Only two kilometers away from the town of Chisec, Jul Iq' and B'omb'il Pek are two impressive cave systems where you can admire extraordinary rock formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, remnants of ancient Maya pottery, and the first cave paintings discovered in Guatemala. B'omb'il Pek offers an exciting alternative for the more adventurous tourists who can rappel or climb down to the entrance of the cave.

Jul Iq' (Cave of Wind) is remarkable thanks to its wide variety of attractions and its easy access. This cave has several natural windows that illuminate huge cathedral-like caverns creating magnificent views. If you're interested in learning more about caves, you'll be amazed with its wide variety of rock formations such as helictites*, curtains, flowstones, pearls, massive columns, and several types of stalactites and stalagmites. This cave is considered sacred by the local Q'eqchi' and is still used for religious ceremonies.

* Rock formations where raindrops flow around the formations making them grow in different directions and look like spirals.

B'omb'il Pek (Painted Rock) offers and exciting alternative for the more adventurous tourist. To reach the entrance of the cave, you must go down to the bottom of a deep gorge where a lush forest is growing. The bottom of the gorge, formed by the collapse of an ancient cavern, may be reached by climbing down a steep ladder or you may rappel your way down. Inside this cave you may admire remains of ancient Maya culture such as altars, ceramic pieces and the first cave paintings discovered in Guatemala, which depict the outlines of two monkeys and a jaguar. Reaching these paintings, that give name to the cave, requires crawling through two very narrow passages in the rocks, not recommended for claustrophobics.

All of the tourism activities in Jul Iq' and B'omb'il Pek are managed by the local "El Porvenir II Association" and all proceeds go toward community projects. Services available for visitors include:

  • Guided interpretive tour in nature trail
  • Guided interpretive tour to the caves
  • Equipment rental (flashlights, rubber boots, walking sticks, and helmets)
  • Rappelling services and equipment rental (ropes, harnesses, gloves and helmets)
  • Restrooms with showers
  • Snacks and beverages
  • Shaded parking lot

You may complement your experience in these caves by practicing the water activities offered in the neighboring San Simón river.