Sak-Aktun: a grandiose cave in Mexico, which flows underground river

The cave is located in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula, 7 kilometers from the city of Tulum. In its genesis, Sak-Aktun refers to a karst cave, which was formed by dissolution of sedimentary rocks with water, mainly limestone. The quaint corridors of the cave have several exits to the surface, and the length of the underground cavities at the moment is 317 kilometers. But, most likely, this is not the final figure. The fact is that since the cave was discovered in 1987, its length is constantly increasing. As research progresses, it turns out that it is connected with other karst caves in the region and forms a single system of underground corridors with them. And at least three previously independent caves were attached to Sak-Aktun and became a part of it.

Sak-Aktun is interesting because it is almost completely flooded with water, and the length of the "land plot" is only about 6 kilometers. By the length of the underground river this cave has no equal in the world. You can go down here, diving into one of the karst ditches (cenotes), which are connected with the cave, but this will require special equipment. Cenotes through which you can get into the cave of Sak-Aktun, there are more than 150. There is also a dry path leading to the cave: in one of the karst voids there is a staircase.

The underground river flowing in the cave has one interesting feature. At the bottom of it is salt water, and at the surface more fresh, while the water temperature throughout the river is 23-25 ​​° C. Comfortable water temperature, quaint stalactites and relatively easy access made the Sak-Aktun cave unusually popular among tourists.