Juxtlahuaca

Juxtlahuaca is a cave system carved into limestone formations that stretches for several kilometers and contains ancient polychrome paintings and archaeological remains. The artwork lies deep within natural passages that wind through the underground landscape.

The site was documented by researchers in the 1960s, and the paintings were connected to the Olmec civilization dating back to around 1000 BC. This discovery helped establish the cave as an important record of early Mesoamerican artistic and religious practices.

The paintings show a tall figure wearing jaguar pelts and holding a trident, along with feathered serpents that reflect the spiritual beliefs of ancient Mesoamerican people. These images reveal how the inhabitants understood their connection to nature and the divine.

A local guide is necessary to explore the cave and view the paintings, as the passages are dark and require careful navigation. Sturdy clothing and good footwear with grip are essential, and visitors should be prepared for physical activity and potentially narrow or uneven surfaces.

Deep inside the cave runs an artificial canal carved into the clay floor, likely created for ritual or practical purposes by ancient inhabitants. Another striking area is the Hall of the Dead, where ancient remains offer clues about how this place served as a burial site.