Secrets of Chiapas

Published in 2000

The recently published book, Rio La Venta - Treasure of Chiapas, was a true labour of love for teacher and speleologist Antonio De Vivo. De Vivo, a 1993 Rolex Laureate, worked for more than a year with his Italian and Mexican team members from the Rio La Venta Project to create this impressive volume. The book documents their 10 expeditions to the Rio La Venta Canyon, an isolated and fascinating region of southern Mexico and one of the least known areas of the world.

Reflecting the multi-disciplinary nature of the expeditions, the beautifully illustrated publication covers research findings in fields as diverse as speleology, hydrology, archaeology, biology and geology. Each chapter is written in a lively narrative style by different La Venta team members and other contributors who reveal the most exciting aspects of the discoveries. An accompanying CD-ROM contains an extensive library of photos, drawings, maps and film that take viewers on a virtual trip through the primordial forests and underground rivers and caves of the La Venta Canyon.

“The idea of the book first came to me when my project was validated by the Rolex Award,” says De Vivo, “but it has taken time to develop. I see it as the perfect culmination to this ten-year project and a chance to raise local and international interest in protecting this remarkable area, with its complex and fragile ecosystem. The book, which is available in Spanish, Italian and English, is relevant to scientists and laymen alike.”

Launched at ceremonies in Chiapas, Mexico City and in Rome at the Mexican Embassy, Rio La Venta – Treasure of Chiapas has received the support of many sponsors around the world, including, Rolex.

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