Lol-Tún Caves
Grutas de Lol-Tún

This name is derived from two Mayan words, LOL (flower) and TUN (stone). Located in the hilly Puuc region, 66 miles from Merida, these are the largest caves on the peninsula. They are also the ones that are the most studied. Evidence has been found here of human contact going back 7,000 years. Mammoth bones have been found in the caves, along with fresco paintings on the walls, "hands in negative", faces, animals, grecos and decorative figures.

The Yucatan Peninsula is a porous limestone shelf with no above-ground rivers or lakes. Instead there are underground rivers, lakes, sinkholes and caves. The caves of the Yucatan were sacred places for the Mayan and are impressive places to visit.

The cave has "Haltunes" or carved containers in the rock that were used for for gathering natural dripping water. There are also 19th century barricades constructed by rebel Maya who used this and other such caves as shelter during the "War of Castes".