Sunday, March 6, 2011

Rio Secreto ~ Maya Underworld

We entered the Maya "underworld" as we explored the wondrous cavern Rio Secreto, Hidden from view for centuries, apparently a local farmer was chasing a meaty lizard into the brush when the lizard ran down this large hole. The farmer followed the lizard, only to discover this hidden cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites and a series of chambers with rock formations which date back 2.5 million years. This community-based eco-park, declared a nature reserve, was opened to the public in 2008.

Outfitted with glamorous wet suits, footwear and lighted helmets, we trekked into the cavern. At times walking through the cave, and occasionally swimming through the emerald green pools, it was a truly unique journey. Our guide discussed the Maya underworld and shared about the rock formations, the bats, and the trees that send their roots down seeking water. At one point, all the helmet lights were turned off and silence and absolute darkness prevailed. Amazing.
Truly amazing.

4 comments:

Carol said...

Looks like a fantastic vacation full of fun! I knew I should have tagged along :)

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

You brave souls! Looks like you had a great adventure!

Donna and Miss Spenser said...

Wow, that's incredible!! We went to a cave in Iowa...had to take a boat in; the warned ups the ceiling would get low. All of the siblings, cousins and inlaws went...Grandpa/Dad stayed back...he doesn't like tight places! ha... Around the campfire that night we made up a ghost story...each telling a line or too...the repeating phrase came from our morning cave outing...."One way in...no way out...." ha...

Thanks for sharing! ~Donna

Marilyn Miller said...

Sometimes I don't like caves, but this one looks like lots of fun. I think I would enjoy visiting here.