Why ancient Maya threw offerings into sinkholes

Forget your basic Instagram cenote photoshoot. For the ancient Maya, these limestone sinkholes weren't aesthetic swim spots; they were portals to the underworld (Xibalba) and critical stops on pilgrimage routes. If the gods were angry and a drought hit, you didn't just pray—you chucked valuable jade, pottery, and the occasional human sacrifice into the abyss. Truly the ultimate all-inclusive travel toll.