Adventure · Venado / San Carlos

Venado Caves Underground Adventure

Wade an underground river through 15–20 million-year-old limestone caves

2 hours Moderate English, Spanish Age 5+

Overview

Step into an underground world formed 15 to 20 million years ago, when this land was still part of the seabed. With a bilingual guide, you'll wade through a cool underground stream, squeeze between limestone walls and explore chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites and marine fossils — including famous formations like the Papaya, the Altar and the Lion's Head. A colony of bats lives in the caves, and adventurous explorers can take on an optional narrow passage. You will get wet and muddy — afterwards, freshen up in the showers and relax by the pool.

Highlights

  • Explore limestone chambers formed 15–20 million years ago
  • Wade through an underground stream
  • See stalactites and stalagmites and marine fossils
  • Spot the resident bat colony
  • Optional narrow passage for the adventurous
  • Showers and pool access afterwards

Included

  • Safety gear: rubber boots + helmet + flashlight + mask
  • Bilingual guide
  • Private parking
  • Showers and restrooms
  • Pool access (subject to availability)

Not included

  • Transportation to and from your hotel
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Meeting point & getting there

Meet at the location
Cavernas de Venado reception, Venado, San Carlos, Alajuela 21010 (about 45 minutes from La Fortuna).
Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your start time to check in. The operator confirms details by email or WhatsApp after booking.

Departure times

  • 8:00 AM
  • 10:00 AM
  • 12:00 PM
  • 2:00 PM

What to bring

  • Clothes that can get wet and muddy
  • A full change of dry clothes
  • Towel
  • Plastic bag for wet clothes
  • Waterproof case for your phone

Good to know before you book

  • Minimum age 5
  • Moderate fitness: you will wade and crawl through tight spaces

Safety

  • Not permitted: recent surgery or open wounds or pregnancy
  • Not permitted under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Tell your guide about any medical condition before starting
  • The optional narrow passage is not suitable for claustrophobic guests
  • Not wheelchair accessible

Children

Children 5–10 pay the child rate. Ages 11+ pay the adult rate. Children under 5 are not permitted.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the tour.

What travelers say about Cavernas de Venado

This tour
Excelente experiencia
Excelente experiencia. Super recomendable. Nuestro guía muy predispuesto y con mucho humor nos llevó por esa travesía. Muchas gracias a Wilmer. Volveremos
Carlos S · April 2026 · via TripAdvisor
This tour
Amazing place - would def recommend
Definitely one of our highlights in Costa Rica - would recommend to everyone (as long as you're okay with tight spaces and bags/spiders). Bring water shoes or Crocs and clothes you don't mind getting dirty - you will be walking thru waterfalls and knee deep rivers at some point. They have optional climbs/crawls for more adventurous people (I would recommend someone with moderate fitness for the birth canal crawl/climb)
Tin-Yan P · Vancouver, Canada · Feb 2026 · via TripAdvisor
This tour
A great activity where you get out of your comfort zone, get wet, walk on all fours in the water, see huge spiders, bats, etc. We were well guided by Mauricio, he knows his subject well and is obviously passionate about what he does. During the route, more cramped places to explore if you feel comfortable but not obliged, making the excursion accessible to most. We all loved the visit and it will be remembered for a long time!
Christine B · Jan 2026 · via TripAdvisor
This tour
The Venado caves were a highlight of our family trip to Costa Rica. Wilmer was an excellent guide and our teenage boys loved every second of our caving experience.
Stacey S · Jan 2026 · via TripAdvisor
This tour
Absolutely loved this adventure! It was not for a beginner or someone who isn't up for an adventure though. This was a fantastic cave tour with multiple obstacles inside. Our guide was Mauricio and he was fantastic. Spoke great English and you could tell he loved his job and was there to make sure that we had a great time 😊
Darby K · Sep 2026 · via TripAdvisor
$35 USD / adult
Free cancellation · Instant confirmation

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