cenote

It produced the open-face freshwater caverns known as “cenotes” and underground rivers that are in equal parts awe-inspiring and delicate, explained Emiliano Monroy-Ríos, a geologist at Northwestern University studying the region.

They offer temazcal baths, traditional Mayan steam rooms meant to purify and relax the body, and charge visiting foreigners to swim in a nearby cenote.

“Our operations have not adversely affected underground caves, cenotes or archaeological sites. In fact, we have mapped, protected and preserved these valuable resources,” the company said in a statement.

"This is naturally filtered, purified water, you can drink it," says cave diver Bernadette Carrión as we enter a cenote dubbed "Oppenheimer", in reference to the surrounding devastation.

The objects were excavated by archaeologist Edward H. Thompson, who owned the cenote in the early 20th century.