Descend into coral-sand caverns and hike 2 miles through tropical dry forest to a 400m viewpoint over the Tempisque lowlands. This guided tour combines a 17m vertical cave descent, visible stalactites and stalagmites, and a kid-friendly mini-cave.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off an air-conditioned van into a sun-washed clearing of tropical dry forest; leaves crack underfoot and the air smells of dust and distant salt from the Gulf of Nicoya. A short trail climbs through deciduous trees, birds call overhead, and the path opens onto a steel gate that marks the descent into coral-sand caverns formed over tens of millions of years.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate—able to walk 2 miles on uneven ground and tolerate a guided 17m descent; not suitable for those with serious spinal, heart, or pregnancy-related restrictions.
Wildlife
History
The caverns formed from ancient coral-sand deposits over roughly 60 million years, reflecting periods when this area was beneath sea level.
Conservation
Stay on marked trails, avoid touching cave formations and follow guide instructions—cave features are non-renewable and sensitive to oils, lights and human traffic.
Reserve your spot on the Caving tour ( stalactites-stalagmites) & hiking at national park today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear grippy, closed-toe shoes
Trail and cave floors can be slippery or uneven; supportive hiking shoes with good tread reduce slips during the descent and return hike.
Hydrate before and during
Bottled water is included, but bring and sip regularly—dry forest heat can be deceptively draining even on short walks.
Be ready for a vertical descent
The main cave requires a 17m controlled descent on harness; if you have vertigo or claustrophobia, notify the guide ahead of time.
Leave the formations alone
Stalactites and stalagmites are fragile and grow slowly—avoid touching or leaning on them to preserve the cave.
Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes
Protects feet from sharp limestone, loose rock and muddy sections of trail.
Headlamp or compact flashlight
Useful inside darker cave sections even if guides carry lights.
Light, breathable clothing and sun protection
Dry-season sun and exposed viewpoints demand a hat, sunscreen and breathable layers.
summer
Light gloves (optional)
Thin gloves help when handling railings or during the harnessed descent for extra grip.