Caving tour ( stalactites-stalagmites) & hiking at national park

Santa Cruz , Costa Rica

Caving tour ( stalactites-stalagmites) & hiking at national park

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(1 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Located in the province of Guanacaste. The geological significance of spelology, is the existence of underground caverns that have required about 60 million years to form, consisting of coral sand.

We walk a distance of about 2 miles round trip on the tropical dry forest lasting approximately 1 and a half hour.
We descent downstairs latter around 17 meters with arness equipment hold in a safety line. We spot the formation of stalagmites and stalactites under the caves. We send there around 30 minutes there.

We have a CAVE for kids only and must to be supervise by an adult.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
***MINIMUM KIDS AGE TO DO THIS TOUR ARE 4 YEARS OLD**

The vegetation is mainly deciduous and sometimes we can spot wildlife species such as capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys deers as well some birds.

In the upper part of the National Park, about 400 meters high there is a panoramic view of the river Tempisque lowlands, and the Gulf of Nicoya and some of its islands.

Available options

Caving tour ( stalactites-stalagmites) & hiking at national park

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Helmet and arnes equipment

AT LEAST 4 PERSONS ADULTS TO OPERATE THIS TOUR

Bottled water

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

The geological significance of spelology is the underground caverns that have required about 60 million years to form, consisting of coral sand. In the upper part of the National Park, about 400 meters high there is a panoramic view of the river Tempisque lowlands, and the Gulf of Nicoya and some of its islands.

Terciopelo Cave:
Formation as much as the body, because it emits different tones when struck gently walls, has a total depth of 62 meters. The descent into the cave is about 45 minutes to 1 hour maximum and is done with special equipment for caving. Access is made with a initial vertical descent of 17 meters. And then continue all the way down an inclined plane 35 ° to the east. Other decorations are Amazing “lions” head and Curtains”

Cuevita Cave: This cave is only for children between 4 years to 12 years old. The deep of this one is around 2 meters, you could see great formations of the stalagmites and stalactites on a beaty wall.

What's not included

Alcoholic Beverages

Soda/Pop

Available languages

Audio guide

EN ES

Guide guide

EN ES

Written guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

This tour IS NOT recommended for people with claustrophobia

About Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a charming town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. It's a gateway to the stunning Pacific coastline and the lush Northwest region, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Playa Hermosa

A stunning beach known for its golden sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

A national park featuring volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and diverse wildlife, offering hiking, horseback riding, and waterfall adventures.

Nature Full day Moderate

Santa Cruz Historic Downtown

A charming historic center with colonial architecture, local markets, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day Free to Budget

Las Catalinas

A picturesque beach town with a relaxed vibe, offering beautiful beaches, water sports, and a charming village atmosphere.

Beach Town Half day to full day Budget to Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gallo Pinto

A traditional Costa Rican breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and spices.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Ceviche

A fresh seafood dish made with raw fish or seafood marinated in lime juice and mixed with vegetables.

Appetizer Contains seafood

Arroz con Pollo

A flavorful dish made with rice, chicken, vegetables, and spices.

Dinner Contains poultry

Chifrijo

A popular Costa Rican snack made with pork, rice, beans, and avocado.

Snack Contains pork

Popular Activities

Hiking in national parks Water sports at nearby beaches Horseback riding and waterfall jumping Sunbathing and swimming at beautiful beaches Exploring charming beach towns and villages Enjoying local cafes and restaurants Exploring historical sites and museums Visiting local markets and artisan shops

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers ideal weather for beach activities, hiking, and exploring the region. It's the most popular time to visit with plenty of sunshine and minimal rain.

25-32°C 77-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

GMT-6

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Santa Cruz and the surrounding area are generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur, so it's important to take precautions and stay vigilant.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable taxi services and agree on fares in advance
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport • 30 km from Santa Cruz
Liberia Airport • 30 km from Santa Cruz

By bus

Santa Cruz Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport, connecting Santa Cruz to nearby towns and beaches. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Santa Cruz Historic Downtown Playa Hermosa Las Catalinas

Day trips

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

30 km • Full day

A national park featuring volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and diverse wildlife, offering hiking, horseback riding, and waterfall adventures.

Las Catalinas

20 km • Half day to full day

A picturesque beach town with a relaxed vibe, offering beautiful beaches, water sports, and a charming village atmosphere.

Liberia

30 km • Half day

The capital of Guanacaste, offering a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, and shopping.

Festivals

Fiestas de Santa Cruz • July Festival de la Luz • December

Pro tips

Visit the Santa Cruz Market for fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs, and try local street food for a taste of Costa Rican cuisine.
Explore the historic downtown area of Santa Cruz, with its colonial architecture, local markets, and cultural landmarks.
Take a day trip to Rincón de la Vieja National Park for hiking, horseback riding, and waterfall adventures, and don't forget to bring a change of clothes for the hot springs.
Rent a bike to explore the charming beach town of Las Catalinas, with its beautiful beaches, water sports, and local cafes and restaurants.
Try local coffee and chocolate, which are major exports of the region, and visit local plantations and farms for a taste of the rich agricultural heritage of the Northwest.