The visit
THE SURROUNDINGS
The Independent Board of Museums and Centres (OAMC) of the Tenerife Island Council offers a guided tour of a section of one of the largest lava tubes in the world, complete with explanations of other geological phenomena and interesting ethnographic features.
The experience transforms the visitors into direct observers of a live documentary that unfolds in an actual volcanic setting. The route begins at the Visitor Centre, in the Icod de los Vinos, where you can watch a series of information modules that provide an introduction to the tour. Then the centre will transport you the short distance to the start of the walking tour.
The tour continues across a field of lava, the same lava from which the lava tube complex was formed, and then an ancient byway leads upwards to the entrance of the cave. The way back leads down another path that passes through threshing floors and the ruins of ancient farming vestiges, which give you a glimpse of the ethnographic wealth of the area while enjoying the beauty of its landscapes.
During the tour you will pass by two geological formations that explain the strange landforms you are crossing: a huge channel of viscous phonolitic lava that descended from Pico Viejo (Roques Blancos eruption) and the lava of the cave. At the end of the route you will see other examples of viscous lava.
This pleasant tour runs, in part, along ancient byways that were built to link up towns or the north and south of the island, or to connect populated areas with the surrounding countryside. These byways (wide enough for two mules side by side) were built after the conquest, in some cases making use of the ancient Guanche footpaths (the Guanches were the original inhabitants of the islands). In this case, part of the surface is formed by the cave’s lava flow and the stones placed underfoot are made of the very same lava.
The threshing floors were discovered during restoration work. The grain that was separated by threshing and winnowing was roasted and then milled to obtain gofio, an important staple flour from the time of the Guanches up to the present day.
visitable sections
The cave has no artificial lighting, so helmets fitted with headlamps are worn on the tour. The visitable section contains numerous formations and phenomena “sculpted” by the advancing lava as its viscosity changed. Such dynamic features make the cave feel almost like a living being that has been “petrified”. And the dark silent atmosphere brings visitors into direct and natural contact with the geological phenomena.
OBLIGATIONS AND
RECOMENDAtions
The tour lasts two and a half hours (2.5 h) and is of medium difficulty. In addition to the bilingual panels at the Visitor Center and inside the cave, an expert guide will explain the characteristics of this unique volcanic cavity in the language you selected when purchasing the tour. It is necessary to understand the language to participate. The tour has a maximum number of 15 participants per group. Both the exterior and interior sections are uphill and downhill over very uneven terrain and stairs. We are located in protected areas at all times, and inside the cave, we are located in a Special Conservation Area.
Basic rules for the visit:
- Closed-toe athletic shoes or hiking boots are mandatory
- Backpacks, handbags, and shoulder bags are prohibited
- Eating is prohibited during the visit
- Animals are prohibited
- Collecting materials from the surrounding area is prohibited
- Children under 5 years old are not allowed on the visit.
- We recommend wearing long pants and a coat (the cave interior is 14°C and 80% humidity)
- We recommend wearing a raincoat if the weather forecast calls for rain
- You may wear a fanny pack (not around your shoulders)
- You may wear a camera around your neck and/or cell phone; taking photos is permitted.
- Always follow the guide’s instructions. Do not stray from the group
- If you feel fatigued, please inform the guide
- Do not leave any trash during your visit or disturb the cave. Remember that this is a highly valuable protected ecosystem.
- Guided tours are limited to a maximum of 15 people each.
- You must reserve and purchase a ticket online in advance, at https://cuevadelviento.net.
- People with claustrophobia and mobility issues are advised not to participate. If you have any questions, please contact us by email.
Cueva del Viento parking address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5bmC2okVD8ynCLtA6