In the Yucatan Peninsula we can enjoy beautiful nature and fauna, and some unique natural phenomena. In Calakmul there is one of them: you can see millions of bats come out of a cave, an amazing experience in the Calakmul bats volcano.
As we already know, the karstic terrain of the Peninsula allows the formation of cavities of all kinds in the area. One of the inhabitants of these caverns are bats. In the cave of the bats of Calakmul coexist 9 species, 8 insectivores and 1 nectarivore, feeds on nectar.
You will have many opportunities to see bats in the Peninsula, but surely none are as amazing as here. To get to know them a little, just say that bats are an important part of the natural chain by reducing pests by eating insects and dispersing the seeds throughout the habitat.
Calakmul bats volcano hours
It is easy to go on time to the appointment with the bats of Calakmul: Every day the 2,3 million bats that are estimated to be in this cave may go out in search of food, an amazing sight.
Visit the cave at sundown, always at sunset. In winter time you should be around 4.30 in the afternoon and in summer around 8 in the afternoon. See for yourself during your trip what time it is getting dark and go to the cave half an hour before.
Through the mouth of the cavern you will be able to see bats for more than three hours forming a whirlwind and unstoppable buzzing spiraling up the walls of the cave, then becoming a large black cloud in the sky. At the exit they wait for the predatory bats like raptors. I'm telling you, a show.
How to visit the bats in Calakmul
The visit is free so far. There is a limit number of visitors, the place admits 50 people as load capacity. This limit makes the nature-visitor balance not negatively affect the place.
This means that you must show up before sunset in the small parking lot and sign up with the guard who manages the place. It is not very crowded, but the place is becoming more popular, so you may be left without access if there are many people. Follow the regulations that we show you in the photo, only that you must take into account (they let more than 15 people pass).
Calakmul bats
A guide I met explained to me that in the cavern the bats they are grouped into communes according to their species. When the sunset comes, they begin their activity hunting. The first bats to come out are the soldiers, each species has its own. The soldiers are the least ranked within the chain, the ones who risk it by going out without the protection that those of the great bulk have.
The first few minutes the whirlwind may seem a bit bland, but little by little you will find yourself surrounded by thousands of bats passing so close to you that one of them may run into you.
Video of the great Daniel, thank you, herma 🙂
Like so many wonders of this Peninsula, it is not a crowded place, so you can attend the event almost in privacy. The rules of the place are changing depending on who runs it. In February 2020, access was free. This place is ours Essentials of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Calakmul, cave of the bats
LOCATION: the entrance to the known as Volcán de los Murciélagos It is located 8 km from the town of Conhuás. At km 106 of federal highway 186 Escárcega-Chetumal,WHEN TO GO TO SEE THE VOLCANO OF THE BATS? At sunset, depending on whether you are in summer or winter time, it changes from 4:30 in the afternoon to 8.30:30. But always at sunset, about XNUMX minutes before.
PRICE AND ACCESS TO THE CAVE: It has no cost. The rules have changed, they can change. The cave is marked on the road with a bat signal. There is a small entrance where you park 8 maximum cars. Sometimes they park on the road. The cave is about 200 meters following a path. This easy traveler.
HOW TO GET IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? To Conhuás (to 8 km), the nearest town to the cave of the bats, arrives collective from Escárcega and Xpuhil. TO Xpuhil, the nearest large town is served by public transport from Escárcega (2 hours), Chetumal (1'40 ″ h) and Campeche (4'30 ″ h). From Xpuhil and Conhuás there is a private taxi service to the cave.
WHAT TO BRING? Light and light clothing, insect repellent and closed and comfortable shoes: you are in the jungle and there are many bugs, protect yourself well from bites. If you have binoculars it is a good time to take them out.
Good way,
- Offers on flights international and national ..
- Find the accommodation with the best offers from Booking.com.
- Stay with airbnb and get 25 € discount.
- Contract activities, tours and excursions organized.
- Rent a car with the indispensable and necessary best discounts.
- Secure your transfers of arrival or departure to the airport.
- Travel safely with IATI and take advantage of 5% off.
If you prefer, you tell us your idea of the trip and together we organize it.
