Rancho Nuevo Caves
Explore stunning caves and enjoy forest slides near San Cristóbal de las Casas. A natural playground for families and adventure seekers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Rancho Nuevo Caves
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore stunning caves and enjoy forest slides near San Cristóbal de las Casas. A natural playground for families and adventure seekers.
"Perfect day outside the city! We were looking for a chance to get out into the woods and Rancho Nuevo was a great breath of fresh air."
💰 Pay Per Activity
Budget for separate fees for caves, slides, and other attractions. Tickets are often single-entry.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring caves and walking through the forest trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grutas de Rancho Nuevo
Caves
Explore impressive cave systems with unique rock formations. Guided tours offer deeper insights into these natural wonders.
Alpine Slide Adventure
Play Area
Experience the thrill of concrete slides winding through the forest. A fun and unique activity for all ages.
Woodland Trails & Picnic Spots
Forest
Wander through serene woodlands, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic amidst nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Fees
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Pay Per Activity
Budget for separate fees for caves, slides, and other attractions. Tickets are often single-entry.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring caves and walking through the forest trails.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Bring a picnic to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
🚗 Easy Access
Just a short drive from San Cristóbal de las Casas, accessible by taxi or tour.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Pay Per Activity
Budget for separate fees for caves, slides, and other attractions. Tickets are often single-entry.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring caves and walking through the forest trails.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Bring a picnic to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
🚗 Easy Access
Just a short drive from San Cristóbal de las Casas, accessible by taxi or tour.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
A great spot for families with various activities and a natural setting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rancho Nuevo Caves offers a refreshing natural escape near San Cristóbal de las Casas with unique cave systems and fun activities like slides. While many enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor opportunities, some visitors note a fragmented fee structure and concerns about noise and litter impacting the natural ambiance.
"Perfect day outside the city! We were looking for a chance to get out into the woods and Rancho Nuevo was a great breath of fresh air. We explored the caves - the initial experience was worth the $$, we did not do the additional guided tour at the end of the first leg of the journey. Must take a trip on the alpine slide, have lunch at one of the great sit-downs, and wander through the trees."
Spenser Peterson
"The Park and the caves are beautiful. The downside is you have to pay for everything individually. You have to pay for toilets. You have to pay for both caves separately. You have to pay for the horses. You have to pay for the zip line. Plus even though you get a ticket for the caves, once you exit them, your ticket becomes invalid. Meaning you have to pay to enter again. One cave even has two sections and you have to pay for them separately as well."
Paul Beneduce
"Don't go there!
There's nothing about Eco or turistic!
It's an awesome place ruined by the administration and Mexicans!
A huge forest ruined by car and motorcycles, barbecue, rubbish, high music, stand(food or clothes)...and fireworks! That's not a natural/quite place!
P.s. poor animals close in cage!"
Marco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rancho Nuevo Caves are conveniently located about 10-15 km from San Cristóbal de las Casas. You can easily reach it by taxi for around 80 pesos,
or join a daily tour from the city.While specific public bus routes might be limited, shared taxis (colectivos) or organized tours are the most common and recommended ways to get there from San Cristóbal.
The journey from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Rancho Nuevo Caves is quite short, typically taking around 15-20 minutes by car.
Yes, driving your own car is an option, and there are parking facilities available. However, some reviews mention concerns about noise from cars and motorcycles within the park.
Absolutely! Many tour operators in San Cristóbal de las Casas offer daily tours that include visits to Rancho Nuevo Caves, often combined with other nearby attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees can be a bit fragmented. The general park entrance might have a small fee (around $30 MXN
), but each cave and activity has its own separate charge. Be prepared to pay for each cave individually.Yes, typically you need to purchase separate tickets for each cave you wish to explore. Some caves may even have sections that require additional payment.
Unfortunately, cave tickets are often single-entry. Once you exit a cave, your ticket may become invalid, requiring you to pay again if you wish to re-enter.
