LOLTUN

Loltun (Stone Flower) caves contain a wealth of paleontological evidence. Bone analysis material from Pleistocene fauna indicates that there were animals such as mastodons, bison, camels, Lions, horses and a variety of mammals, all extinct. There is ample cultural evidence in these caves expanding from 9,000 B.c., through 1542 A.d., that suggests its use as a camp in early and later housing stages.  The sequence of occupation begins with materials that are the product of the early presence of man in the Yucatan Peninsula, around 9000 B.c., and continues with the domestication of plants and animals and subsequently the
incorporation of architecture and sculpture, to their everyday activities, illustrating the social process that led from the nomadic man to become sedentary. From the classical period, the caves are used as a place of dwelling.   There is evidence of its use as a water supply.  Other important elements are the 145 paintings, murals and 42 petroglyphs located so far.

These caves are the largest known within the cave system distributed in the southern part of the State of Yucatán.  A large number of cave paintings and petroglyphs can be seen along the route.