Guided Tours

Guided Tour of El Soplao Cave

The labyrinthian El Soplao Cave holds a treat for speleology enthusiasts with numerous natural formations in its 17-mile system. Go on a guided visit of select portions within the cave and its adjacent mines to learn about the wonders of this underground world.

Highlights

Take a guided visit through intricate speleothems in Cueva El Soplao.
Select from 3 types of experiences: the General Guided Visit, the Adventure Tourism Visit, and the Mine Visit.
See spectacular karst formations like helictites, stalactites, stagmalites, dog-tooth spars, and more.
Encounter towering columns and dizzying gorges, try to spot cave pearls and elusive manganese stromatolite structures.
Dare to explore the tunnels of Campamento, El Órgano, El Bosque, and other less accessible portions of the cave on the Adventure Tourism Visit.
Understand the process and practice of mining if you choose to visit the adjacent mine galleries of La Florida.

Inclusions

Guided visit of Cueva El Soplao
Access to Campamento, El Órgano and El Bosque tunnels (only with Adventure Tourism Visit)
Access to La Florida mines (only with Mine Visit)
Helmet with lamp, overalls and rubber boots (with Adventure Tourism Visit)

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Reviews

4.1

32 ratings

5/5

4/5

3/5

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1/5

Juan

5/5

Jul, 2024

T all perfect pity the collapse although it also gives its charm to the cave has been a pleasure and I have enjoyed as a child

View original review in Spanish

Maria

5/5

Dec, 2023

The cave of El soplao is a wonderful place that I recommend visiting without a doubt. The organization of the visit is very professional and the guide was a great professional who, apart from his knowledge about the cave, interacted with the group and contributed to make the visit a success.

View original review in Spanish

Mari

5/5

Aug, 2024

It is quick and easy, recommended

View original review in Spanish

Machtilda

3/5

Jul, 2024

The cave is beautiful. But only explanation in spanish there is no audio guide. That was a pity

View original review in Dutch

Juan

4/5

Nov, 2023

Everything is great, the only problem is the delay in sending the tickets by mail.

View original review in Spanish

Your Experience

A Speleological Odyssey

After driving 3km up a mountain, you will board a mining train to access the main entrance of the cave through La Isidra tunnel. Once inside, magnificent geological formations await. From eccentric helictites to cascading sheets of translucent calcite draperies. See natural structures like the Sentinels, the Opera, and the gallery of Ghosts, where stalagmites and stalactites make uncanny shapes. The visit is supplemented by light and sound effects as well as a voice-over in the La Gorda room. 6 of the cave’s 17 miles are currently open to the public.

Choose from the following ticket options with varying levels of depth and difficulty.

General Guided Visit: 55-minute guided visit of the 300-meter Pasarela route.
Adventure Tourism Visit: 2.5-hour guided visit of crude portions in the cave, including the tunnels of Campamento, El Órgano and El Bosque.
Mine Visit: 3.5-hour guided visit of a 2.5-kilometre long route through the mines of La Florida.

Discover How Mines Work

This cave system was discovered and subsequently exploited in the early 20th century when the mines of La Florida were being built. The name ‘El Soplao’ comes from a mining term that describes the blowing air felt when perforating a tunnel with less oxygen. As you traverse through the mine galleries, you will experience the culture, traditions, and working conditions of this historic economic practice.

Your chosen walking tour ends when you arrive back at the inner station of the cave. You will once again take the El Soplao mining train to access the outer station and make your way out.

Know Before You Go

Important Information

The use of a surgical mask or FFP2 is mandatory to access this visit.
This experience is accessible by wheelchair but it is necessary to inform in advance if you use it.
A sign guide is available with limited capacity for people with hearing difficulties.
Children up to the age of 12 and people needing wheelchairs must be accompanied by an adult.
The Adventure Tourism Visit is unsuitable for children under 12; children between 12 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult who has signed a responsibility form.
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes.

Timings

Guided Visit

Oct to Mar

Tue to Sun: 10am to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm

April to June

Tue to Sun: 10am to 2pm and 3pm to 6pm
July

Mon to Sun: 10am to 7pm
August

Mon to Sun: 10am to 9pm
September

Mon to Sun: 10am to 2pm and 3pm to 6pm

Adventure Tourism

Oct to June

Fri: 3pm and 4pm

Sat and Sun: 10am, 11am, 3pm and 4pm

July and Sept

Tue to Sun: 10am, 11am, 3pm and 4pm
August

Mon to Sun: 10am, 11am, 3pm and 4pm

Mine Visit

Oct to Jul

Sat and Sun: 10am and 4pm

August

Fri to Sun: 10am and 4pm
September

Mon to Sun: 10am to 2pm and 3pm to 6pm

Schedules are indicative and may undergo changes depending on the activity or possible incidents.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at Cueva El Soplao.
Address: Prao el Colla, s/n, 39553 Celis, Cantabria, Spain.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

By Car

The Cave can be reached trough the A-8 motorway that goes from Santander to Oviedo, exit 269 (Los Tánagos-Pesués-Puente Nansa).
Before reaching the town of Pesués, take the detour to Puente Nansa until arriving at Rábago. From there, follow the road to El Soplao.

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