Much of the Yucatan is sitting on a huge cave system, very sacred to the Mayans
Loltun Caves
One of the largest and most studied caves in the Yucatan. Loltun meaning "flower stone" in Mayan is of major historial relevance. Mammoth bones, frescos and fossils dating back to 8,000BC have been found. The cave carries unsolved mysteries unearthed by a small 1962 expedition claiming to have discovered a virtual museum of the ice age deep within the cave. Ancient Mayan legend says deep within this cave is a land of artificial light, plenty of fresh water, fish and plant life. People who decended into this land where never seen again. Tours of the cave are necessary and start every 1 1/2 hours.
Calcehtok Caves
The second largest caves after Loltun are also known as Actun Spukil or Xpukil caves in Mayan. One must use a guide when entering this caverns system of tunnels which start in a cenote. Discovered in 1875 it was given the name Calcehtok due to the sculpted stone in the shape of a deer at the entrance. Calcehtok in Mayan means "neck deer flint". Within the suspected 30 different connecting cave system researchers have found intact plates, quartz hammers, arrow tips, stone sculptures, obsidian knives, human burials sites and holtuns.
Balankanché Caves
Deep within the Balankanche cave is a huge stalagmite (resembling a ceiba tree) which was discovered in 1959. The stalagmite is surrounded with acient artifacts offered to the rain god "Tlaloc"some 800 years ago.
Tzabnah Caves
In Mayan Tzabnah means "The King’s Palace" which is complets with 13 cenotes, stalactites, stalagmites, deep crevices and a large chamber known as the "Cathedral Cupula". Legend has it the kidnaped Mayan prince and princess escaped to these caves and were never seen of again.
