Unreal feeling of experiencing the meticulously preserved world of our early ancestors and distant relatives (neanderthals) and finding traces of their continual artistic expression and creativity from at least 40,000 to 13,000 years ago. The paintings may not be as spectacular as in Altamira, but the feeling you get from seeing an authentic bison sketch or a hand print that a paleolitic human created thousands of years ago cannot be compared with experiencing replicas of Altamira or Lascaux that are open for the public. The cave itself is very large and spectacularly beautiful inside, with stalactites creating beautiful patterns and shapes. The area surrounding the cave is also very scenic. The tours are guided in very small groups and by reservation only (can be done on their web site) and by default in Spanish only. However, the guide was so incredibly kind and knowledgeable and spoke so clearly that my basic Spanish was enough to understand most of the explanations. He claimed he didn't speak English and then answered all my questions and provided translations of the most important information during the tour in perfect English. When Spaniards tell you they don't speak English, they mean they dont speak it as well as their native language ;) It is incredible how much insight about the past scientists can glean from the paintings thanks to the modern technology, but it is even more mind boggling how much we dont know - the guide pointed out many curious tidbits that leave you wondering about the meaning and the purpose that motivated the early humans to create those masterpieces. From what I understand it is possible to ask for an English language tour if you contact the office well in advance. Sadly, photo/video is not allowed inside the cave. Tip - it is quite cold inside, so bring a jacket. Also, there is no coffee shop, only vending machine that doesn't accept credit cards, coins only. A bit disappointing, but what do you expect from a paleolitic cave?

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!

(Translated by Google) I was at the hotel and the water temple. I recommend it. Very good water temperature. All facilities work. They provide bathrobes and towels and flip flops. The current price is €40 for two hours and there is a six-month bonus of €200 for ten sessions. Good investment in relaxation. (Original) Estuve en el hotel y el templo del agua. Lo recomiendo. Muy buena temperatura del agua. Todas las instalaciones funcionan. Brindan albornoz y toallas y chanclas. El precio actual es de 40.€ por dos horas y existe un bono de seis meses de 200.€ para diez sesiones. Buena inversión en relax.

It’s a beautiful gem! Not to miss!

There’s a “secret” magical path along the Río Pas back to town (30mins) from here known as the “Coto”. You know you’re heading the right way when you paseo thru the neighbourhood pass a “house of chickens” and arrive at the Wooden Bridge on your right. Did the lovely route in a drizzly evening without problems. 👉 Attached pics + vids (*not sure why googlemsps doesn’t collate vids together with pics in a review post; need to find vids under location’s general pics) of path and sights you would experience.

(Translated by Google) Not so long ago, you arrived by boat to take guided tours. It can be visited a few months a year and when the level of the reservoir is not high. Small groups of 6 people who are willing to crawl into a cave for about 15 meters with knee pads and a helmet. Taking photos or carrying flashlights inside is not allowed (they provide cold light flashlights). Spectacular karst weathering formations on the roof as well as a 1.5m diameter geode on the roof. This cave stands out for having two types of art and both in great quantity: Engravings and paintings from 20,000 years ago. That makes the Cantabrian coast unique. Easy parking at the visitor reception center, then they take you in an administration vehicle to the beginning of a beautiful 1km pedestrian path along the edge of the reservoir and you then access the entrance to the cave. Wear clothes that can get a little dirty and prepare to crawl with your hands on the clay and on your knees protected by knee pads and a helmet. The cave is short in its visitable part since the rest is flooded by the reservoir built (when the existence of the cave, now a world heritage site, was not known). In June 2023, there are about 10 archaeologists on a research campaign labeling everything they see of interest, doing tastings and mapping the cave in the part, until now unknown, that remains flooded using boats and drones. So far they have discovered new paintings, perhaps much more, but they are keeping it secret for now until the studies are published. It is the most expensive cave to visit so, if there are several of you, it is more than advisable to purchase the "cultural passport" in advance. This passport allows a family of up to 5 members free access, as many times as they want, and for 1 year, to 19 cultural centers in Cantabria. (Original) No hace tanto, se llegaba en barca para hacer las visitas guiadas. Es visitable unos meses al año y cuando el nivel del pantano no está crecido. Grupos reducidos de 6 personas que estén dispuestos a entrar a gatas por una cueva a lo largo de unos 15 metros con rodilleras y casco. No se permite hacer fotos ni llevar linternas en el interior (facilitan ellos linternas de luz fría). Formaciones de desgaste kárstico espectaculares en el techo así como una geoda de 1,5m de diámetro en el techo. Esta cueva destaca por tener dos tipos de arte y en mucha cantidad ambos: Grabados y pinturas de hace 20.000 años. Eso la hace única la cornisa cantábrica. Aparcamiento fácil en el centro de recepción de visitantes, luego te acercan en vehículo de la administración hasta el inicio de un camino peatonal precioso de 1km por la vera del embalse y ya se accede a la entrada de la cueva. Llevar ropa que pueda ensuciarse un poco y prepararse para gatear con manos sobre la arcilla y de rodillas protegidos por rodilleras y casco. La cueva es corta en su parte visitable ya que el resto está inundado por el embalse construido (cuando no se sabía de la existencia de la cueva ahora patrimonio de la humanidad). 2023 en junio están unos 10 arqueólogos en campaña de investigación etiquetando todo lo que ven de interés, haciendo catas y cartografiando la cueva en la parte, hasta ahora desconocida, que permanece inundada utilizando botes y drones. Hasta ahora han descubierto nuevas pinturas, quizás mucho más, pero guardan secreto de momento hasta que se publiquen los estudios. Es la cueva más cara de visitar por lo que, si sois varios, es más que recomendable comprar previamente el "pasaporte cultural". Dicho pasaporte permite, a una familia de hasta 5 miembros, el acceso gratuito, las veces que se quiera, y durante 1 año, a 19 centros culturales de Cantabria.

I highly recommend the Spanish Course. It was an amazing experience to live in a Spanish family. Fernando is a charismatic teacher and prepared interesting lessons. I improved my grammar, vocabulary and gained more confidence speaking Spanish. I’m particularly grateful for all the work Merche did: recommending places to visit, booking tickets, cooking traditional dishes. The food she made was beyond praise.

(Translated by Google) Highly recommended place to go with dogs, they have shade and the river to cool off. Also, the walk through the mountains is super good. Easy and very large parking. (Original) Sitio muy recomendable para ir con perros, tienen sombra y el río para refrescarse. Además el paseo por el monte está súper bien. Aparcamiento fácil y muy grande.

(Translated by Google) Monument dedicated to Lieutenant Fuentes Pila located in the Palace of the same name, which is currently the town hall (Original) Monumento dedicado al teniente Fuentes Pila situado en el Palacio del mismo nombre, actualmente es el ayuntamiento

(Translated by Google) The greenway starts in Puente Viesgo at this old station, now converted into an information center. The path that runs alongside the Sil River is a marvel, with pools and unimaginable places that look like something out of a lunar landscape. Highly recommended, without a doubt. (Original) La via verde tiene como punto de partida desde Puente Viesgo esta antigua estación reconvertida en centro de información. El camino que discurre junto al Sil es una maravilla con pozas y sitios impensables que parecen sacados de un paisaje lunar. Sin dudarlo recomendadisimo.