Venado Cave Spelunking

Explore the hidden wonders of Venado Caves—where underground waterfalls, winding waterways, and ancient rock formations unveil a world of adventure and intrigue!

Your Adventure Begins

After a convenient local pickup from your hotel in central La Fortuna (Zone 1), you'll embark on a scenic 40-minute drive to the Venado Caves. If you're staying outside of Zone 1, transportation can also be arranged for an additional fee.

Upon arrival at the Venado basecamp, you'll be welcomed by your friendly bilingual guides who will assist in preparing you for the adventure. While you are welcome to bring your own waterproof hiking boots, heavy rubber boots will be provided for optimal comfort and safety. You'll also receive a hardhat and flashlight to navigate the caverns safely, with the option of wearing a dust mask for added protection. To safeguard your belongings, dry bags are available to store your cell phone during your underground exploration.

Once you have donned your safety gear, your group takes off down a grassy slope that leads to the cave entrance. Your guide will take this time to share interesting information about Venado’s discovery in 1940 by the indigenous Maleku Peoples, and the caves formation, which took place in the Miocene period, approximately 15 to 20 million years ago. The caverns are rich with both stalagmites and stalactites – spectacular cone-shaped formations that are created by hundreds of years of slowly dripping water.

Dive into a Subterranean Adventure

The thrill begins as you step through a small stream at the cave's entrance, plunging into a mysterious underground world. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, the beam of your flashlight reveals the path of the meandering stream ahead. Suddenly, movement catches your attention above—thousands of bats hang upside down on the cave ceiling, their silent presence a reminder of the incredible ecosystem you're entering. Watch as they occasionally stir, fluttering their wings briefly before settling back into their roosts. These fascinating creatures are perfectly at home here, graciously sharing their awe-inspiring habitat with you.

A Breathtaking Subterranean Waterfall

Your journey takes an exhilarating turn as you step into a cavern the locals call “The Baths.” Here, a breathtaking waterfall cascades from the ceiling, creating a mesmerizing spectacle in the heart of the cave. For the daring, a dash through the rushing sheet of water is a rite of passage, leaving you soaked in adventure and adrenaline. As you explore the cave walls, you’ll uncover delicate pockets of seashells—a whisper from a time when these caves were submerged beneath the ocean. Standing nearly 1,000 feet above sea level today, it’s awe-inspiring to reflect on the dramatic transformations of our planet over millennia.

A cascading waterfall spill from the cave ceiling as you dash through its rushing waters. Uncover ancient seashells on the walls and marvel at the wonders of a world transformed over millennia!

A Thrilling Crawl to the Altar

The adventure intensifies as you leave "The Baths" and navigate through a series of low tunnels and snug passages. Crouching and twisting, your heart races with excitement, each step feeling like a journey into the unknown. Your hardhat earns its keep as you make your way through this maze, the thrill of discovery growing with every move.

Finally, you emerge into a cavern that takes your breath away—a stunning natural stairway sculpted over millions of years from pure calcium carbonate. This magnificent formation stands as a testament to the incredible forces of nature, a sight that will leave you awestruck. This chalky white formation was created by constant, slow drips of water over a such a massive time-frame that it boggles the mind to imagine it. At the top of the staircase, a large flat surface resembles an altar. Above the alter is a stunning petrified coral formation that is truly breath-taking. Take a moment to get your camera out so that you may capture this otherworldly, incredible spectacle of nature.

The Ancient Papaya Room and a Journey to Daylight

Your next stop is the intriguing “Papaya Room,” named for the formations resembling Costa Rica's beloved fruit. Made of calcium carbonate and clay, these unique features have been carbon-dated to an astonishing 6 million years. Unlike other formations in the cave system that continue to grow, the clay composition of the papaya formations causes them to slowly erode. In the distant future—whether a thousand years or a million—they will transform, making way for new and equally extraordinary creations of nature.

Following a small stream, the faint glow of daylight begins to appear, guiding you toward the cave’s entrance. Stepping into the warm, vibrant Costa Rican sunshine, you carry with you a newfound appreciation for the natural wonders and ancient history hidden beneath this incredible landscape.

Over 15 million years in the making, the Venado Caves promise an unforgettable subterranean adventure. These awe-inspiring caverns are a must-see for anyone seeking the thrill of exploring nature’s ancient wonders!