El Castillo Caves and Paleotithic Art- small groups
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit the caves of El Castillo and Las Monedas, both world heritage caves for their cave paintings
• Walk around the cozy village of Puente Viesgo
• Enjoy the views over the Pas River
SUMMARY
After picking you up at your hotel, we will travel to Puente Viesgo to visit the famous caves of "El Castillo" and "Las Monedas", both World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, 2008.
The "El Castillo" Cave has paintings considered among the oldest preserved in the world. The silhouettes of hands in negative are famous, which according to archaeologists belong to more than 50 different people. Las Monedas cave will offer us beautiful silhouettes drawn in charcoal from the Magdalenian period. This cave also has a high geological value.
Finally, we will take a short walk through the village of Puente Viesgo
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A maximum of 8 people per booking
This tour has a minimum of 4 people for final tour confirmation
Tour request approval depends on cave entrance tickets availability
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The visit into the cave is only in Spanish available, your guide access with you to translate
Tour may be operated by multi-lingual guide
Temperature into the Caves is 12ºC all year
This tour is NOT recommended for people with mobility problems
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Entrance ticket to Las Monedas Cave
Driver/guide
Entrance ticket to El Castillo Cave
Transport by private vehicle
Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Cave of El Castillo
This has has been declared World Heritage by Unesco and it is one of the most important caves in the world for its cave paintings. Please notice that the regular visit is in Spanish. Please contact us if you want to have a private tour in English or someone translating the visit for you into English.
Cueva De Las Monedas
This cave had been declared World Heritage by Unesco in the year 2008. Please notice that the regular visit is in Spanish. Please contact us if you want to have a private tour in English or someone translating the visit for you into English
Options
Regular tour - small groups
Duration: 5 hours
Minivan
Pickup included
Reviews
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour and well...
Bri L,
Sep 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fantastic tour and well worth the trip to see the caves and art. The columns of stalagmites and stalactites made it feel like we were in a natural cathedral and the many ancient drawings simply added to the experience. Definitely wear good footwear as the floor is slick and request an English guide who will translate alongside the Spanish guide. Our guide was fantastic and answered all of our questions!
A real privilege
A E,
Aug 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Wonderfully passionate and informative guides for some spectacular snippets of prehistory. An absolute privilege to get to see these works of art in person and in situ.
Slippery steps
Phyllis L,
Aug 6, 2025
- Viator
4.00The driver was great.. the tour good but there were many slippery steps without railings or support. That was a surprise and should have been explained more fully in advance. The examples of prehistoric art were very few. Not sure if more exist but are not shown.. We went to caves in France some years ago on own and saw many more examples..I understand the difficulty in preservation of the sites.. if they are open to the public , pathways to viewing should be more accessible.
Magical prehistoric caves a short drive from Santander
ROBERT G,
Jun 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00The Castillo and Monedas caves were fantastic, even just in terms of geology. Add the mystery of the ancient human artwork and the wonder of 40,000 years of preservation, and you get the gift of an experience full of wonder. Our guide, Pepe, was genuinely kind, knowledgeable and fun. The guides at the two caves were really excellent and engaging. Do wear solid anti-slip shoes to maneuver the stairs and floors, and keep an eye open for low ceilings.
Amazing tour.
Nanette M,
May 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour guides were so knowledgeable and helpful. And the driver was so friendly and kind. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in learning about history and caves. They were incredible.
Related Experiences
Operated by EXPLORING CANTABRIA