Actun Chen Park

Ancient ruins showcase Mayan culture.

Enjoy quiet areas at the park.

Actun Chen, just south of Akumal, was once a "chicle" plantation.

It is named for its series of caves. (Actun Chen means "cave with an underground river inside.") The biggest of the three caves, over 1,800 feet long, is illuminated and has easy walking paths. You can see thousands of stalactites, stalagmites and natural sculptures and a crystal-clear cenote — a pool where the area's underground rivers break through to the surface — that is 40 feet deep.

Guides are available who can detail the history and geology of the caves and surrounding area.

The park also has 988 acres of mostly pristine rain forest. On jungle trails leading through the surrounding forest you may see white-tailed deer, badger, spider monkey, iguana and wild turkey.

There are restrooms and a restaurant available. Actun Chen is about one hour from Cancún.