Sótano del Barro, Natural limestone sinkhole in Sierra Gorda mountains, Mexico
The vast cavity extends 455 meters deep with a surface opening of 420 meters long and 200 meters wide, forming an oval-shaped entrance.
The underground formation dates back to the Lower Cretaceous period within El Abra limestone, approximately 1.5 million years in geological time.
American speleologists first documented the sinkhole in January 1972, though local inhabitants knew about its existence long before the official recognition.
Visitors need to plan a two-hour walk from the nearest dirt road to reach the location in the municipality of Arroyo Seco.
The sinkhole houses forty pairs of Mexican military macaws and supports a distinct ecosystem of ferns and trees reaching 20 meters in height.
GPS coordinates: 21.31056,-99.66722
Latest update: March 6, 2025 08:12
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