Finca Ixobel
Trip Start
Mar 14, 2004
1
20
228
Trip End
Ongoing
South of Poptun,
Guatemala
Sunday, April 11, 2004
Today I went on a guided river cave tour(cueva del rio) which was just as amazing as snorkeling, only 10 times more dangerous. It started with a difficult 2 hour hike through the jungle to the mouth of the cave. Once inside, our guide led us back into the first section of cave for 1 km (.6 miles). Basically, the river flows into the cave and there are many deep spots where you have to swim some distance to reach solid ground again. Inside the cave there was a 10 foot waterfall where we had to jump into the pool below which was one of the highlights. After 1 km, the cave appears to deadend but this is just the halfway point. In order to continue, we had to dive down and swim through a tunnel for six feet ... donīt screw up here, there is no coming up for air! This is where half the group stopped and waited for those of us that continued. Diving through the hole was a great adrenaline rush! When we surfaced on the other side, the cave network continued for another km.
In the evening, there was a big birthday party for one of the staff members which was a lot of fun for everybody. From here, I am planning to get to Xela for spanish lessons. It is quite obvious now I need to improve my language skills ... when someone yells at their dog and it understands more than me, itīs time for some help!
