Naj Tunich

El Petén


When they were discovered in 1979, these caves created a stir in the archaeological world. Measuring 3km long, they're packed with hieroglyphic texts and Maya murals depicting religious ceremonies, art education, ball games and even sex scenes – though whether they're of a gay nature is a question still being disputed by anthropologists.

In all, there are 94 images, completed during the Maya Classic period. Scribes and artists traveled from as far away as Calakmul in Mexico to contribute to the murals.

The caves were closed in 1984 due to vandalism, reopened briefly, then closed permanently a decade later for conservation purposes. Fortunately, a superb replica has been created in a nearby cave. Reproductions of the murals were painted by local artists under the supervision of archaeological and cultural authorities.

Finca Ixobel runs tours to Naj Tunich and the replica site, traveling by Land Rover to the nearby community of La Compuerta, then continuing on foot to the cave. Proceeds from the tour go to development projects in local communities.

It's a tough call as to whether visiting a replica site is worth the extended journey to get there.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby El Petén attractions

1. Río Blanco National Park

9.15 MILES

The 105-acre Río Blanco National Park, just west of Santa Elena village, is a compact protected wildlife area that's home to a variety of flora and fauna…

2. Uxbenka

10.7 MILES

The Maya ruins of Uxbenka are close to the village of Santa Cruz on the road from San Antonio. The site is mostly undeveloped and the visible part is…

3. Blue Creek Cave

12.88 MILES

About a 20-minute walk along a jungle path from the bridge is Blue Creek Cave, which you can only enter with a guide. The cave has a ‘wet side,’ where you…

4. Lubaantun

17.54 MILES

The Maya ruins at Lubaantun, 1.3 miles northwest of San Pedro Columbia, are built on a natural hilltop and display a construction method unusual in the…

5. Chaos Oasis

17.79 MILES

One of the stranger things you're likely to see in Belize is this 'Earth Ship' structure, made even more incongruous because it's so close to the entrance…

6. Museo Regional del Sureste de Petén

20.12 MILES

Displaying some important finds from southern Petén sites, this small museum is the main draw of Dolores, a town 25km north of Poptún along the CA13. The…

7. Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary

20.44 MILES

About 13 miles northwest of Punta Gorda and 2 miles off the Southern Hwy, the village of Laguna is the starting point for the 8.6-sq-mile Aguacaliente…

8. Living Maya Experience

22.57 MILES

Two Kekchí families in Big Falls village have opened up their homes as a cultural experience for visitors and both are excellent. The Cal family…

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