Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa Overview

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, is a protected area in central Mexico, spanning approximately 21.16 square miles (54.8 square kilometers). It is located in the state of Guerrero, near the border with Morelos, and is one of the country’s most famous cave systems.

The park is home to the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa Caverns, an extensive network of underground limestone caves formed by ancient geological processes. These caverns, some of the largest and most spectacular in the world, feature massive stalactites, stalagmites, and impressive rock formations that have been sculpted over thousands of years by the slow movement of water through the limestone.

The terrain within the park consists of a mix of rugged limestone mountains, deep canyons, and dense semi-tropical forests. The caves are the primary attraction, with their vast chambers reaching heights of over 260 feet (80 meters) in some areas. Above ground, the park is characterized by steep hills and rocky outcrops covered with a mix of deciduous and evergreen vegetation.

The surrounding forests include a variety of native trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, providing a lush green landscape that contrasts with the rocky underground world of the caverns. Rivers such as the Amacuzac flow through the park, creating additional scenic beauty and contributing to the cave system’s continued formation.

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, although much of it remains hidden due to the dense vegetation and underground nature of the caverns. Mammals such as ocelots, armadillos, and white-tailed deer roam the park, while smaller creatures like bats make their homes within the cave system.

The caves themselves are inhabited by unique species adapted to the darkness, including cave crickets and blind fish. Birdwatchers can spot species such as the crested guan, trogons, and various types of parrots flying through the trees above the caverns. The biodiversity in and around the park highlights the ecological significance of this protected area, which serves as a refuge for many native species.

One of the most popular features of the park is the guided tour through the caves, which takes visitors deep into the underground chambers to witness awe-inspiring rock formations and learn about the history and geology of the caverns. Another attraction is the Grutas de Carlos Pacheco, a smaller but equally fascinating cave system within the park.

For those seeking adventure, activities such as rock climbing and rappelling are available on the park’s limestone cliffs, while hiking trails allow visitors to explore the forested areas above ground. The nearby Amacuzac River also offers opportunities for rafting and other water activities, adding to the park’s appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Conservation efforts within Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park focus on preserving both the underground and surface ecosystems. The caves are protected from excessive human impact by regulated tourism, ensuring that visitors can experience their beauty without causing significant damage.

Above ground, reforestation projects and habitat conservation initiatives help maintain the park’s natural balance. Despite these efforts, challenges such as deforestation in surrounding areas and water pollution from nearby human settlements pose ongoing threats to the park’s long-term health.

Nevertheless, the park remains a well-managed destination that successfully balances conservation with sustainable tourism, offering visitors a chance to explore one of Mexico’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Park Map

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The towering cliffs, dense forests, and underground caves of Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park provide an ideal habitat for a diverse range of bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and nocturnal birds.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most majestic birds in the park, the golden eagle soars over cliffs and open landscapes, hunting small mammals and birds.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A high-speed predator, the peregrine falcon is often seen diving at incredible speeds to catch its prey in mid-air.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Commonly found in caves and rocky outcrops, the barn owl is a nocturnal predator that hunts rodents and small birds.

Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
A rare and nocturnal bird of prey, the Mexican spotted owl thrives in the park’s forests, preying on small mammals and birds.

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
A social bird that stores acorns in tree trunks, the acorn woodpecker is an important species in the park’s forests.

Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
This striking blue-and-black bird is known for its intelligence and loud calls. It is commonly seen scavenging and foraging in the park’s forests.

Mountain Trogon (Trogon mexicanus)
With its emerald green back and red belly, the mountain trogon prefers the park’s dense forests, where it feeds on fruits and insects.

Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
A curious and social bird, the groove-billed ani is often seen in flocks searching for insects, small reptiles, and fruits in open areas.

Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)
A scavenger and opportunistic hunter, the crested caracara is frequently seen in open areas, feeding on carrion, small mammals, and reptiles.

White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)
Often seen darting around cliffs and rocky outcrops, this fast-flying bird catches insects in mid-air with precision.

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, located in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, is famous for its extensive cave system, limestone formations, and surrounding tropical dry forests. The park provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in its unique underground and forested ecosystems.

Cougar (Puma concolor)
A top predator in the park, the elusive cougar roams the rugged terrain, preying on deer and smaller mammals. Its presence is vital for maintaining ecological balance.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
This beautifully patterned wild cat is a nocturnal hunter that preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using the park’s dense vegetation for cover.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
An adaptable carnivore, the coyote thrives in the park’s open areas and forests, hunting rodents, birds, and reptiles while also scavenging when necessary.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
A common herbivore in the park, white-tailed deer graze on grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves, playing a crucial role in the food chain.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
A pig-like mammal, the collared peccary moves in small groups, foraging for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates. It helps in seed dispersal within the forest.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
A nocturnal and highly agile climber, the ring-tailed cat hunts for insects, small rodents, and fruit in the park’s rocky caves and forests.

Mexican Leaf-nosed Bat (Macrotus waterhousii)
One of the many bat species found in the caves, this bat plays an essential role in pollination and insect population control.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
A venomous snake that blends well into the rocky terrain, the black-tailed rattlesnake preys on small mammals and birds.

Morelet’s Tree Frog (Agalychnis moreletii)
A vibrantly colored amphibian, this tree frog thrives in the park’s humid areas and is an important indicator of environmental health.

Ajolote del Altiplano (Ambystoma altamirani)
A unique salamander, this species is found in the park’s streams and serves as an important bioindicator of water quality.