The concept of an underworld, a region inhabited by spirits, supernatural beings, and the souls of the dead which could be found by literally descending into the bowels of the earth, is a nearly universal one amongst ancient cultures. From the myths of ancient Greece, to the legends of Japanese Shinto, to the prevailing modern concept of the Christian Hell, the deeper regions of the world have been shrouded in mystery and regarded with unease, if not outright terror, since the dawn of human thought. However, no scientist has yet unearthed a physical manifestation of Odysseus’ portal to the nether-realms ” a claim that can no longer be made of the underworld believed to exist by the ancient Maya.

At an archaeological site in the Yucatn peninsula, a stunningly extensive network of subterranean caves, passages, and even temples has given physical substantiation to the beliefs of the Maya, at least to the point of showing us how seriously they took their ideas about making passage to the underground land of the dead. Today, these caves are largely filled with water, but some scientists believe that they were always kept, and indeed constructed, in that fashion. Since our modern explorers required scuba gear to fully explore the caverns, one can only imagine the dedication and strength of the original builders.

History of the Ancient Tablets

Ancient tablets uncovered by archaeologists reveal that, besides being a portal for the descent of spirits into Xibalba, the Mayan underworld, the submerged caves may have also been a practical stopgap against flooding. These caves were often located near or adjacent to temples, settlements, or cities, making protection of the above-ground world from subsurface water a necessary priority. When a member of the community died, he or she was not regarded as merely lifeless; rather, it was believed that the deceased moved on into a new realm or dimension of existence, and needed a route by which to make passage there. These caves, then, were direct links between the world of the living and the land of the dead.

The Remains of the Dead

Usually, scientists uncover more than just rocks and pottery shards in these underground caverns. Lying buried within the sediment, or crouched by the rim of a glistening obsidian pool, human skeletons can often be seen in these caves, the remains of those dead the Maya laid to rest in hopes of starting them on their journey to the next world. That human remains are so regularly found in Mayan cave passages has indicated to archaeologists the literal meaning that the Maya ascribed to this concept of a road or path that the dead must walk to reach Xibalba.

In many places ” at least fourteen ” throughout southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, similar underground complexes of caves and waterways have been discovered by researchers. They share a common pattern of construction and layout: most of them include huge and beautifully decorated columns of rock, and contain all manner of sculptures, pottery, ceramics, and other evidence of frequent ritual use. We can tell that many of the vessels left in these caves were indeed of a sacred nature by locating the “kill holes,” small openings on the underside meant to allow the spirits contained within to escape.

According to Mayan legend, the path to Xibalba was fraught with danger, and the dead souls would have to be led down these dark corridors on their way to the underworld by helpful spirits, such as a mythical dog with powerful night-vision. The spirits of the departed would endure many tests and trials before being admitted to the land of the dead.

Entering the Underworld

Describing these structures with words is one thing, but to actually view them with your own eyes is quite another. When you stand at the end of a paved underground road that terminates at before an ornately carved rock column, gazing into the inky, unfathomable blackness of a subterranean pool, you’ll understand exactly why the Maya treated these sites with such religious reverence.

The Maya were certainly champion builders, constructing some of the ancient world’s most incredible cities and gigantic pyramids. What now makes these structures even more fascinating is the knowledge that erecting them was hardly the limit of the builder’s science practiced by these ancient architects, for below an astonishing number of these cities and temples can be found subterranean networks exhibiting equal grandeur and architectural skill.

Many of these caves can be see by the public, although they do require some amount of physical activity to successfully navigate. You can take guided tours of many of the caves, like Belize’s Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM). They’re a great day-long excursion if you happen to be vacationing in the area, although the act of descending into the physical reality of the ancient Mayan underworld is awe-inspiring enough to plan a trip just to have the experience!

Find out more on traveling to Guatemala Duende Tours Adventure Travel. To witness the birds in Guatemala in their habitat try Onejungle’s Guatemala Adventure Trips for a great combination of adventure and culture.

The eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula holds a treasure trove of environmental beauty and natural diversity, which just happens to lie next to some of the world’s most astonishing world-class resorts. The state of Quintana Roo is home to the fabulous Riviera Maya, Mexico’s premiere vacation destination, as well as untold acres of pristine jungle and dozens of ancient Maya ruins, making it an area sure to appeal to anyone who has even the vaguest interest in sampling some of Central America’s many delights. Whether your pleasure is golf, swimming, trekking, incredible cuisine, luxury accommodations, or unbelievable stretches of pristine beaches and gorgeous coral reefs, you and your family will find everything you’re looking for in this one corner of sunny, tropical Mexico.

Land and Sea Adventures

If nature tours are what strike your fancy, this is a prime region of Central America to experience them in. The deep jungle is only a short drive from the resort beaches, filled with unusual animals, towering plants, and a wide variety of colorful tropical birds. You can hire a trusty multilingual guide for a single trip or a multiple-day trek to lead you deep into the misty folds of the rainforest, quietly pursuing a glimpse of some of the planet’s rarest and most intriguing animal specimens; or, if you prefer diving, take a day-long excursion out to the reefs and swim with dolphins, manatees, and even a few (non-aggressive) species of shark!

Millennia of Maya History

For those with an historical bent, the Riviera Maya sits adjacent to some of Central America’s most amazing Maya ruins. Umal, Kabah, and Xel Ha, to name just a few, are mere minutes by van from the bustling resorts and beaches; you can choose to explore the ruins on your own by foot, or go with the assistance of a personal guide. Larger tour groups are also available. If you prefer a bit more physical activity with your history, combine your love of trekking with your interest in ancient peoples by taking the Coba adventure tour.

However, if you’ve only got a limited time to spend in the Riviera Maya, there are two Maya sites you should visit without fail. The ancient port city of Tulum still stands guard over the Yucatn coast. Centuries ago, it’s windows focused light into shining rays on the ocean, helping to guide trading ships away from the treacherous reefs. Similar in architecture but vastly different in scale is Chichn Itz , an enormous complex of temples and pyramids sprawling out over the jungle landscape. Be sure to visit the Jaguar Throne, the temple of the Thousand Warriors, and the mighty Pyramid of Kukulcan, a 30-meter tall structure which, during the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, casts a serpentine shadow over the fields below.

The Bountiful Beauty of Sian Ka’an

Perhaps the most astonishing feature of Quintana Roo was not wrought by the hand of any human civilization, but writ large on the earth by the pen of Mother Earth herself. Though deforestation and human encroachment threaten much of this land’s magnificent biodiversity, at least one area has received the maximum amount of protection available the Sian Ka’an bioreserve. Within its boundaries flourish hundreds of species of birds and mammals, crocodiles and turtles, monkeys, coatimundi, and more. Visitors are welcome to venture into the park by land or by sea, and view firsthand the incredible diversity and splendor of nature, hopefully to be forever convinced of the necessity and responsibility we share in safeguarding such treasures of the plant and animal kingdom.

You can also venture off-shore and dive in the crystal-clear waters that surround the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which lies just off the coast of Sian Ka’an. There, you can swim amidst an equally abundant underwater ecosystem, bobbing next to tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even sharks! Additionally, there are even more Mayan ruins to be discovered within the park’s boundaries. The truly ancient site of Muyil is one, and certainly worth a visit, as some of its artifacts are among the oldest-known anywhere in the region, dating back to some 350 BCE.

With all this adventure and excitement waiting for you, how can you resist a journey to the Riviera Maya? However long you stay, you can be sure of one thing it won’t be nearly long enough, and you’ll be planning your return from the moment you step on board your flight back home!

If you enjoy traveling to ancient Ruins, learning about the local culture and people along the way Duende Tours can help. We are adventure travel specialists for Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.