After the crazy leap of faith, it was time for the Grutas Las Marias. This is a set of interconnected caves that run for some 10 kms under ground. They have pools of water that are sometimes quite deep, a few water falls, and it is pitch dark. We were given no warning about what we were about to get ourselves into. We only knew that it was going to be wet and dark. We were handed out candles that we had to hold up over the water.
As we entered the cave, I was a little apprehensive. Yannick is a confident swimmer and our friends Susana Ion and Ameya were with us so that was not a worry. The worry was Nu and me. Both of us can swim but I wasn't sure what we would do under pressure, and the pressure monted as we started our walk. At first the water was waist deep so it was ok, until I feel back a little while trying to take some photos. Next thing I knew , our group was in pitch darkness with only candles for light, and could not locate a way forward. Moments later we found the entrance but it was scary. We continued to walk through head high water, sometimes needing to swim, then climbed up a little water fall inside the cave, and a few ladders until we finally reached the spot where we had to turn back. There were many moments where I was swimming in the water, doused my candle, and then had no idea where the hell I was and more importantly why I was putting myself through this. The caves were unbelievable but we were a big group and the guides were not really safety conscious. The trek was a tough one and they hadn't bothered to find out if all of us could swim but it was an adventure in the truest sense.
The caves have numerous stalactite and stalacmites but they were all dark and ominous looking. Getting back to the cave entrance was as exhilarating as the entry.
Next up was Semuc Champey, a natural formation of 7 lakes at 7 levels before the descending water ends in a cascade into the Cohabon river. The water is a beautiful green and the perfect temperature to swim in. Fish abound in these waters, and I got a pedicure just sitting in it. Semuc is formed because the river suddenly runs underground and at this point a part of water escapes from the underground cave that it runs into like an over spill. This over spill creates the first lake. The water then flows down into the second and so on and so forth. This forms a stunning visual.
These caves are amazing, and Semuc was stunning. This isdefinitely one of the highlights of my trip.
I really felt priveledged to be in the midst of such natural beauty.
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