Valporquero Cave

The Cueva de Valporquero was formed by the Torio river working through limestone over a million years, and it lies at about 1,300 metres in the Cantabrian foothills. The show route covers around 1,300 metres through a series of large chambers, with names describing their character: the Great Rotunda, the Hall of Wonders, the Fairies' Chamber, the Great Wonders. The rock is stained in reds, greys and ochres by iron and other minerals, which distinguishes it from the pale formations of many show caves, and a subterranean stream runs through the lower level, audible throughout. The temperature holds around seven degrees, cold enough that warm clothing matters even in August, and the route has many steps.

What you actually see

• The coloured chambers - rock stained red and ochre by minerals.
• The Great Rotunda - the largest of the show chambers.
• The underground river - a stream running through the lower level.
• The mountain approach - a road climbing to 1,300 metres.

When to go

May to October, the operating season; the cave closes in winter when the mountain road is unreliable. Tours are guided at set times and book out at weekends and in August.

Honest expectations

At seven degrees the cave is genuinely cold and a jacket is needed in any season. The route has hundreds of steps and wet slippery surfaces, and it is not accessible. The mountain road up is narrow with tight bends.

Nearby

Leon lies forty-seven kilometres south; the Cantabrian mountains and Riano rise north.