotes. While locals might not have extensive information, the journey itself is often described as part of the memorable experience. The reward for this effort is a truly unique natural wonder, far from the usual tourist crowds.
Experiencing the Wonders Within
Beyond the swimming, the cave holds historical significance with pre-colonial Taino sculptures subtly integrated into its natural formations. Discovering these ancient artifacts adds a layer of intrigue to your visit. However, the cave's natural state means there are no safety railings or artificial lighting. This is where your preparation pays off: a flashlight or headlamp is absolutely essential for exploring the cave's depths, illuminating the sculptures, and appreciating the full grandeur of the subterranean space.
The cave's high ceilings and natural formations create a sense of awe. While there are bats and bees present, they are generally not a nuisance. The overall experience is described as 'brutally beautiful' and well worth the journey, offering a serene and memorable encounter with nature and history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit