El Soplao Cave

El Soplao is situated in the western part of Cantabria, in the region of Saja-Nansa. There are currently 20 kilometres of natural passageways documented, as well as almost 30 kilometres of mine galleries.

It was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century during work at La Florida mines, and it is one of the leading underground tourist destinations because of its spectacular, eccentric formations. The term "soplao" ("blown") refers to the draught of fresh air that is created when a mine gallery intersects with a natural passageway. This is where the name of this spectacular cave comes from. Visitors can get to the cave on a recreated mine train that departs from an outside station and stops at a platform inside the cave. From here visitors have to walk through the cave. The most important passageways are La Gorda (The Fat One), Los Fantasmas (The Ghosts) and La Ópera (The Opera). The visit is suitable for all visitors, who are accompanied by a guide, and it lasts about an hour. There is also an Adventure Tour for intrepid visitors. For two hours and a half they can enjoy the experience of becoming a potholer, at least for one day, and discover the Campamento (Camp), El Órgano (The Organ) and El Bosque (The Forest) passageways. The organising team provides all the materials required (helmet with a lamp, jumpsuit and rubber boots). This activity is suitable for people over 12.