Programs for Students

Mysteries of the Mayan Underworld (Students)

The ancient Mayans of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula left behind abandoned cities, massive pyramids, and celestial observatories. Artifacts indicate an intricate and sophisticated culture. In their religion, spirits dwell in the underworld. The portals to this underworld are deep mysterious wells called cenotes. The cenote was a giver of life in a landscape where there are no surface rivers or streams. The wells provided the only sure source of fresh water. In an effort to please the gods, cenotes were often the site of human sacrifice. Join a group of cave-diving explorers as they descend into this strange underworld. They discover that the cenotes are true doorways that lead into massive subterranean river systems, mile after mile of a hidden river system that flows beneath the Yucatan Peninsula.

• Follow these explorers as they float through huge caverns that rain a glittering snow-like substance
• Discover a world of spectacular columns and "waterfalls" of stone
• Learn about the dangers lurking in the dark recesses that stalk the unwary with deadly intent
• Help solve the riddle of a huge stalagmite hollowed out and filled with charcoal 90' underwater
• Find the skeletons of prehistoric creatures cemented into limestone walls
• Marvel at the troglodytic animals that have adapted to living in Stygian blackness
• Discover how "brown outs" in these hidden rivers threaten the health of everyone along the Yucatan Coast

Take part in an adventure in ecology, geology, biology, and anthropology. When the mules are loaded with SCUBA tanks for a trip to a hidden cenote deep in the jungle, there will be a few surprises in store for us.

...Enthralled by your cave diving presentation. The crowd gave rave reviews. Polly Bolling, events coordinator, Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI)