Gruta de las Maravillas

The Gruta de las Maravillas runs beneath the hill that carries Aracena's castle, and it was opened to visitors in 1914, the first show cave in Spain. Tradition credits its discovery to a shepherd, and the first written mention dates from 1886. The known passages run to about 2,130 metres, and the visitor route passes through twelve chambers and six lakes, with the water reflecting the formations above it and giving the cave its particular character; stalactites, columns, flowstone and helictites fill the chambers, and one section is known for formations resembling human forms, which the guides make the most of. The temperature stays around sixteen to nineteen degrees with very high humidity. Entry is by timed guided tour in limited group sizes, and photography is prohibited inside to protect the formations.

What's there

• The underground lakes - six pools reflecting the chambers above.
• The twelve chambers - a lit route through part of 2,130 metres of passages.
• The formations - columns, flowstone and delicate helictites.
• The 1914 opening - Spain's first cave developed for visitors.

When to go

Year-round; the constant temperature suits a hot summer day, and Aracena's Sierra setting is pleasant in spring and autumn. Tours are timed and limited in size, selling out at weekends and holidays.

What to expect

Photography is prohibited throughout and enforced. The route has steps and low sections and is not wheelchair accessible. Tours run in Spanish, with English commentary not always available.

Nearby

Aracena castle stands above the cave; the Sierra de Aracena villages and the Rio Tinto mines lie around.

Key facts