Caves and Cenotes
The first explorers who arrived in Yucatan were amazed to find an extraordinary culture focused around water, in a place with no rivers or lakes and with a legendary dry season.
For this reason, most of the beliefs and customs of the area's prehispanic inhabitants are concerned with rain as the basis of survival. Therefore, it was the water god who was the most frequently found represented on the temples and ancient buildings.
The maya took advantage of the cenotes and caves, naturally formed wonders created by the filtration of water through the limestone surface.The cenotes, or underground rivers, are sources of plentiful crystaline water which have fulfilled men's needs throughout the centuries and can be found only in Florida, the Yucatan Peninsula and the island of Cuba.
Today at least 440 cenotes have been located among the aproximately four thousand that are believed to exist in the State of Yucatan. These unique places are now included in the ever increasing number of tourist attractions of the area, both for the archeological value they offer as for the exquisite natural beauty they possess.
Due to the existence on these historical and natural attractions, cave diving, as an ecoturism activity, is beginning to gather momentum. For those who enjoy this fascinating sport, a journey into the depths of the earth, traversing the fabulous water labyrinths of Yucatan, the ideal temperature and clarity of the water offers a unique experience.
Este sitio es elaborado por Enlaces y Comunicaciones del Sureste, S.A. de C.V.
en coordinación con El Diario de Yucatán
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