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Caves & Caverns
Sótano de San Agustín
Description
In 1965, United States speleologists arrived for the first time in Huautla de Jimenez. The first exploration of the Sotano de San Agustin took place in 1970, reaching a depth of 2,000 feet (612 metres), and 2,818 feet (859 metres) on the second exploration.
In 1980, speleologist Bill Stone, during another of his explorations in the last siphon of the Li Nita cavern, was able to connect this cavern with San Agustin Cellar, reaching a depth of 4,009 feet (1,222 metres).
Currently, the cavern system in the Huautla de Jimenez region is considered the deepest in the world, surpassed only by those of France and Spain.
With a depth of 4,100 feet (1,250 metres), it is considered the deepest in America and one of the longest caverns in Mexico, with 14.91 miles (24 kilometres), surpassed only by the purification system located in Tamaulipas. At this level, and taking into account that Huautla is 5,118 feet (1,560 metres) above sea level, means that the deepest explored part of the grotto would be 1,017 feet (310 metres) above sea level. In order to have a better idea about these figures, we can mention that San Pedro Tututepec, a coastal community, is located 918 feet (280 metros) above sea level.
At present, it is believe that the system has not been completely explored. This expedition is recommended only for professionals, since most of the route is under falls and small streams of various depths, which makes breathing difficult and it is in total darkness. For these reasons, expert equipment is required, especially for diving, illumination, communication, and others.
Location
• Huautla de Jiménez: Is located 148 miles (238 kilometres) North of the City of Oaxaca via highway 190. When you reach Telixtlahuaca, follow highway 131 to Tehuacán. Before reaching Teotitlán del Camino, take the detour right which, after 40 miles (65 kilometres) of paved road, will get you to Huautla. Approximate travel time: [5:00]
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