The Verapaces is a natural paradise, a combination of beautiful mountains, cloud forests, waterfalls, rivers of crystalline waters, mysterious caverns and grottos.

One of the most recent attractions a visitor can enjoy upon visiting the region of the Verapaces, in the north of Guatemala, are the “Grutas del Rey Marcos” - Grottos of King Marcos, millenarian caverns in which majestic rocky formations can be enjoyed.

Located six kilometers from San Juan Chamelco, in Alta Verapaz, the grottos represent one of the most recent discoveries, as far as tourism attractions are concerned. There are those who affirm that the diverse rocky the stone stalactites, stalagmites and forms polished by the water of a small brook, make these the most beautiful of the caverns of Central America.

The Grottos are located above Cecilinda, an attraction where crystalline waters flow off the mountains and form a series of freshwater swimming pools and waterfalls.

This is only one of attractions of the Verapaces - the Upper and Lower Verapaz- a region that dates back to the times Carlos V, King of Spain and is one of oldest of the country.

The Grottos of King Marcos are eight kilometers to the Southeast of Cobán, capital of Alta Verapaz, known as the Imperial City, where tourism development has fostered the appearance of hotels, restaurants and inns, among other attractions.

In Cobán, visits to the famous coffee plantations, founded by German immigrants at the end of XIX century; or visits to the Verapaz nursery, one of largest of America; or experiencing Mayan culture in the museums of the Mayan Prince and the Kekchí Culture, are impressive tourism attractions.

In Verapaz, in addition to the Grottos of King Marcos, are the caverns of Lanquín and Candelaria, among those of greater natural and tourism significance. In fact, the calcareous grounds of the area, offer the essential element for cavern and grotto formations and speleological investigation is one of the activities of greater importance in the Verapaces.

A visit to the Grottos of King Marcos is simple: a climb of about five minutes leads to the entrance, an opening of about 50 centimeters (20 inches). Once inside, is a series of steps where, given the surroundings, a hard hat is required.

As you proceed, the cavern becomes more humid since you are traversing the river bed. Throughout the passage, between ascents and descents, the wonder of the figures naturally formed in stone, is the spectacle that these labyrinths offer.
During thousands of years these grottos were hidden from man and it was not until 1998, when they were discovered by a farmer. In 1999 they were opened to the public not before unraveling some of its secrets.

Ivan Fernandez, the principal guide of the region, tells us that the elders of the area warned his father before planting the ground, that he had "to request permission of the Lord of the Hill", given that the mountain housed a hidden cultural treasure of great value.

The Grottos of King Marcos were a ceremonial center in the pre-Columbian era and today rituals are still celebrated there, given the belief that supernatural forces exist within.

For the Mayans, the caverns in the area of Alta Verapaz have great meaning, since they are the entrance to Xibalbá, "the infraworld". Indigenous priests still hold rituals and leave offerings.

The Verapaces is a destination in which nature and adventure are spiced with gastronomy and the traditions.