Over untold eons, rainwater trickling through cracks in limestone created a cavern inside a mountain near the village of San Sebastian. The most intriguing sections of the cave feature stalactites and stalagmites, a bit of flowstone, and many weirdly eroded rock formations. The cave is rather unusual in that it is mainly horizontal and is open at both ends, permitting relatively easy passage for those walking through. Good air flow through the cavern insures the temperature inside is not much different from that outside — generally pleasantly warm, so no sweaters or jackets are needed. An underground stream runs on a lower level and emerges as a natural spring in the park area near the cave entrance that is ringed by giant cedar trees.
The drive to San Sebastian is along Highway 135 (Hwy 131 on some signs and some maps), which is the link between Oaxaca city and the mountain village of Juquila, where a shrine to the Virgin Mary draws countless pilgrims every year. As we travel this route, you will see many vehicles with flowers and an image of the Holy Mother attached to the front grill, or people on bicycles returning to Oaxaca with large framed pictures of the Virgin strapped to their backs. In a spirit of simplicity or penitence, many others make the 126 mile journey on foot, so keep an eye out for individuals or groups walking along the narrow shoulder of the road, usually heavily laden with knapsacks and water bottles.
Time frame: 9:00 Lending Library / 11:30 arrive San Sebastian / 12:00 start cave hike / 1:30 end hike / 1:45 sack lunch at the natural spring / 2:30 leave San Sebastian / 5:00 return to Library
