In later years, during the caste war, the Mayans hid in these caves from the Spanish and you will see remains of defensive walls at several entrances.

Rogelio will tell you stories of his adventures; on one trip a group of 12 were sliding down a muddy embankment resulting in a collision that knocked out everyone's flashlight, including Rogelio's. He had a hard time convincing them to remain there - in total blackness - while he went back for more lights to lead them back out. Eventually he did and left them. When he returned two hours later most of them were crying and were sure he had left them there. You cannot appreciate the feeling of utter helplessness and desolation until you have turned off all the lights and are left standing there, in absolute, terrifying blackness with not a clue on how to find your way out.

There are also stories of the Mayan aluxes and the mischief they cause, from throwing pebbles to making strange moaning noises to scare you.

The most interesting part to me was the training that the guides, who are all family, undertake in order to really know the cave. They start very young, 8-9 years old and by the time they are 12 or so, must know the cave inside out. To prove that they are fit to guide others, the young boys are taken 80-100 meters into the cave and they must find their way out, without flashlight, food or water, within two hours. If they fail, they are not ready and must continue with their training. This is how Rogelio learned and his father before him.

If you are interested in extreme adventure, then this is the tour for you! I am unable to provide photos of the more claustrophobic elements of this tour as my camera was packed away in a backpack that Rogelio and the boys took turns pushing through the more difficult passages.