Valporquero Cave is one of the greatest tourist attractions in our country. It's located 45 km from León (location) in the village that gives it its name, in the heart of the León mountains and near the Hoces de Vegacervera. What many people don't know is the underground river flowing beneath the tourist area, known as the "water course".
Here you can experience canyoning-caving, a fascinating activity for adventure lovers.
This is one of the few areas in the country where this can be practised, and moreover, the caving-canyoning route is suitable for everyone. You can do it from Easter to December (with modifications depending on the river's flow), featuring jumps, siphons, different types of slides, swimming areas... etc.
CAVING AND CANYONING
Canyoning-caving is the activity you'll experience in Valporquero Cave whenever the river flow is sufficient. It's one of Spain's most impressive underground rivers, with a 3 km route, 250 metres of elevation change, and taking approximately 4-5 hours on average.
There are two difficulty levels:
- Normal difficulty (via the tourist entrance to Covona) - Canyoning-caving
- Higher difficulty (via Sil de Perlas) - Caving
One essential task before beginning these activities is equipping yourself with the necessary gear. Helmet, torch (always carry spare batteries), water-resistant clothing, proper boots, ropes, descenders, ascenders, harness... Generally, unless you're an expert, this activity is conducted with a guide who will provide all required equipment, lead you throughout the route, and assist you at all times. We recommend contacting one of the canyoning companies or caving companies.
We show different activity offers available in the cave that might interest you:
- Canyoning-caving in Valporquero Caves from €49 (more info here)
- Caving traverse through Valporquero Cave from €55 (more info here)
- Canyoning-caving for stag parties from €55.
THE CAVE AND ITS CAVITIES
Dress warmly even in summer as the average temperature inside is about 7°C. The cave mouth is found after a short walk through the access tunnel, excavated into the mountain rock.
Your first impression will be the spectacular dimensions of the cavity that leads us into an underground world.
The Valporquero stream bathes parts of the cave with its cold, crystal-clear waters, accompanying visitors throughout their tour. Some small wonders you'll see include formations that have named their speleothems. The first figures you'll encounter are The Leaning Tower, The Twins or The Virgin with Child, formations that will spark your imagination.
The largest chamber is called Gran Rotonda, where white ceilings and walls rise and recede, forming a natural vault over 20m high. Adjacent is the famous Sala de las Hadas (Fairies' Chamber), where during rainy seasons or snowmelt, a 15-metre-high waterfall forms.
Going further in, you'll find a spectacular gallery with passages over 200 metres long and heights exceeding 30 metres, while remaining very narrow.
At the end of this Gran Vía lies access to the "Water Course", allowing those wanting a true caving traverse to pass through galleries and waterfalls untouched by human hand.
Caving in Valporquero Cave blends science, sport and exploration of a unique place, with seven chambers creating this magical environment.
HOW TO GET THERE BY CAR
- From León: Take LE-311 and LE-315 to Felmín village. Take "Carr. de Valporquero de Torío a Felmín" to Valporquero then to the cave. (route info: here) - Journey time: 1 hour.
- From Oviedo: Take A-66 and N-630 to Ventosilla-Villamanín. Take LE-312 and LE-315 to Felmín. Then take "Carr. de Valporquero de Torío a Felmín" to Valporquero and onwards to the cave. (route info: here) - Journey time: 1h 27min (includes some tolls)
- From Bilbao: Take A-8 and A-64 to AS-I. Reach Mieres (Asturias) and take A-66 to N-630. Reach Villamanín and take LE-312 and LE-315 to Felmín. Then take "Carr. de Valporquero de Torío a Felmín" to Valporquero and onwards to the cave (route info: here) - Journey time: 4h (includes some tolls)
Dive into the cave and discover more about how these chambers beneath our feet were formed. If you enjoy exploring underground cavities and a world closer to the earth's core, caving is the sport for you.
