Balamcanche is a remarkable cave located near Chichén Itzá, famous for the rich archaeological discoveries made within its depths. The cave’s name, derived from the Yucatec Maya language, translates to the “Seat or Throne of the Balam,” referring to the title given to the Balam priests.
Rediscovering Balamcanche
Although the cave has been known since the early 20th century, primarily explored for its endemic species of snakes and fish, its archaeological significance wasn’t realized until September 1959. José Humberto Gómez made a groundbreaking discovery when he noticed a section of the cave intentionally blocked by a stone wall. Upon breaking through, he uncovered a series of underground chambers filled with ancient remains. This discovery prompted an official archaeological exploration led by Dr. Willys Andrews IV and supported by notable experts like Román Piña Chan and George Stuart.
The geological uniqueness of the Yucatán Peninsula, with its limestone rock formations, allows rainwater to carve out the iconic caves and cenotes over millennia. These natural features were not only practical resources for the Maya, used for extraction and shelter, but they also held deep spiritual significance. Dark and humid, the caves were perceived as gateways to the underworld, home to deities of life, death, and fertility.
Balamcanche site map
- Group I or Adoratorio (“Seat of the Balam”).
- Group II or “Warehouse”.
- Group III or “Water Chamber”.
- Groups IV, V and VI.
Group I or Adoratorio (“Seat of the Balam”)
Altar where various ceremonies took place. The largest number of offerings were found here.
Group II or “Warehouse”
It has several columns formed by the union of stalactites and stalagmites. In this space incense burners and clay vessels were found as offerings.
Group III or “Water Chamber”
Here there is a water deposit of approximately 200 m in length.
For the Mayans this water was a precious, pure and virgin liquid (suhuy ha in the Mayan language), because it was far from human sight and contact: in the heart of the underworld. Therefore, these waters were used in rituals dedicated to the gods of rain and fertility.
Groups IV, V and VI
In these spaces vessels, incense burners and miniature metates were found. These groups cannot be visited because the water covers this area of the cave.
Balamcanche, a sacred space for rituals
Balamcanche, in particular, served as a sacred space for rituals and initiation ceremonies, evidenced by the rich diversity of offerings found within. Of the six groups of offerings discovered, only three are accessible to visitors today.
The cave’s chambers
The cave’s most sacred chamber features a towering column, formed by the union of a stalactite and stalagmite, resembling a ceiba tree—a symbol of the axis mundi that connected the earth, sky, and underworld in Maya belief.
This sacred chamber, the heart of the cave, was the epicenter of ritual activity. Numerous vessels, censers, and metates were left here as offerings, highlighting the profound spiritual connection the ancient Maya had with Balamcanche. Today, it stands as a testament to the rich cosmology and ceremonial traditions of this ancient civilization.
Exploring the Groups of Offerings in Balamcanche Cave
According to historical and archaeological sources, six distinct groups of offerings have been discovered within the Balamcanche cave. These offerings hold significant cultural and spiritual value, reflecting the ancient Maya’s reverence for sacred spaces. However, due to the cave’s unique structure and preservation efforts, only three of these groups are open to the public. Visitors can explore these areas to get a glimpse of the Maya’s connection to the underworld, while the other groups remain protected for further study and conservation.
How to get to Balamcanche cave
To visit the Balamcanche Cave in Yucatán, start by heading towards the famous Chichen Itza archaeological site, as the cave is located just 3 kilometers southeast of it.
If you’re traveling from Valladolid, it’s about a 30-minute drive along Highway 180, while from Mérida, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours heading east on the same route.
Once at Chichen Itza, you can easily reach the cave by taxi or a short drive. Alternatively, many guided tours from Mérida, Valladolid, or even Cancun offer combined trips to Chichen Itza and Balamcanche.
Be sure to check opening hours and any potential seasonal closures before planning your visit.