While the initial entry to the caves has a fee (around $25 MXN
), a guided tour to explore deeper sections can cost an additional amount, potentially around $35 MXN.Be aware that you might have to pay for amenities like restrooms, and each activity like horseback riding or zip-lining comes with its own price tag.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Beyond the caves, you can enjoy concrete slides, horseback riding, zip-lining, and even see deer. It's a place with diverse natural and recreational offerings.
Yes, it's widely considered a family-friendly destination with activities suitable for various ages. The natural environment and playful attractions make it enjoyable for kids.
According to one review, pets are welcome at Rancho Nuevo, making it a great spot for families with furry companions.
You can explore the initial parts of the caves independently, but for deeper exploration, hiring a local guide is recommended.
Yes, restrooms are available, but be prepared to pay a small fee for their use.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are sit-down restaurants offering typical local cuisine. Many visitors also choose to bring their own food for picnics.
Barbecuing is a popular activity here, with many visitors enjoying outdoor meals. However, some reviews mention concerns about noise and litter associated with these gatherings.
While specific menus aren't detailed, local Chiapas cuisine often includes corn-based dishes and vegetables. It's advisable to inquire at the restaurants directly about options.
Reviews suggest the sit-down restaurants offer good food and are a convenient option. Bringing your own picnic is also a popular choice.
Expect traditional Mexican and Chiapas dishes. Some visitors mention enjoying roast beef.
📸 📸 Photography
The cave interiors offer dramatic lighting and unique formations. The surrounding woodlands and the alpine slides also provide picturesque backdrops.
Photography is generally allowed inside the caves, but be mindful of your surroundings and any specific rules posted by guides. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect formations.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the caves. For the forest, a standard lens will work well. Consider a tripod if you plan on longer exposures in low light.
There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions, but it's always best to check local regulations before flying a drone in natural parks.
Mornings offer softer light for the woodlands, while midday can provide dramatic shafts of light within the caves. Experiment with different times to see what works best for you.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the caves themselves are fascinating, ensure your children are comfortable in enclosed spaces. The separate entry fees for activities mean you can tailor the experience to your family's interests and budget. The overall atmosphere is generally described as family-friendly, making it a safe and engaging environment for younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for shared taxis or colectivos for transportation from San Cristóbal de las Casas, which are more economical than private cabs. Prioritize which activities are most important to you, as paying for every single attraction might exceed a tight budget. Focusing on the caves and enjoying the natural surroundings can still provide a fulfilling experience.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
The caves themselves are a highlight, showcasing geological wonders. Consider a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of these subterranean environments. While the park is developed for recreation, pockets of natural beauty remain, offering a pleasant respite for nature lovers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Grutas (Caves)
Some caves are more accessible than others, with varying levels of natural light and formations. The Gruta La Golondrina is mentioned as having a specific entry fee, suggesting different caves cater to different interests and budgets. Visitors often describe the experience as awe-inspiring, with unique rock formations that showcase the power of nature.
For the best experience, wear sturdy shoes as the cave floors can be uneven and damp. Bring a flashlight or rely on your guide's illumination, and be prepared for a cooler temperature inside the caves compared to the outside.
Activities Beyond the Caves
For those seeking more active pursuits, horseback riding and zip-lining are available, allowing you to experience the natural beauty of the area from different perspectives. The park also features extensive woodlands with trails perfect for leisurely walks or a relaxing picnic. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to simply wander through the trees and enjoy the fresh air.
It's worth noting that each of these activities comes with a separate fee, so it's advisable to budget for whichever ones you'd like to partake in. The park aims to provide a diverse range of entertainment options within its natural setting.
Understanding the Park's Administration and Atmosphere
This contrasts with other reviews that emphasize the park's role as a 'beautiful Park' and a 'great breath of fresh air' offering a 'chance to get out into the woods.' The presence of animals in cages has also been noted as a negative point by some. It appears that the park can attract a lively, sometimes boisterous, crowd, especially on weekends or holidays, which might not align with expectations of a serene nature preserve for all visitors.
Despite these criticisms, many still find value in the natural setting and the specific attractions like the caves and slides. The key is to manage expectations; it can be a vibrant, family-oriented recreational area rather than a strictly pristine ecological site.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit