Puente Viesgo Caves El Castillo and Las Monedas
Explore ancient art and stunning geological formations in the Puente Viesgo Caves, a journey into prehistoric times and natural wonders.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Puente Viesgo Caves El Castillo and Las Monedas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient art and stunning geological formations in the Puente Viesgo Caves, a journey into prehistoric times and natural wonders.
"Awe-inspiring. Our tour guide was really knowledgable and passionate. The cave is beautiful."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Essential to book in advance as visitor numbers are limited. Don't miss out!
🚶♀️ Allow Time for Walk
Give yourself about 15 minutes to walk from the entrance to the cave. Wear comfortable shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Paleolithic Paintings
El Castillo Cave
Witness stunning, well-preserved prehistoric art, offering a glimpse into ancient human expression.

Limestone Formations
Las Monedas Cave
Explore a different cave with unique geological wonders and impressive limestone rock formations.

Knowledgeable Guides
Passionate guides bring the history and geology to life with engaging and informative tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead: Essential for Entry
Logistics & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Essential to book in advance as visitor numbers are limited. Don't miss out!
🚶♀️ Allow Time for Walk
Give yourself about 15 minutes to walk from the entrance to the cave. Wear comfortable shoes!
🗣️ Spanish Tours
Tours are in Spanish, but guides are very expressive and knowledgeable. Enjoy the show!
📍 Collect Tickets First
Pick up your pre-booked tickets at the visitor center before heading to the cave parking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Essential to book in advance as visitor numbers are limited. Don't miss out!
🚶♀️ Allow Time for Walk
Give yourself about 15 minutes to walk from the entrance to the cave. Wear comfortable shoes!
🗣️ Spanish Tours
Tours are in Spanish, but guides are very expressive and knowledgeable. Enjoy the show!
📍 Collect Tickets First
Pick up your pre-booked tickets at the visitor center before heading to the cave parking.
2️⃣ See Both Caves
Each cave offers a unique experience; visiting both is highly recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the awe-inspiring nature of the caves, particularly the well-preserved prehistoric paintings in El Castillo and the unique geological formations in Las Monedas. Guides are frequently commended for their knowledge and passion, making the tours engaging. However, the ticketing and entry process can be perceived as complicated, requiring careful planning and adherence to specific timings.
"Wow... very nice and interesting. Make sure to
A) book in advance on-line
B) collect the tickets at the visitor centre before you go up the road to park
C) come at least 30-40min before your scheduled visit to be able to complete the logistics needed before your visit.
...they made it quite complicated but it is worth the visit."
Sebastian Radetic Car
"Awe inspiring. Our tour guide was really knowledgable and passionate. The cave is beautiful geologically and the paintings are stunning and so well preserved. Booking in advance is essential as there are limited visitors allowed per day"
Christina Dix
"What a great experience! Our guide clearly loved what he was doing and he shared a lot of great information along our tour. Give yourself about 15 minutes to walk to the cave entrance!"
Deb Litman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The caves are located near Puente Viesgo in Cantabria, Spain. Driving is the most common way to reach them, with parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so check local schedules if you're not driving.
Yes, there is parking available at the caves. However, it's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
While driving is easiest, you might be able to reach Puente Viesgo by bus or train from larger cities like Santander, and then take a local taxi or a longer walk to the caves. Research local transport links thoroughly.
The caves are located close to each other, and you can typically walk between them after collecting your tickets. Ensure you factor in the walk time to the cave entrances.
Access within the caves can be challenging due to uneven terrain and steps. It's best to contact the visitor center directly to inquire about specific accessibility for each cave.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Booking tickets online in advance is essential as visitor numbers are strictly limited. You can usually book through the official website of the caves.
You need to collect your pre-booked tickets at the visitor center located before you drive up to the cave parking area. Allow extra time for this.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and availability.
Yes, it's recommended to see both caves as they offer different experiences. You can usually book tickets for both, or a combined ticket if available.
Ticket prices can vary. Check the official website for current pricing information for adult, child, and any concessionary rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours are guided and primarily conducted in Spanish. Guides are known for being knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience engaging even if you don't speak Spanish fluently.
The duration of the tours can vary, but typically they last around an hour. Factor in the walk to the cave entrance and time for ticket collection.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be walking involved, and the cave floor can be uneven. The temperature inside the caves is cool and constant, so a light jacket might be advisable.
Photography policies can vary. Some caves may restrict flash photography to protect the delicate paintings and formations. Always follow your guide's instructions.
Due to limited visitor numbers per tour, the caves generally don't feel overly crowded during your specific tour time. However, the visitor center and parking area can be busy.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can change, but generally, flash photography is prohibited to protect the ancient cave art and formations. Always check with your guide.
Your guide will lead you through the most significant areas. Focus on capturing the scale of the formations and the detail of the paintings, respecting any restrictions.
Given the low light, a tripod might be useful if allowed, or a camera with good low-light performance. Experiment with higher ISO and slower shutter speeds, but be mindful of movement.
The most impactful views are often dictated by the tour path. Trust your guide to point out the most visually striking areas of both El Castillo and Las Monedas.
Yes, phone cameras are generally permitted, but the same rules regarding flash photography apply. Ensure your phone's camera is capable of handling low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Book tickets well in advance, as slots fill up quickly. Allow extra time for ticket collection and the walk to the cave entrance. Ensure children wear comfortable shoes, as there will be walking on uneven surfaces. The cool, constant temperature inside the caves means a light jacket is advisable for everyone.
🌍 History & Art Enthusiasts
Beyond the art, the geological wonders of Las Monedas cave provide a complementary experience, showcasing the natural processes that have shaped these subterranean environments over millennia. The knowledgeable guides enhance the visit by providing historical context and scientific explanations, making for a truly enriching and educational journey into the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of El Castillo's Art
The scientific dating of these artworks has been crucial in understanding the timeline of human migration and artistic development in Europe. The techniques employed by these ancient artists, using natural pigments and applying them to cave walls, demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of their environment and a desire for symbolic expression. Visiting El Castillo is not just seeing art; it's witnessing a fundamental aspect of human culture emerge.
Exploring Las Monedas: A Geological Marvel
The name 'Las Monedas' (The Coins) likely refers to the shape of some of the smaller, disc-like formations found within. Walking through Las Monedas provides a stark contrast to the painted walls of El Castillo, highlighting the dual natural wonders that Puente Viesgo offers. It’s a chance to appreciate the earth’s artistry in a different form, emphasizing the raw beauty of subterranean landscapes.
Navigating the Visitor Experience
After ticket collection, you'll need to make your way to the cave parking area, which involves a 15-minute walk to the actual cave entrance. Tours are conducted in Spanish, but guides are noted for their expressiveness and passion, making the information accessible even to non-Spanish speakers. Many visitors recommend seeing both El Castillo and Las Monedas caves, as they offer distinct yet complementary experiences.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit