Life in Malaya Siya mostly occurs underground. This corner of Khakassia contains more than 40 caves. There are simple caves, such as the Archaeological Cave, suitable for school trips and full of schoolchildren during vacations. They come to Siya for a fun crawl along the entangled cave labyrinths under the supervision of a guide and exit the darkness happy and smeared in orange clay.
Other caves, like Kashkulakskaya, which is commonly known as "the Black Devil's Cave" or the "Pandora's Box," are explored by experienced speleotourists, carrying a supply of food, dozens of meters of durable ropes, professional gear and sleeping bags to spend the night underground.
It was only in the 20th century that the caves of Malaya Siya became a popular tourist destination. Prior to that they were sacred: Since the Stone Age, shamans, hunters, people of the taiga and the mountains came here to perform rites and make animal sacrifices. The sorcery continues today, although it has been commercialized. Elena, a resident of the village, remarked with irony: