Tucked into a limestone ridge in the Upper Macal River Valley is Che Chem Ha Cave (Poisonwood water). Accessing the cave involves a 40-minute drive on the unpaved road and a 35 minutes hike along jungle-lined trails. Once inside the cave, journey into the underworld – Xibalba – through nine levels using ladders and ropes. The Maya believed that the underworld encompassed 9 of the 22 layers of life. They would often leave offerings (sometimes human sacrifices) to their gods, most likely their rain god ‘Chaac’ during times of drought.