<h2>Caving: An Underground Adventure</h2>Did you know that caving in Costa Rica is a thing? Often the country is associated with a tropical paradise due to all its vibrant <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/nature-wildlife/ecosystems/">ecosystems</a>. Exploring a cave is a non-traditional way to find thrills and beautifully unique sights in this tiny country.Those with a taste for <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/adventure/">adventure</a> and unafraid to get dirty will have a great time crawling, climbing, and wading through small passages. Depending on where and when you go caving, you can expect to get plenty wet, too. Underground streams, pools, and even curtains of water can be part of the adventure.This is just part of the charm. Some of these caves were formed about 70 million years ago, so they also include stalactites and stalagmite formations. Looking at these wonders, you’re looking at Costa Rica’s oldest history. It’s a good activity for both experienced and first-time cavers, though because of all the exercise involved, it’s not suitable for small children.With an insightful approach to Costa Rica’s geography, caving is both fun and educational. And two of the country’s best caving are the Barra Honda and Venado caverns. Check them out!<h3>Caverns at Barra Honda National Park, Guanacaste</h3>The Barra Honda National Park is located in <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/guanacaste/">Guanacaste</a>, close to the famous Tempisque River. The park protects a system of caves underneath the Barra Honda peak, formed some 70 million years ago. To this day, only around half of the Barra Honda caves have been adequately explored. There are over 40 different caves in Barra Honda, but only one—called Terciopelo Cave or Bat Cave—is open to visitors.While you descend to the cavern floor at the entrance, don’t close your eyes. During that first descent, you can admire the impressive formations. Stalactites and stalagmites, ghost-like formations of hardened calcium, and rock creations of all shapes and sizes are some of the wonders in this cave.The adventures in this cave go beyond spelunking, too! For example, the Terciopelo Cave also has indigenous artifacts, and human remains were found in other caves at that park. Though these archeological findings are off-limits, they add to the fascinating nature of this place that has been visited for generations. And even more stories abound! Local folklore says that people believed part of the caves was a volcano due to the roaring sounds made by bats as they left caverns. Such is the pull these caves have.Another perk is that visiting the cave involves hiking through the <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/nature-wildlife/ecosystems/tropical-dry-forests/">tropical dry forest</a>. There is a chance to spot wildlife here. Keep your eyes open for coatis, agoutis, anteaters, and monkeys on the way. Barra Honda is definitely a cave to stop by if you want to see all these sides of Costa Rica!<h3>Venado Caverns, Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna</h3>Picture yourself 8,850 feet below the earth’s surface. Claustrophobic already? These ten limestone caves in the <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/arenal-volcano/">Arenal Volcano area</a> are between 15 and 20 million years old. They were formed by tectonic shifting and a mighty underground river, which explains their shape and composition. These underground passages were once a hidden mystery beneath the pristine tropical forest but are now enjoyed by the most daring.Inside the cave are limestone rock formations, tons of marine fossils, a waterfall, and even a river. Many of these things were created by water dripping slowly over hundreds of years, and they’re a sight to see. Make sure to shine your flashlight around to find “The Baths” before crossing a curtain of water to find the seashells attached to rocks. You can also expect to see wildlife such as monochrome frogs, exciting fish, bats, spiders, and crickets.Rumors of the Venado Caverns circulated as recently as 1935, but they were not discovered until 1945. After the locals found them, experts thoroughly mapped them out and unveiled many of their secrets.<h2>Tips for the Best Caving in Costa Rica</h2>The most popular places for caving in Costa Rica are good options for novices and experts alike. To make the most of your trip, make sure to find a reputable guide to ensure your safety and gear quality. Follow their instructions carefully and you’ll be fine! If you’re not sure which company to choose, we always work with the best, so <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/contact-us/">give us a shout</a> and we’ll be happy to help you.Once inside the cave, look around in all directions. You may see incredible formations hanging from the ceiling as others seem to emerge from the ground. If you simply hurry forward you might miss some of the most interesting parts of the cave.Caverns in Costa Rica can usually be visited year-round, though some visits may be restricted to the dry season. Bear in mind that during the rainy season (May-December), water levels may be higher inside the caverns as well. To avoid afternoon showers, an early morning start is your best bet.<h2>FAQs about Caving in Costa Rica</h2><h3>Can you explore caves in Costa Rica?</h3>Yes, you can. Costa Rica has two central cave systems for people to explore - the Barra Onda caves in Guanacaste and the Venado caves near Arenal. as in any country, many caves are dangerous. Therefore, we recommend you only go with experienced guides to caves that are kept up to safety standards.<h3>Where is the best place to go caving in Costa Rica?</h3>The Barra Honda and the Venado Caves are great for cave spelunking in Costa Rica. However, Barra Honda is better for checking out the incredible rock formations while you'll enjoy some underground rivers and waterfalls in the Venado Caves system.<h3>Is spelunking the same as caving?</h3>This depends on who you ask. Some say that only amateurs use the word “spelunking,” as the pros call it caving. Others believe that spelunking is more scientifically specialized, focused on exploring the forms of plant and animal life found inside the cave rather than just the cave itself. However, most people use the terms interchangeably. Whatever you call it, this type of activity is an adventure on the rise. It intrigues tourists with a rare view into the mysterious underground world.

