The Famous Bat Cave at Calakmul

by Lydia Linton Pontius

Sac-be, as many of you know, means "white road" in Mayan and was the ancient road system that connected the entire Maya Civilization. Our site, sac-be.com, focuses primarily on the Riviera Maya and Costa Maya along the Caribbean Coast; however, we also enjoy traveling and discovering new areas in and around what once was the ancient Maya Civilization. This month Sac-Be learned about a new spot, Calakmul, in Campeche, inland from the Yucatán's southern coasts.

If you are looking for a getaway, romantic weekend or adventurous side trip this might be the perfect spot for you. Located just off the east–west Highway 186 that cuts through from Chetumal to Escárcega, and two hours inland from Bacalar, you will find a very special eco-resort, Hotel Puerta Calakmul . This is a great place to stay while you visit the ruins of Calakmul, which were named after the twin pyramids that sit side by side. It is one of the largest known Maya sites, extending over 10 square miles.

Surrounding the ruins is the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, which is the largest tropical forest reserve in Mexico. This is paradise for those who want to experience nature at its most pristine. Home to jaguars, ocelots, crocodiles, tapirs and over 230 species of birds, it is great for nature lovers and birders.

In addition to the Calakmul Biosphere and Calakmul ruins there are several other tours you can take from Hotel Puerta Calakmul, including tours of Chicanná, Becán, and Xpuhil.

Not to be missed is the unique trip to the Bat Cave and, no, we don't mean as in Batman and Robin; you won't see any Batmobiles but what you will experience is a tornado-like swarm of bats if you arrive at just the right time. You wait with anticipation high above the entrance of the cave. As twilights begins single bats begin to emerge and the birds of prey begin screeching and circling above. Finally, the flood gates open and millions of bats swirl out of the cave, spiraling toward the sky. You feel them fly by you and while your instincts say “duck” you know that the bats won’t hit you. This is a must see, one of a kind experience, and is located just 10 kilometers from the hote. Do hire a guide.