Guatemala 2 - A Candle Leads the Way

Each person is provided a single white candle about 4 inches long. Next, you are led up steep steps into the large opening of the cave. We entered the cave at ankle deep water and paused to light our primitive flashlights, or candles. The water came from our ankles, to our knees, to our waist and eventually to our chest. We all held our candles high in a sad attempt to further brighten our way.
The cave was masked in darkness, and exuded a creepy feeling of the unknown. We continued to walk through the cave with varying water levels. Occasionally our guide warned us to be careful not to bang our legs on the submerged rocks that rose up from the cave floor, but inevitably we did.

Swimming in a Cave
Our guide explained, “You must swim now, make sure you don’t extinguish your candle.” “Huh,” we thought to ourselves. You could see everyone in the group make eye contact with each other in an attempt to justify our own personal shock. I’m not a good swimmer. Okay, I’m not a swimmer at all and I sure can’t swim with one hand in the air. Jason was close behind me and suggested I hold onto his neck while resting on his back. My job became to hold the two candles in one hand while circled around his neck with the other arm. Jason then swam with both hands, frog style across the dark pool. Many people had wet their candles during the swim, but we all helped each other ignite them before continuing.
Aracely Castellani
(to be continued)

Guatemala: KanBa River Caves of Semuc Champey

Like our visit to Semuc Champey, we had no idea what we were getting into prior to leaving for our tour. This point is echoed throughout most of our Guatemalan journeys. The KanBa Caves are only a short walk from the metal bridge that spans

Cahabón River.
Note: We didn’t have a waterproof camera to take pictures of the cave inside or outside. If you have pictures, or plan on visiting the caves, we would love to showcase your pictures on this post. Thank you!

Semuc Champey Caves
After paying the entrance fee to the owner of the caves and the Inn Posada Las Marias, you meet the guide for the adventure. The guides are provided by the cave’s administration and you don’t have a choice. Each guide has a good understanding of the caves structure and hidden surface. This is important when you find yourself swimming in a cave with the potential to kick hidden rocks lurking below.
Aracely Castellani
(to be continued)

Costa Rica 3 Manzanillo

Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva are completely untouched and provide you the picture perfect postcard you envisioned from the Caribbean Coast. They can be reached either by bike or car on a narrow road that cuts through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Consider taking a very long, but rewarding walk along the shoreline. Playa Chiquita extends 4-6KM and further south is Punta Uva where you will enjoy great swimming and a peaceful jungle setting.

Manzanillo
The last beach town you will encounter south of Punta Uva is not as impressive as the previous beaches, but it’s worth making the journey to see the Caribbean painted palm trees and enjoy a beer at the town’s popular restaurant/ bar.
When visiting the area be mindful of the season. Make sure you don’t visit during October-November, their rainy season, which is when Jason and I were there. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy more sunny days than we did.
Aracely Castellani