Cueva Ejidal
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16.8660, -93.7130
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Introduction
Around the small village of Adolfo Lopez Mateos there are several interesting river caves. The largest and most beautiful is the Cueva Ejidal, sometimes also referred as Cueva Osman, technically a nearby river cave to which is connected.
Approach
After arranging access (see red tape), park at the entrance of town and take an unmarked trail left up a ravine and down into the main entrance of Ejidal. A set of carved steps allow easy access inside the cave.
Descent
Ejidal cave is made up of two superimposed levels.
- Upper level: dry and with several very large rooms, this section is nothing too spectacular but still nice to visit.
- Lower level: the lower level is traversed by a stream formed by the confluence of several underground rivers, this is by far the most interesting and beautiful part of the cave. It can also be very sporty when the river is flowing strong and should be avoided if rains are in the forecast.
Best way to visit the cave is to explore the upper section first, and then drop down the lower section from one of the multiple holes that connect the levels. Choose how to climb to the lower level wisely, some of the connecting holes are steep but can be negotiated with a handline, others will require full vertical gear.
The lower passage extends upstream for a long way, it eventually reaches a big room with multiple passages branching off but too small for humans. The lower section keeps going for even longer, it may seem it ends in siphons here and there, but these can always be bypassed. Eventually you reach a confluence with another underground stream that doubles the flow, and if you keep going, local guides claim you can exit through a resurgence and/or connect to Osman cave. Our team could not reach that point, after recent rains the river passage was very sporty already (a siphon partially swallowed one of the team members) and at the confluence the current was too strong to allow safe progress.
Exit
If you are adventurous, you can run a through trip. If water is too high, you can retrace your steps and exit the way you came.
Besides Cueva Osman, there are other lesser caves in the vicinity that might be worth visiting if you have time:
- Cueva de Pedro y Manuel: a grand portal and magnificent fossil (dry) gallery (600m)
- Cueva del Naranjo: five entrances to an underground river which crosses the karst cones receiving contributions from the several surrounding cockpits (2.5km)
If you have time, it is well worth to stay in town for dinner. Lourdes (Bartolo's daughter) cooks homemade dinners using the local produce from their farm. The fresh corn tortillas and the tamales are amazing.
Red tape
Cueva Ejidal/Osman are semi-commercial. The landowners together with local authorities offer tourists the opportunity of visiting the cave. Some sort of payment is required in order to gain access to the cave, and only the owner and his sons are allowed to guide. When you arrive to town, go to Bartolo's house (the land owner) and tell him you want to visit the cave. Negotiate the price with him or with your appointed guide before you start the approach. Make sure to tell them you want to visit the lower section (the river cave), otherwise they may go unprepared and only guide you through the upper section, which is not very beautiful nor interesting.
Beta sites
- http://www.mexicancaves.org/maps/1092.pdf PDF Map of the cave