Pencaligue Caves

As I’ve written about in a previous post, we’re lending support to an NGO called Agua Para el Pueblo who will be constructing a gravity-powered water treatment plant in Atíma, Sta. Bárbara.  On a recent trip, Kristi and I completed some topographic survey work they will need to finish their final plant design.  The survey went well with Kristi as my ayudante (assistant) and Bernardo or the “Nard-Dog” as we liked to call him (when he was not present) manning the level rod and swinging the machete.  The project coordinator from APP in Tegucigalpa joined us the second day of the survey to make sure we were getting all of the pertinent data.  The constant rain made the work a bit difficult but we got through it with plenty of time to visit a nearby geological site, the Pencaligue Caves.

With Dan, the APP coordinator, as our guide, we descended from Atíma down Río San José de Atíma.  The hike, about 5 miles round-trip, was excellent and included beautiful geology, Honduran countryside, whitewater, and limestone caves.  Although very muddy from the rain, it was a blast.

Horse and cattle farm along the trail

Kristi and I had forgotten how much we missed being able to hike without worry about our personal safety.  Atíma, unlike Trinidad, is a very out-of-the-way town with little to no crime in the surrounding areas.

Dan led us to two cave sites.  The first was carved into a cliff whose height I won’t even pretend to estimate.

Within the cave, shaped like a natural amphitheater, there were many stalactites and stalagmites as well as a bit of fool’s gold (pyrite).

Cave couple

Pyrite, fools

Then we visited another cave site where the entire Río San José de Atíma disappears into the mountainside.  The river runs approximately 5 km through the mountain before exiting the other side.

Dan in front of the river's entrance to the caves

At the precipice

The pictures don’t quite capture just how much water was roaring through at this point.  The noise was deafening!

Thanks to Dan for the hike and Atíma for the free room and board.  The municipality paid for our hotelito and food was generously provided as well.  It wasn’t a traditional romantic Valentine’s Day getaway, but it was a great time nonetheless!