San Cristobal: Arcotete, Rancho Nuevo Caves Day Trip

Embark on an exciting day trip from San Cristóbal de Las Casas to explore the remarkable Arcotete and Rancho Nuevo Caves. This 7-hour adventure offers a chance to witness stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and impressive rock formations. Along the way, you’ll learn about the legend of Jean Françoise D’Arcotete. With ground transportation, guided commentary, and admission to both caves included, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss. So, grab your comfortable shoes and get ready to uncover the secrets of these captivating underground wonders.

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Key Points

Explore two captivating caves, Arcotete and Rancho Nuevo, featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and impressive rock formations in the geological limestone landscape.
Discover the legend of Jean Françoise D’Arcotete and learn about the history of the Rancho Nuevo Caves discovered in 1947.
Enjoy a 7-hour guided day trip with transportation, admission tickets, and access to the tourist parks, starting from $31.24 per person.
Benefit from a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve and pay later.
Prepare with recommended items such as comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and insect repellent, as the tour operates rain or shine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The activity, "San Cristobal: Arcotete, Rancho Nuevo Caves Day Trip," is priced from $31.24 per person and lasts 7 hours.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The day trip explores two caves, Arcotete and Rancho Nuevo, with stunning limestone formations.

Explore two caves, Arcotete and Rancho Nuevo, with stunning limestone formations on this day trip.

Though not included in the base price, visitors can also enjoy additional activities like sliding down slides, zip lining, horseback riding, and hiking during the excursion.

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Highlights and Attractions

Visitors can explore two captivating caves during the day trip – Arcotete and Rancho Nuevo. Arcotete, shaped by time, showcases stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The Rancho Nuevo Caves, discovered in 1947, feature impressive rock formations. Visitors can admire the caves’ geological wonders, including a limestone landscape with a length of 10.2 kilometers and a depth up to 550 meters.

| — | — | — | — |

| Limestone formations | – | – | Horseback riding |

| – | – | – | Hiking |

Itinerary and Experience

Visitors begin the day by exploring Arcotete, a cave shaped by time and showcasing stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

They’ll discover the legend of Jean Françoise D’Arcotete, a mysterious figure who lends the cave its name.

Next, they’ll venture into the Rancho Nuevo Caves, first discovered in 1947, and admire the impressive rock formations.

The tour concludes with a return to San Cristóbal de Las Casas, where guests are dropped off at the Al Grano Cafeteria in the city center.

Throughout the experience, the driver-guide provides insightful commentary as the shared transportation takes visitors to these remarkable natural wonders.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The San Cristobal Day Trip includes ground transportation in Tourist Units (shared service), a driver-guide as a tourist operator, admission tickets to attractions, and access to Arcotete and Rancho Nuevo Tourist Parks. However, personal expenses, food or drinks not specified, and additional activities not included in the itinerary are excluded from the package. To help you understand the inclusions and exclusions better, here’s a table:

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Ground transportation | Personal expenses |

| Driver-guide | Food or drinks not specified |

| Admission tickets | Additional activities not included |

| Access to tourist parks | – |

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Meeting Point and Preparation

The meeting point for the San Cristobal Day Trip is the Cafetería Al Grano, located in front of the Central Park.

Participants should bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and pack sunglasses, a sun hat, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Insect repellent is also recommended. Pets and baby carriages aren’t allowed.

The tour operates rain or shine, so weather may affect activities.

Minors aged 2-11 must present identification, and additional fares may apply for other ages.

Passengers may need to walk from the transportation to the destination for logistical reasons.

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Tour Conditions and Restrictions

Although the San Cristobal Day Trip operates rain or shine, the weather may affect the planned activities. Passengers should be prepared for various conditions.

The tour has some restrictions:

Pets and baby carriages aren’t allowed.
Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Minors (ages 2-11) must present identification, and an additional fare may apply for other ages.
Passengers may need to walk from the transportation to the destination for logistical reasons.

Following these guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable day trip to Arcotete and Rancho Nuevo Caves.

Minors and Additional Fares

Minors (ages 2-11) must present identification when joining the San Cristobal Day Trip. For passengers outside the 2-11 age range, an additional fare may apply.

The tour operator requires proper identification for all participants. This ensures the safety and appropriate accommodation for the entire group.

Advance reservations are necessary, and the staff will provide guidance on any supplementary costs based on your’ ages. Proper documentation helps the team deliver a smooth experience for everyone.

Please review the policies carefully when booking to avoid any unexpected fees and ensure a memorable day exploring the caves.

Logistical Considerations

Passengers may need to walk from the transportation drop-off point to the actual destinations for logistical reasons. This is to ensure the smooth flow of the tour and accommodate all participants.

Some key logistical considerations include:

The tour route may require walking portions to reach the caves and other attractions.
Parking availability may be limited, necessitating short walks from the drop-off location.
Navigating the terrain and accessing the cave entrances may involve some walking.
Guests should be prepared for light to moderate walking during the day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend My Stay at the Caves if I Want to Explore More?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary doesn’t allow for extended stays at the caves. The day trip has a set schedule, and you’ll need to return to San Cristóbal de Las Casas after exploring the Arcotete and Rancho Nuevo Caves.

How Accessible Are the Caves for Individuals With Disabilities?

The caves may not be fully accessible for individuals with disabilities due to uneven terrain and narrow passages. Visitors should consult the tour operator for details on accessibility and any special accommodations that can be provided.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum or maximum group size. It’s a shared service, so the group size may vary. Travelers should check with the tour operator for the latest details on group size and logistics.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Young Children?

Minors aged 2-11 must present identification, and an additional fare may apply for other ages. There are no specific minimum or maximum group size requirements for the tour.

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in the Area?

You can combine this tour with other activities in the area, but they’re not included in the package. Options like sliding, zip-lining, horseback riding, and hiking are available for an additional cost.

The Sum Up

This day trip from San Cristóbal de Las Casas to Arcotete and Rancho Nuevo Caves promises an exciting adventure. Explore remarkable cave formations, learn about the local legend, and enjoy guided commentary throughout the 7-hour excursion. With ground transportation, cave admissions, and the option to reserve and pay later, it’s a convenient and budget-friendly way to discover the natural wonders of the area.

You can check availability for your dates here: