Volcanic caving Las Palomas Cave (ES-EN) Volcanic speleology Las Palomas Cave (ES-EN)
ID: GYG985466-1529335
Category:
Country: Spain
Duration:
02:00 hours
Description
"Cueva de Las Palomas", a volcanic tube formed by the eruption of 1949 (San Juan Volcano).
GUIDED TOURS TO THE VOLCANIC TUBE CUEVA DE LAS PALOMAS.
Volcanic speleology: guided tours through the largest volcanic tube formed on the island of La Palma during the eruption of the San Juan Volcano (1949).
At the foot of the western slope of Cumbre Vieja lies the "Cueva de Las Palomas", a volcanic tube formed by the eruption of 1949 (San Juan Volcano), which since 2016 can be visited by appointment.
Along a walkway built over the volcanic lava flow as an access road to the main mouth, we can observe the different forms, now solidified, that the lava took on its journey.
This explanation is necessary to better understand the genesis of the volcanic tube, as the surface of the volcanic lava flow and its subsoil are closely related.
After walking about 430 m of walkway with several didactic stops chatting about lava, volcanism and caving in general, we will be ready to enter the volcanic tube that lies within the lava flow on which we have advanced.
Since the cave is mostly in its natural state, there are no artificial lights or consolidated path inside, so each visitor is equipped with a speleologist's helmet with autonomous lighting.
We will travel about 280 m of cave down the slope, making the appropriate stops inside the cave to explain the key points of its formation and answer questions and curiosities of visitors.
After the didactic part of the tour, we will return to the starting point to answer any questions that may remain about the visit.
Highlights
- -Walk along the footbridge: approximately 30-45 minutes
- -Cave exploration: approximately 30-45 minutes.
- 1 hour and 50 minutes and a maximum of 2 hours.
- We will cross along a footbridge built over the volcanic lava flow.
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Personal equipment required: (MANDATORY) Comfortable and resistant footwear: the cave floor is in its natural condition, being abrasive and somewhat disintegrated. Open shoes or sandals should not be worn, and sneakers or street shoes may suffer from the roughness of the lava. Hiking shoes (e.g. hiking boots) are most appropriate. The temperature inside is about 17ºC; for the walkway, warm clothing and/or sun protection is recommended depending on the season.
Minimum age 6 years old, recommended 8 or older. There is no upper age limit, but the cave is not suitable for people with mobility problems. The floor may be uneven and/or slippery in places, and it is necessary to crouch in a couple of places to get over low ceiling sections. The tour guides may prevent people they deem unfit to enter the cave.
PRKING: CENTER OF INTERPRETATION OF THE VOLCANIC CAVITIES CAÑOS DE FUEGO AND THE CAVE OF THE PIGEONS
INCLUDED
- Material provided for the visit: Caving helmet with autonomous lighting and disposable cap.
- Limitations: - Current regulations prevent more than 15 people inside the cave at a time, including tour guides and translators, so tour groups will be organized in a way that respects that rule.
- Minimum age 6 years old, recommended 8 or older. There is no upper age limit, but the cave is not suitable for people with mobility problems. The floor may be uneven and/or slippery in places, and it is necessary to bend down in a couple of places to get over low ceiling sections. The tour guides may prevent people they deem unfit to enter the cave.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
