| MEXICO
-- South of Cuernavaca
and close to the silversmithing town of Taxco
are the Cacahuamilpa Caverns (Grutas de Cacahuamilpa), a national
park.
NATURAL WORLD
The caverns are among the largest caves in North America, formed
during the Jurassic Period when the Río dos Bocas carved
out these tunnels. When the river shifted course, the cave drained.
The river now flows 80 meters below the caverns.
Guided tours take visitors on a 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) concrete
walkway. Among the attractions: surreal stalactite and stalagmite
formations as well as an underground river. These caverns are impressive.
Height varies from 30 to 70 meters. You walk back on the lighted
path by yourself. Total time: 90 minutes - two hours.
INTERPRETATION
The natural history is downplayed on most tours. Instead guides
point out the human figures, animals, and fantastic creatures ('the
face of the devil,' 'the face of the devil when he's older'). By
the time the tour is over, you can point out the 'Aztec Calendar'
and 'Virgen de Guadalupe' yourself. Tacky? Perhaps. But the caves
are stunning.
NEARBY
On your way out, if you are interested and moderately fit, take
the short trek to the valley of Río dos Bocas, where not
just one but two rivers flow out of the hillside. It's a steep decline,
but the view is terrific.
HEADLINES
The area became headline news in 1995 when a Canadian developer
announced he would develop a sound and lights extravaganza (along
with mechanically operated dinosaurs, a la Jurassic Park). The promotion
fell through when environmentalists criticized the permitting process
and the potential environmental impact.
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