| 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 San Jerónimo and Chontalcoatlán
rivers carved out these tunnels. When the rivers shifted course,
the cave drained and left two entrances called Dos Bocas. The rivers
continue to flow 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. 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
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 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 negative environmental impact.
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