Tour packages in Cave of Soplao

The El Soplao Cave is located between the Cantabrian municipalities of Herrerías, Valdáliga and Rionansa, at the top of the Sierra de Arnero, at an altitude of 540 m and 83 km from Santander. It is an enclave with magnificent views over the Sierra de Peña Sagra, the Picos de Europa, the valley of the Nansa river and the Cantabrian Sea.

“ El Soplao ” is a mining term referring to the air that is perceived when entering a gallery from another with less oxygen. The El Soplao Cave was discovered by miners who, around 1908, drilled the gallery during the exploitation of the La Florida mines. It is considered one of the great wonders of geology, as it houses a true paradise for speleology: eccentrics, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, columns, cave pearls, dog teeth… A true play of shadows, lights and colours.

In addition to its geological value, the El Soplao Cave and its surroundings contain an exceptional heritage of industrial mining archaeology, with more than 20 km of galleries. Mining activity has also left its mark on the outer space, with towers, calcining ovens, laundries and workshops.

A recreation of a mining train will take you through the La Isidra mining gallery until you reach the cave. Once there, you will take a walking tour through the galleries and rooms of La Gorda, Los Fantasmas, Mirador de Lacuerre, Centinelas and Ópera. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and the geological experience is combined with the mining experience, with galleries and industrial mining archaeology.

The pavement along most of the route is made of non-slip concrete, although there are areas with wet conditions (dripping water). The route is equipped with handrails and railings and the lighting conditions recreate the original conditions of the environment visited (cave/mine), so there are areas of shadows. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes (without heels) and warm clothing (the temperature inside is about 12 or 14 degrees, with relative humidity around 90%).

The El Soplao Cave offers all the necessary infrastructure for the visit. The visitor reception building combines mining construction methods with cutting-edge techniques and houses services such as an arrival hall, ticket offices, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria and self-service, a terrace, a viewing tower, toilets…

The building also has a work room where different events can be held, such as congresses, conferences, courses, etc. Outside, there is a large car park, with a separate area for buses, recreational areas and a contemporary sculpture exhibition.

In addition, the El Soplao Cave is adapted for people with reduced mobility (100% of the route can be done in a wheelchair). Access to the last visitable section of the El Soplao Cave requires the use of a lifting platform. Children up to 12 years old and people in wheelchairs must be accompanied by an adult. Child seats are not allowed, but baby carriers are provided at the ticket office.

Apartamentos 3000 does not guarantee the availability of places for this activity. Make your pre-booking for this activity now and, as soon as we have confirmation that there are places available from the organizer, you will receive confirmation of the final reservation by email within 72 hours.

January, February, March, October, November and December ( Closed on Mondays ) .
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

April, May and June ( closed on Mondays ) .
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

July .
From 10:00 to 19:00 h

August
From 10:00 to 21:00 h

September
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The timetables are indicative and may be subject to change depending on the activity and possible incidents. The train to access the cave is currently out of service, although visits will take place normally, as the train only affects the entrance to the cave, about 300 metres.

The cave is closed on January 1, December 24, 25 and 31. It is closed from January 7 to 21 for technical reasons.

You can add your tickets to visit the El Soplao Cave to your accommodation reservation. Children from 0 to 3 years old have free entry.