Caving in Costa Rica

Caving

Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste

Rio Celeste

National Parks

Nature & Wildlife

Waterfalls

Adrenaline

National Park

Rainforest

Volcano

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano

Beach Fun

Culture

Relaxing

Countryside

We visited Arenal and Guanacaste with my family. Emma Lasiuk created the best itinerary based on what we were interested in. Everything she recommended was exactly what we wanted and went so smoothly. All transfers from airport to different hotels were on time and very professional. The travel experience team answered our questions right away during our stay. I highly recommend Costa Rican Vacations.

May A - Emma Lasiuk

I reached out to Costa Rican Vacations because they have an amazing reputation online and exceptional reviews. It was the best trip we've ever had! Anastasia was amazing and coordinated everything perfectly. I'd definitely book another trip &amp; she'll be my first call!

Amanda Farris Shook - Anastasia

We had such an incredible honeymoon! Thanks for customizing our package to cater to our requests and for always being so available whenever we had questions. We truly came back with memories to last a lifetime.

Moira & Dan - Marjeri Smith

My family and I spent 7 glorious days in Costa Rica. Rachel Peck put together a perfect itinerary. She was absolutely amazing! Very attentive to details and arranged unforgettable experiences for us. Many wonderful memories were made!

Marleen Chiaravalloti - Rachel Peck

Wow!!! All I can say is that this trip was amazing. It was an incredible experience from beginning to end. The scenery in this country is beautiful and breathtaking. So much to learn about the continental divide and diversity of the plant and tree life in this beautiful lush rainforest. The volcano in Arenal was amazing. The scenery changed every minute literally. Emma Lasiuk was the reason we decided to take this vacation. I told her what I was looking for and she gave me and my wife everything I wanted and more.

Indiana Jones returns to Paradise

I worked with Caitlin Summer to plan and book our Costa Rican vacation. She asked what we liked, wanted to see &amp; do and then sent us a proposal. We made a few changes and then booked our trip. Caitlin did a fantastic job meeting our expectations-booking a great hotel with a beautiful view in La Fortuna and an awesome bungalow in Puerto Viejo that made us feel like we were in the jungle.

Sharon Sagastume - Caitlin Summer

I would like to thank Costa Rican Vacations and Felipe Martinez, my consultant. For advising, assisting and planning my dream vacation to Costa Rica. He was patient, experienced, pleasant, warm, friendly, professional and always responded to my messages.

Savi Persad - Felipe Martinez

Our 35th anniversary and bucket list completed and met all of our expectations. Jake and his team help set up the perfect trip with a seamless transition from location to location. Highly recommend these guys!

