Location: 14 mi from Monterrey Map
The Cueva de la Boca, also known as the Cueva de Agapito Treviño or Cueva de los Murciélagos (Cave of the Bats), is a remarkable natural and cultural landmark located in the municipality of Santiago, Nuevo León, Mexico, approximately 36 km (22 miles) southeast of Monterrey. Situated at the edge of the Sierra Madre Oriental near the Presa de la Boca (Rodrigo Gómez Dam), this massive limestone cave is renowned for its ecological significance as a sanctuary for millions of bats, its historical and legendary associations with the 19th-century bandit Agapito Treviño, and its appeal as a tourist destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The Cueva de la Boca is positioned in a scenic, rugged landscape at
the base of the Sierra Madre Oriental, with an elevation ranging
between 445 and 600 meters above sea level. The cave’s entrance,
measuring an impressive 30 meters wide by 40 meters high, is
dramatically set above a small river, Arroyo la Chueca, surrounded
by a lush forest and chaparral ecosystem. The cave is located to the
east of the Presa de la Boca, a popular recreational dam, and can be
seen dominating the landscape when approaching from behind the dam’s
curtain. Its accessibility from Monterrey (a 30–40-minute drive) and
proximity to the Pueblo Mágico of Santiago make it a convenient yet
immersive escape into nature.
Geologically, the cave is part
of the karst landscape typical of the region, formed by the
dissolution of soluble limestone over millennia. Its vast interior,
which remains partially unexplored due to its depth and hazardous
conditions, contains deep pits and significant deposits of guano
(bat droppings), contributing to its unique ecosystem. The cave’s
entrance is easily visible from a distance, framed by the
surrounding greenery, and its scale hints at the extensive
subterranean network within.
The surrounding ecosystem is
dominated by bosque espinoso (thorny forest) and chaparral,
featuring native vegetation such as pines, oaks, walnuts, agaves,
acacias, nopales, and various shrubs and herbs. The area supports a
diverse array of wildlife, including tlacuaches (opossums),
armadillos, gray foxes, weasels, skunks, badgers, squirrels,
rabbits, and hares. Historically, larger mammals like black bears,
lynxes, peccaries, and ocelots were recorded, though their presence
has diminished due to habitat changes and human activity. The cave’s
most significant ecological feature, however, is its massive bat
population, which is critical to the region’s environmental and
economic health.
The Cueva de la Boca is a globally significant bat sanctuary,
home to an estimated 5 million bats across six species, making it
one of the largest bat colonies in North America. Historically, the
population was reported to be as high as 20–25 million, but human
activities, including vandalism and the use of harmful torches,
reduced numbers to as low as 600,000–700,000 by the early 2000s.
Conservation efforts led by Pronatura Noreste since 2002 have helped
recover the population to around 2–5 million, with ongoing growth.
The cave was declared a priority refuge for bat conservation and, in
2020, was on the verge of being officially designated a National Bat
Sanctuary by CONANP and SEMARNAT, highlighting its ecological
importance.
Bat Species
The six bat species inhabiting the
cave are:
Murciélago Guanero (Mexican Free-tailed Bat, Tadarida
brasiliensis): The most abundant, an insectivore consuming pests
like the corn earworm moth, critical for agriculture.
Murciélago
Cara de Fantasma (Ghost-faced Bat, Mormoops megalophylla):
Insectivorous, contributing to pest control.
Murciélago Magueyero
(Mexican Long-nosed Bat, Myotis velifera): Insectivorous, aiding in
insect population regulation.
Murciélago Bigotudo (Parnell’s
Mustached Bat, Pteronotus parnelli): A seed disperser, supporting
forest regeneration.
Murciélago Trompudo (Mexican Long-tongued
Bat, Choeronycteris mexicana): A pollinator, vital for plants like
agaves and cacti.
Murciélago de la Fruta (Jamaican Fruit-eating
Bat, Artibeus sp.): A seed disperser, promoting biodiversity.
Ecological Role
The bats provide invaluable ecosystem
services:
Pest Control: The colony consumes approximately 50 tons
of insects nightly, including agricultural pests like mosquitoes and
corn earworm moths, protecting crops such as citrus, tomatoes,
sorghum, wheat, corn, and beans. This service is valued at 6.5–16.5
million MXN annually.
Pollination and Seed Dispersal:
Non-insectivorous species pollinate plants and disperse seeds,
supporting the region’s flora.
Economic Impact: By reducing crop
losses, the bats save farmers significant costs, benefiting the
economies of 44 municipalities in Nuevo León and three in Coahuila,
covering over 470,000 hectares of agricultural land.
