The Pomona Cave System
Located at the scenic Quarry Hills. This cave has historic tide marks cut by the salty water from a time when the entire area was under the sea. Today this cave is 60 feet above sea level and sea shells have been found embedded in the walls. This cave also has a small stream inside that rarely dries. Unlike most of the hills in the area Quarry Hill is formed from white sedimentary with a mix of hard granite rocks. The Pomona Caves has not been officially mapped and has miles of tunnels with twists and turns.
There are not many caves in this area of the Maya Mountains. The role of caves in Maya culture was principally ritual, although they have also been used as places of refuge, storage, and as a source for both ritual and drinking water. Caves were believed to be the entrance to the underworld, Xibalba (she-bal-ba). The ancient Maya preferred those with difficult access for their ritual descent down to, the abode for the dead. They believed that the Corn God is re-born inside a cave.
Early explorers of this cave found many Mayan artifacts inside the cave. Many wild animals such as jaguars and giant boa constrictors make a home in these caves and nearby residents sheltered hurricanes in them before shelters were built.
There are not many caves in this area of the Maya Mountains. The role of caves in Maya culture was principally ritual, although they have also been used as places of refuge, storage, and as a source for both ritual and drinking water. Caves were believed to be the entrance to the underworld, Xibalba (she-bal-ba). The ancient Maya preferred those with difficult access for their ritual descent down to, the abode for the dead. They believed that the Corn God is re-born inside a cave.
Early explorers of this cave found many Mayan artifacts inside the cave. Many wild animals such as jaguars and giant boa constrictors make a home in these caves and nearby residents sheltered hurricanes in them before shelters were built.