The Deepest Caves in México

México Has Nine of the World's Deepest Caves

After more than 50 years of speleological work in Mexico, more than 50 caves have been found with depths greater than 500 meters (1,640 ft).  Around the world, there are only 89 caves with depths greater than 1000 meters (3,280 ft), nine of which are located in Mexico. 

Deep caves, also known as caverns, often have several different entrances, thus they are called cave systems.  Their many areas for vertical descent make them attractive to adventurers who enjoy cave exploration and for those interested in spelunking.

The Cheve Cave System, Oaxaca, México

Located in the northeast zone of the Juarez Mountain range in the state of Oaxaca, the highest entrance to this cave system is more than 2000 meters (6,562 ft) above sea level.  To date, 1,484 meters (4,869 ft) have been explored.  It is the deepest cave in Mexico and the Americas, and it is among the 10 highest in the world.  Based on hydrological and geological studies, it is believed that the Cheve cave system could become the longest in the world with a vertical potential of 2,547 meters (8,356 ft).

The Huautla Cave System, Oaxaca, Mexico

Located in the state of Oaxaca, the Huautla cave system was discovered in the 60's and soon became the longest cave in the western hemisphere (before the Cheve System was discovered).  It has 17 entrances and numerous independent routes.  With a depth of 1,475 meters (8,439 ft), it is the second deepest cave in Mexico and the eleventh in the world. 

Charco Cave, Oaxaca, Mexico

Located in San Miguel de Santa Flor in the state of Oaxaca, Charco Cave was discovered in 1989.  It is now known that this cave is connected to the Cheve System, however there is no connection where explorers may pass from one to the other.  What scientists believe to be the end of the Charco Cave, is one of the most inhospitable and far-off places known anywhere on the planet.  This cave is 1,278 meters (4,193 ft) deep and 6,710 kilometers (4,169 mi) long, making it twenty-first on the world list of deep caves.