John Childers - Jake

Anastasia made our honeymoon so special in so many ways! I can’t appreciate enough how stress-free she has made this process and fun along the way. She was always available even during our trip when I was feeling unwell the first few days and had multiple recommendations which had me feeling better in no time.&nbsp;

Cheyenne P - Anastasia

Perfectly executed 10 days of fun! Emilie helped us coordinate the trip and the execution was flawless. The activities were perfect for our family. Our experience in Costa Rica was made amazing because of Costa Rican Vacations and Emilie!

Eloise Moodie - Emilie Witham

Punta Islita

Beach

Nosara

Tamarindo

We just came back from a trip to Costa Rica. Shelly suggested the activities she thought we would enjoy and made all arrangements before we left for our trip. She was always available to answer our questions and was very accommodating when we revised our itinerary!

Rita A - Shelly Huff

Pinilla & Playa Avellanas

Playa Avellanas

Bagaces and Rio Perdido

Rio Perdido

Trail Less Traveled: Tenorio Volcano, Rio Celeste and Tamarindo

Trail Less Traveled

Oasis Vacation: Isla Chiquita and Rio Celeste

Oasis Vacation

Island

Rumble in the Jungle: Rincon de la Vieja Volcano  and Rio Celeste

Rumble in the Jungle

Unique Waterfalls of Costa Rica: Bajos del Toro Valley & Rio Celeste

Unique Waterfalls of Costa Rica

Cloud Forest

Paradise in Your Palm: Puerto Viejo and Rio Celeste

Paradise in Your Palm

Unique Waterfall Adventure: Rio Celeste and Rio Perdido

Unique Waterfall Adventure

Monteverde and Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste

Monteverde and Rio Celeste

Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste and Conchal Beach

Rio Celeste and Conchal Beach

Turquoise Oasis: Rio Celeste and Hermosa Beach

Turquoise Oasis

Savegre Valley and Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste

Savegre Valley and Rio Celeste

Colors of Costa Rica: Celeste River and Jaco

Colors of Costa Rica

Monkeys and Waterfalls: Arenal Volcano and Rio Celeste

Monkeys and Waterfalls

No City Noise: Rio Celeste and Playa Panamá

No City Noise

Lovin' Costa Rica: Rio Celeste and Flamingo Beach

Lovin' Costa Rica

Rise and Shine! Celeste River and Coco Beach Combo

Rise and Shine!

Destination: Self-Care: Celeste River and Nosara

Destination: Self-Care

Jungle Yoga and Beach Retreat: Rio Celeste and Santa Teresa

Jungle Yoga and Beach Retreat

Jungle Rivers and Waterfalls: Tortuguero and Rio Celeste

Jungle Rivers and Waterfalls

Enchanting Waterfalls: San Gerardo de Dota and Rio Celeste

Enchanting Waterfalls

Swanky Costa Rica: Rio Celeste and Papagayo

Swanky Costa Rica

Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste and Manuel Antonio

Rio Celeste and Manuel Antonio

Jungle Meditation: San Ramón and Celeste River

Jungle Meditation

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Uvita

Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio

Volcano & Deep Sea Fishing: Arenal Volcano & Los Sueños

Volcano & Deep Sea Fishing

Marina

Rags to Riches Fishing: Best of Arenal Volcano and Papagayo

Rags to Riches Fishing

Arenal Volcano and Flamingo Beach

Two Weeks in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Dominical

Two Weeks in Costa Rica

Bucket List Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano and Puerto Jiménez

Bucket List Costa Rica

Dawn in the Rainforest: Arenal Volcano and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Dawn in the Rainforest

Arenal Volcano and Conchal Beach

Arenal Volcano and Playas del Coco

Arenal Volcano and Coco Beach

Adventure and Beachside Fun: Arenal Volcano & Tamarindo

Adventure and Beachside Fun

Costa Rica Heartlands: Arenal Volcano and San Ramón Cloud Forest

Costa Rica Heartlands

Arenal Volcano and Jaco Beach

Arenal Volcano and Jaco

Best of Costa Rica Fishing: Visit Arenal Volcano, Jaco, and Quepos

Best of Costa Rica Fishing

Adrenaline Rush: Arenal Volcano and Savegre Valley

Adrenaline Rush

Arenal Volcano and  "Middle of Nowhere" Upala

Arenal Volcano and "Middle of Nowhere"