The bats’
nightly exodus, typically around 6–8 PM, is a spectacular sight,
forming a “black cloud” of thousands as they swarm out to feed
within a 100-km radius. This event underscores the cave’s role as a
critical hub in the regional ecosystem.
Conservation Efforts
Since 2002, Pronatura Noreste has spearheaded conservation,
mitigating damage from human activities like torch use and
vandalism. The cave’s designation as a reserve in 2006 and the push
for National Bat Sanctuary status in 2020 reflect ongoing efforts to
protect the bats and their habitat. However, the accumulation of
toxic guano makes the cave’s interior hazardous, prohibiting public
entry to ensure both human safety and bat preservation.
The Cueva de la Boca is steeped in local legend, most notably tied to
Agapito Treviño, a notorious 19th-century bandit who terrorized wealthy
landowners in Monterrey. Known as the “Robin Hood of Nuevo León,”
Treviño, born around 1829, began his criminal career at 18, robbing the
rich and reportedly distributing some of his loot to the poor. Legend
holds that he hid his fortune—bags of gold and valuables—in the cave,
which became known as the Cueva de Agapito Treviño. Captured and
executed in 1854 at age 25, Treviño’s treasure is said to remain hidden,
cursed to drive finders mad. This tale, while possibly apocryphal, has
cemented the cave’s place in regional folklore, captivating locals and
visitors alike.
Beyond the legend, the cave has been associated
with supernatural stories. In the 1980s, rumors spread of sightings of a
winged humanoid creature near the cave and surrounding hills, adding a
layer of mystique. One account from the late 19th century describes a
man, Pantaleón Magaña, encountering strange noises and large, human-like
footprints near the cave, heightening its eerie reputation.
The
cave’s cultural significance is further enhanced by its role as a
natural landmark in Santiago, one of Nuevo León’s three Pueblos Mágicos.
Its proximity to the Presa de la Boca and other attractions like the
Cola de Caballo Waterfall makes it a focal point for regional tourism,
blending natural beauty with historical intrigue.
The Cueva de la Boca is a popular eco-tourism destination,
particularly for those seeking to witness the bats’ nightly exodus and
enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Its accessibility and unique
features make it a standout attraction in Nuevo León.
Access and
Transportation
Location: 36 km southeast of Monterrey, in Santiago,
Nuevo León, near the Presa de la Boca. From Monterrey, take Highway 85
toward Santiago, then follow signs to the Presa de la Boca. The cave is
visible behind the dam.
By Car: The most convenient option, taking
30–40 minutes from Monterrey. Free parking is available at a roadside
parador near the cave’s base, though some reports mention unofficial
parking fees.
By Public Transport: Buses from Monterrey to Santiago
(e.g., Autobuses Apolo) cost ~50 MXN and take 45 minutes. From
Santiago’s town center, taxis or colectivos to the Presa de la Boca cost
~30–100 MXN. Confirm return transport, as services may be limited.
By
Tour: Guided tours from Monterrey combine the cave with the Presa de la
Boca, Cola de Caballo, or Grutas de García, costing ~500–1000 MXN.
Entrance and Facilities
Cost: Entry to the viewing area is
typically free or involves a nominal fee (~20–50 MXN) at the parador,
though prices vary. No tickets are required for roadside observation.
Hours: Open daily, with the bat exodus best viewed from 6–8 PM. Daytime
visits are ideal for hiking and enjoying the scenery.
Facilities:
Parador: A basic roadside stop with food stalls offering simple Mexican
dishes (tacos, gorditas) and souvenirs. Facilities are limited, with
basic restrooms and no formal ticket office.
Mirador: A viewpoint
near the cave’s base allows observation of the bat exodus without
entering the cave.
No Cave Entry: Due to toxic guano and safety
hazards (deep pits, unstable terrain), the cave’s interior is closed to
the public. Climbing to the entrance is dangerous and discouraged,
requiring scaling skills and risking exposure to guano.
Rules:
Do not enter the cave to protect bats and avoid health risks.
Avoid
flash photography or lights during the bat exodus to prevent
disturbance.
No littering to preserve the ecosystem.
Visitor
Activities
Bat Watching: The highlight is the nightly bat exodus (6–8
PM), when millions form a “black cloud” as they exit the cave. The
spectacle, lasting 20–30 minutes, is best viewed from the mirador or
roadside. Binoculars enhance the experience.
Hiking and Nature Walks:
Trails around the cave and along Arroyo la Chueca offer scenic walks
through forests of pines, oaks, and agaves. The sound of the river and
wind through the trees creates a relaxing ambiance. Paths are informal,
so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Photography: The cave’s entrance and
surrounding landscape are photogenic, especially at sunset. The bat
exodus is a prime subject, though low light requires a good camera.
