If you are looking for a destination for your next winter vacation, we present you a perfect natural gem to enjoy with your family. This is the ‘El Hundido’ cenote, located in the area shared by the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango.
This impressive cenote is the largest in Chihuahua and is hidden in the Jiménez desert. It houses a secret about its origin and is a magnificent body of fresh water located in the municipality of Jiménez, near the “Sierra del Diablo” in the south of Chihuahua.
How to get to Cenote ‘El Hundido’?
Accessing ‘El Hundido’ is not an easy trip. According to Google Maps estimates, the trip from the city of Torreón can take around 5 and a half hours, traveling through the Torreón-Jiménez highway and Mexico Highway 49, which includes tolls.
The ‘El Hundido’ cenote is a fascinating entrance that houses a small island formed by rocks and soil accumulated over decades. In addition, it has a large lagoon, comparable to the size of a professional soccer stadium.
Origin of cenote ‘El Hundido’
The origin story of ‘El Hundido’ is fascinating and shrouded in mystery. Don Luis Martínez, originally from La Laguna, discovered this natural treasure more than half a century ago and kept it secret for decades to protect it from government intervention.
There are several local theories about the origin of this cenote. Some believe that it was formed by the impact of a meteorite that opened this cavity and gave way to the underground rivers that flow into Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila. Others point out that it was formed by erosion caused by the flow of water over the years, collapsing the rocks on the ground.
In addition to its fascinating origin, ‘El Hundido’ has been a witness to ancient civilizations. Fossils of prehistoric animals have been found, as well as arrowheads and spears used by our ancestors. Without a doubt, this place has a history that transcends time.
This majestic cenote is considered a natural treasure of the “Big State”. Although getting there requires time and effort, the beauty and uniqueness of ‘El Hundido’ make it a unique tourist destination in the region.
It is important to highlight that the ‘El Hundido’ cenote also plays a vital role in the region. Through a water extraction system, it is used to irrigate crops and supply water for livestock in a desert environment that depends on this vital source.
Unfortunately, the ‘El Hundido’ cenote was the scene of a tragedy. The owner of the place, Dr. Rodolfo Antonio Martínez Torres, son of the discoverer Luis Martínez, suffered a fatal accident when he fell to the bottom of the cenote while carrying out maintenance work. Despite the efforts of rescue teams, it was not possible to save his life.
From this tragic incident, ‘El Hundido’ will be linked to the memory of this accident. However, the qualities of natural wonder and the dreams that Martínez Torres had for the place are mixed with the story of who revealed this Chihuahuan treasure to the world.
Visiting ‘El Hundido’ is an experience that allows you to connect with nature and explore one of the most impressive geological phenomena in the region. Despite the difficulties to get there, it is worth discovering this hidden treasure between the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango.
Source: El Sol de la Laguna
