Cuevas de Bellamar

The Bellamar caves were found in 1861 when a worker quarrying limestone broke through into a chamber, and they were opened to visitors within a few years, which makes them among the oldest show caves in the Americas. Around three kilometres have been surveyed and a section is lit and walkable. The formations are the draw: crystal-lined galleries, the twelve-metre column called the Manto de Colon, and needle-like helictites growing against gravity. Tours run to a fixed schedule with a guide.

What you actually see

• The Manto de Colon - a column of around twelve metres in the main gallery.
• The crystal galleries - chambers lined with calcite crystal, which is what the cave is known for.
• The helictites - fine formations growing sideways and upward against gravity.
• The lit route - a walkable section with steps and handrails, covered on the guided tour.

When to go

Year-round, since the cave temperature is constant and the humidity high. Tours run at set times through the day. It is a good option when the weather outside is poor.

Honest expectations

The stair down and back is steep and there are a lot of steps. Humidity inside is close to saturation and it is uncomfortable for some visitors. The tour is guided only, in Spanish unless arranged otherwise, and the lighting has seen better days.

Nearby

Matanzas is ten minutes northwest, and the Saturno cave is east towards Varadero.