Relaxation: Visitors can sit by the river, dip their feet in the cool
water, or picnic in the shade, enjoying the tranquil setting.
Nearby
Activities: The Presa de la Boca offers catamaran rides, kayaking, jet
skiing, bamboo rafting, and sport fishing. Other attractions include
Cascada del Chipitín and Parque Ecoturístico Cola de Caballo.
Presa de la Boca (1 km): A scenic dam for boating and water sports.
Cola de Caballo Waterfall (15 km): A stunning cascade in a lush setting.
Grutas de García (60 km): Impressive caves with guided tours.
Villa
de Santiago (10 km): A charming Pueblo Mágico with colonial architecture
and markets.
Accommodations
Santiago: Options include Gamma
Monterrey Rincón de Santiago (5.24 miles away, mid-range) or Las Palomas
de Santiago (4.22 miles, budget-friendly).
Monterrey: Wider range,
from hostels (~200 MXN/night) to luxury hotels like Camino Real
Monterrey (~1500 MXN/night).
Camping: Informal camping near the Presa
de la Boca is possible, but facilities are minimal.
Dining
Parador Stalls: Offer tacos, gorditas, and snacks at ~20–50 MXN.
Santiago: Restaurants like Las Palomas de Santiago serve regional dishes
(carne asada, cabrito).
Hacienda Selva Maya (near Valladolid, if
visiting other sites): Yucatecan cuisine for day trips.
Crowds: The parador can get busy on weekends, with “borrachos” (drunk
visitors) occasionally reported. Weekday visits (Monday–Thursday) are
quieter.
Safety: The cave’s interior is off-limits due to toxic guano
and deep pits, which pose health and physical risks. Climbing to the
entrance is dangerous and not recommended. Wildlife, including bats, is
harmless, but stray dogs or rare predators (e.g., lynxes) have been
noted.
Facilities: The parador is “poorly equipped,” with limited
restrooms and no lockers. Bring cash (MXN) for food and fees, as cards
are rarely accepted.
Signage: Insufficient warning signs about
hazards (e.g., wildlife, uneven terrain) have been criticized. Stay on
marked paths.
Weather: Nuevo León’s climate is semi-arid, with
temperatures of 15–35°C. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, ideal
for bat activity but sweaty for hiking. Winter (December–February) is
cooler and less crowded.
Environmental Impact: Visitors must avoid
disturbing bats or littering to protect the ecosystem. Conservation
groups monitor the site, but vandalism remains a concern.
Additional Notes: Submerged Cave Discovery
In 2023, a submerged cave
was discovered near the Presa de la Boca due to low water levels caused
by drought. Explored by local content creator José Flores, this cavern,
possibly a pre-dam mine with 1950s inscriptions, is distinct from the
Cueva de la Boca but adds to the area’s intrigue. Its emergence
highlights the region’s dynamic geology and the impact of environmental
changes.
The Cueva de la Boca is a captivating blend of natural wonder,
ecological importance, and cultural lore. The nightly bat exodus, where
millions of bats form a swirling black cloud against the twilight sky,
is a bucket-list spectacle, underscoring the bats’ critical role in
controlling pests and supporting agriculture. The cave’s dramatic
entrance, framed by lush forests and a serene river, offers a peaceful
retreat for hiking, photography, or simply soaking in the ambiance. The
legend of Agapito Treviño’s cursed treasure adds a layer of adventure,
while the cave’s status as a near-National Bat Sanctuary highlights its
global conservation significance.
For eco-tourists, families, or
those seeking an affordable day trip from Monterrey (~$5–10 USD with
transport and food), the Cueva de la Boca delivers a unique experience.
As one reviewer called it, it’s “the definitive bat cave,” blending raw
nature with a touch of mystery. Pair it with the Presa de la Boca’s
water activities or Santiago’s colonial charm for a full day of
exploration. By visiting, you support local conservation efforts and
connect with Nuevo León’s rich heritage.
Practical Tips:
Arrive by 5:30 PM to secure a spot for the bat exodus (6–8 PM).
Bring
binoculars, a camera, and insect repellent (biodegradable).
Wear
sturdy shoes for hiking and carry cash (MXN) for fees and food.
Avoid
weekends for a quieter visit; weekdays are ideal.
Respect
conservation rules: no lights, no littering, no cave entry.
Check
weather forecasts, as rain can make trails slippery.
Contact
Pronatura Noreste or local guides for educational tours.