Image | How much bargain
Known as the Sistine Chapel of Geology, the Soplao Caves are one of the most impressive geology monuments in the world. Located in Cantabria, in the north of Spain, this cavity was discovered around 1908 as a result of the exploitation of the mines in La Florida for the extraction of lead and zinc.
It is considered one of the great wonders of geology as it treasures a paradise of stalagmites, stalactites, cave pearls, columns, dog teeth and eccentrics in its almost 20 kilometers in length.
What are the Cuevas del Soplao like?
Image | PA Community
For those who enjoy geology, Las Cuevas del Soplao are a true delight that will amaze you through a journey through the abundance and diversity of its eccentric formations, which make it a unique cavity in the world.
In addition to its enormous geological value, the Cuevas del Soplao and its surroundings have an exceptional heritage of mining industrial archeology with more than 20 kilometers of gallery. In this way we can know what this activity was like at the beginning of the XNUMXth century inside and outside the caves, since the mining activity has also left its mark abroad through the presence of calcination furnaces, workshops, laundries, castles ... everything This is fundamental elements for the exercise of the activity.
The tour of the Soplao Caves is done on foot and in a group and lasts approximately one hour. However, the cave is adapted for the passage of visitors with reduced mobility since 90% of the route can be done in a wheelchair. Once inside, all the rules must be respected, such as not touching any rock formation to preserve them in the best conditions.
To turn the visit into a unique experience, the Soplao Caves offer aintroductory explanatory narration to contextualize and a setting of lights and sound that helps us transport ourselves to the very center of the Earth for an instant.
The experience is very worthwhile, whether you have the spirit of a caver or not, because traveling and getting to know the nature of a part of the country better is always fascinating. In addition, as a curiosity, thanks to the research work carried out in the Cuevas del Soplao and its surroundings, a few years ago an exceptional deposit of Lower Cretaceous amber was discovered which has been listed as one of the most important in Europe. Another incentive to get to know these spectacular caves.
What is the amber deposit of Cuevas del Soplao like?
Since the discovery of the amber deposit in the summer of 2008, several excavations have been carried out that have provided much information about the geology of the deposit, the geochemistry of amber and new species of insects have been described fossilized in amber.
How do you get to the Cuevas del Soplao?
Image | Rural Cantabria
Between the towns of Rionansa, Herrerías and Valdáliga is the territory of El Soplao, at the top of the Sierra de Arnero. The caves are located 60 kilometers from Torrelavega and 83 from Santander, close to beautiful municipalities such as Santillana del Mar, San Vicente de la Barquera or Comillas.
To access the Soplao Caves by car, the entrance is from the A-8 Santander-Oviedo highway, exit 269 (Los Tánagos- Pesués- Puente Nasa). Before arriving in Pesués, you have to take the deviation to Puente Nansa until you reach the town of Rábago. From here, you must follow the road to El Soplao.
What is the price of the ticket?
General admission costs 12,50 euros while admission for children (4-16 years old), pensioners or students is 10 euros.
What else to see in the area?
A good idea is to take advantage of the visit to the Soplao Caves is to get to know the beautiful Geominero and natural environment, Cantabrian and make an excursion along either of the two slopes, the coast and the Nansa, to the towns of San Vicente de la Barquera, Cabezón de la Sal, Comillas and Unquera or to the southern slope, Saja and Nansa.
Recommendations to visit the Soplao Caves
Where to sleep?
Two good options can be Potes or San Vicente de la Barquera, since they have more nightlife and gastronomic options.
What to bring?
To visit the Caves of Soplao it is important to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes since inside the temperature can be around 12 degrees and you feel cold.
