Tiger Cave

The ancient Maya believed that the limestone caves of Toledo marked entrances to Xibalba - the Mayan underworld.caves were amongst the most sacred places and used for rituals, sacrifices, and communicating with the spirits.

When you enter Tiger Cave, an enormous limestone cavern just outside the village of San Miguel, it is easy to imagine the ancient Maya holding their ceremonies here. The towering entrance chamber, still illuminated by daylight, is strewn with shards of broken pottery and other evidence of Maya presence.Climb the walls to the right and left, discovering even more artifacts.At the time of writing locals estimated that fewer than 100 people had entered this cave in the last century.

As you step through the first chamber and further into Tiger Cave, turn your headlamps on and begin observing the undisturbed stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique rock formations that line the floors, ceilings, and walls.The karst topography of limestone rock worn away by water over time has carved huge chambers, narrow passageways, and underground rivers, all waiting to be explored.Each turn brings a new challenge. The final chamber, more than a mile into the cave, is filled with spectacular dripping rock formations and well worth the effort.

This excursion is only recommended for the very physically fit. From the road to the cave, visitors must navigate a steep drop down a dirt path. Inside the cave, expect to walk on slick clay floors, climb boulders, and navigate loose gravel slopes.