Subterranean Rivers
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Subterranean Rivers
For years there was a popular belief that cenotes were
not inter-linked, but rather existed independent of each other. It was
thought that water flowed into underground rivers between rocks and sand
through surface cracks and openings. Recently research has shown that
cenotes are part of large underground network of rivers, lagoons,
caverns and natural wells.
As part of a continuing research effort, highly specialized divers have
explored a fifteen and a half kilometer long cenote located in the
archeological zone of Tulum, in the state of Quintana Roo. In this same
region divers also charted 14 kilometers of a cenote named El Nohoch Na
Chich, and divers are beginning to explore other subterranean rivers in
the area, many of which span four and a half kilometers. A network of
underground rivers and cenotes also exists in the Island of Cozumel,
which has the same limestone terrain as the peninsula. One example is a
cenote called Aerolito, into which divers have swum more than six
kilometers. At cenote Cueva Quebrada, divers have scuba dived distances
of more than seven and a half kilometers.
Underwater currents flow from the center of the peninsula to its
borders, emptying into salt marshes and the sea. Sailors and fishermen
search for the springs in the sea by looking for bubbles. These natural
upwellings spout fresh water in the middle of the sea floor.
Some Cenotes are semi-open and only partly flooded. These are most
common in the zones that are fairly close to the coastline and many,
like the cenote Zaci, have been opened to use by tourists.
Mayan Wisdom: The Toolche
Flooded caverns have been discovered in almost all of the territory now
occupied by the peninsular Maya (Mexico), and were essential sources of
water for their societies. Settlements grew up around cenotes and often
took their names from the Mayan word for cenote (dzonot). Today the
peninsula is still full of towns with this appendage: Xcalakdzonot,
Chikindzonot, Dzonot Ake, Cenotillo, Chancenote, Yokdozonot and Dozonot
Carretero all have cenotes in their villages or on their outskirts.
The Mayan people were conscious of the vital role these odd sinkhols
played in their survival, and they showed their gratitude by honoring
Chac, the rain god. They also protected the water's purity through
conservationist practices- some of which persist to this day.
One example is called toolche. It is the practice of leaving a ring of
trees some five to six meters wide around every cenote when clearing
land for farming. This small wooded area prevents erosion, eliminating
the risk of mud contaminating the cenote. The trees and bushes also
serve as refuges for birds and many small animals that feed off insects
that can be dangerous to the crops.
Some of the best cenotes are: Cenote Azul Cenote Dos
Ojos Cenote Ponderosa Cenote Taj Majal Cenote Carwash El Gran Cenote
Cenote Temple of Doom
Puerto Aventuras 12 miles South- Between lagoons and spring water in the
most beautiful salty water sites, along the calm beaches of Puerto
Adventurasdwells the sea turtle. Grupo Aventuras designed Puerto
Aventuras in 1973 as an architectural complex, fully integrated to the
natural environment. First class hotels, private clubs, golf course and
tennis court, wonderful spas, confominiums, private households a marina,
fishing yachts, water activites, haute cuisine restaurants located on
the wharf, and several boutiques, all in perfect harmony with nature.
Puerto Aventuras harbors beautiful Mayan ruins; culture and archaeology
lie upon the banks of an emerald lagoon; and very nearby are Coba and
Tulum, the Ceremony Centers, CEDEM (An organization devoted to submarine
archaeology) founded a museum exhibiting Colonial Age Fixtures found in
sunken galleons.
Yal - Ku 21 miles South- Accessible only by boat or a dirt road, is one
of the last undeveloped inlets in the Riviera Maya. For the adventurous
traveler, this offers a chance to rough it in a little-known cove far
from prying eyes. Yalku is a honey of an inlet and one of the best-kept
secrets on the Corridor. For years the only way to reach it was by boat,
and though that's no longer true, you still won't find it if you don't
know where to look. The inlet is best reaches via Akumal. There are
several roads leading from the highway to Akumal, but to reach Yalku
take the first, marked Akumal Caribe. Once on this road heading east,
which is the only way to go, take the first left, a dirt track running
north that leads to the inlet. Yalku is a resonably large waterway
shaped like a 'y', with the horns reaching up into the jungle and the
stem out to the sea. It is the perfect hideaway, the 'secret cove' of
legend and song and a first class snorkeling site.
Chemuyil 25 miles South - A short distance from the main highway is a
billboard at the entrance which boasts that this quiet horseshoe shaped
cove of tranquil emerald water is "the most beautiful beach in the
world." Hard to argue this claim once you've snared a hammock, ordered
some "ceviche" and a cold beer. A shallow reef that crosses the mouth of
the cove protects the palmlined beach of powedery white sand. Chemuyil
is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. There is a bar/restaurant. The
water is shallow, which makes it an ideal place for young children.
Xcacel This is another preferred nesting site of the marine turtle, and
a camp has been established for the care and preservation of these
fascinating animals. Because of the brilliant white sand and calm
waters, it is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon. Towards the
south of the bay, a small cenote completes and perfects the scenery of
this special corner of the Caribbean. There are camping facilities and a
small restaurant with wonderful regional cuisine.
Akumal 23 miles South- This palm- fringed bay is one of Mexico's
lovliest settings and home to an ever-growing resort community. Once
part of a large coconut plantation, Akumal was first developed in 1958
by Mexican divers who were salvaging a sunken Spanish galleon just off
shore. This group founded CEDAM, an internationally acclaimed society of
divers dedicated to community service and ecological preservation.
Akumal's breathtaking white sand beaches are protected by off -shore
reefs. The area is a haven for divers from around the world who have
been coming here for decades. Here you will find a few good restaurants
and bars.
Cancun 67 kms. North- located on the mainland, is Cancun's commercial
and business backbone. The island is occupied almost exclusively by
tourist services. It boasts some 20,000 hotel rooms, innumerable
restaurants, loud discos, nightly "fiestas", pricey shopping, a
championship golf course and recreation opportunities from water-skiing
to windsurfing. Accommodations include some of Mexico's most dazzling
with their luxurious lobbies, plant filled atriums and majestic views of
the sea. This slightly surreal atmosphere is accentuated by the contrast
between white buildings, sand and the changing hues of the Caribbean
surf.
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