Fly Fishing in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano and Quepos

Fly Fishing Costa Rica

Costa Rica Hot Springs: Arenal Volcano and Rio Perdido

Costa Rica Hot Springs

Volcano, Beach & Fishing Escape: Arenal, Monteverde and Los Sueños

Volcano, Beach & Fishing Escape

Essential Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano and Uvita

Essential Costa Rica

Birdwatching for Beginners: Arenal Volcano and San Gerardo de Dota

Birdwatching for Beginners

Costa Rica Family Classic: Arenal Volcano & Las Catalinas

Costa Rica Family Classic

Classic Rainforest and Beach Combo: Arenal Volcano and Playa Panamá

Classic Rainforest and Beach Combo 

Classic Green Getaway: Arenal Volcano and Punta Islita

Classic Green Getaway

The Mother of All Trips: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde & Puerto Jiménez

The Mother of All Trips

Arenal Volcano and Monteverde

Arenal Volcano and Nosara

Surfing and Volcano Adventure: Arenal Volcano and Playa Dominical 

Surfing and Volcano Adventure

Arenal Volcano and Waterfall Valley in Bajos del Toro

Volcanoes and Waterfalls

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Drake Bay

Jungle and Beach Expedition: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio

Jungle and Beach Expedition

Inland Costa Rica: Highlights | Arenal Volcano and San Isidro

Inland Costa Rica: Highlights

Soothing Escape: Arenal Volcano and Isla Chiquita

Soothing Escape

Costa Rica Eco Adventure: Arenal Volcano and Pacuare River

Costa Rica Eco Adventure

Jungle Journey: Arenal Volcano and La Paz Cloud Forest

Jungle Journey

Fishing on Lake Arenal: Visit Arenal Volcano and San José

Fishing on Lake Arenal

Slow Down! Turtles and Sloths of Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano and Tortuguero

Slow Down! Turtles and Sloths of Costa Rica

Adventure in the Caribbean: Arenal Volcano and Puerto Viejo

Adventure in the Caribbean

Hot Springs & Cool Waves: Arenal Volcano and Santa Teresa

Hot Springs & Cool Waves

No Ordinary Costa Rica: Monteverde and Punta Islita

No Ordinary Costa Rica

Beach Hopping Costa Rica: Punta Islita and Tamarindo

Beach Hopping Costa Rica

Remote Costa Rica: Bajos del Toro and Punta Islita

Remote Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Treasures: Remote Countryside in Upala and Nosara Beach

Costa Rica's Treasures

DIsconnect to Reconnect: Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest and Nosara Beach

Disconnect to Reconnect

Endless Summer: Nosara and Tamarindo

Endless Summer

Best Surf on Pacific: Playa Dominical and Nosara

Best Surf on Pacific

Relax and Unwind: Manuel Antonio and Nosara

Relax and Unwind

Unpack and Relax: Puerto Jiménez and Nosara

Unpack and Relax

Surfing Nicoya: Santa Teresa and Nosara

Surfing Nicoya

Leisure Life: San Isidro and Nosara

Leisure Life

Unique Sounds of Costa Rica: Monteverde and Nosara

Unique Sounds of Costa Rica

You Need a Break: La Paz Cloud Forest and Nosara

You Need a Break

Coast to Coast Yoga and Surf: Puerto Viejo and Nosara

Coast to Coast Yoga and Surf

Surf and Wellness Retreat: Jaco and Nosara

Surf and Wellness Retreat

 Surf and Yoga Getaway: Nosara and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

 Surf and Yoga Getaway

Ride the Waves: Esterillos and Nosara

Ride the Waves