What is the Cueva del Viento officially?
Cueva del Viento is the largest lava tube system in Europe and the most complex volcanic tube in the world, thanks to its intricate morphology made up of numerous levels and passages unlike anything else found on the planet.
It was formed 27,000 years ago and gets its name (Cueva del Viento translates into Cave of Winds) from the powerful draughts which flow through it.
While the cave is currently 18km in total, the guided walk which takes you through it is limited to just a small section which takes around 45 minutes to cover. Although you only get to explore a tiny part of the colossal labyrinth, you'll still get to see all kinds of geological formations, including lava stalactites, lava cascades, lava lakes and side terraces.
Cueva del Viento is home to 190 species, 44 of which are troglobites - animals specially adapted to underground environments. Of these species condemned to spend the rest of their days in total darkness, 15 are relatively new to science, such as the eyeless cockroach.
Although you only spend 45 minutes exploring the cave, the full Cueva del Viento tour takes around 2.5 hours to complete. It begins at the visitor centre in Icod de los Vinos town hall, where you're invited to watch a video introduction. From there, you take a walk over a lava field up toward the entrance of the cave.
After exploring the cave hidden deep below the Earth's surface, you journey back, following a different route which passes through threshing floors and ruins of ancient farm villages.
What is the Cueva del Viento really?
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Ian's Cueva del Viento review
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Overall rating: /5
Nicky's Cueva del Viento review
I normally avoid group tours at all costs - I'm a fan of wandering off and exploring on my own, not being trapped in a group listening to a guide who lost their passion years ago drone on. But as the only way to visit Cueva del Viento is on a guided tour, I had no choice.
Thankfully, this guided tour was totally different to what I've experienced and become used to. The guide was animated, enthusiastic and provided generally interesting information, which could have posed quite the challenge considering the topic. The groups are relatively small, too, meaning I was always close enough to the guide to be able to hear what he was saying.
The walk to the cave before the main tour even began was a real bonus. It might not seem like much, but it's nice to get away from the "usual" Tenerife and have a stroll in the forest every now and then.
We spent a perfect amount of time in the cave. Enough time for everyone in the tour to see the individual things the guide was pointing out, without being there so long that things start to get boring. I can get a bit claustrophobic sometimes, but the cave was big enough for me not to get anxious.
Spending an afternoon in a dark, damp cave surrounded by things to bang your head on might not sound like the best choice when the alternative is a few hours at the beach, but it's totally worth it. If you've never been caving before, Cueva del Viento is a great taster cave to find out whether or not it's your thing.
Overall rating: ⅘
Insider tips for Cueva del Viento
You must buy tickets online in advance
Cueva del Viento is no longer letting people show up and jump on the next available tour. To reserve your place, you now need to book online in advance via the official website.
Since all payments are now online, you also must pay with a card. You can't make a booking online and pay in cash when you get there.
No children under 5
Due to the slightly dangerous nature of the Cueva del Viento walk, entry is not permitted to children under 5. If you're looking for a safer walking route your little one can join in with, consider the Barranco del Infierno.
No backpacks
Because some sections of the cave are tight and narrow, you're not allowed to take in backpacks. There are no lockers provided along the route, so if you're travelling by car, lock your backpack in the boot before you head to the visitor centre. If you're travelling via public transport, pack lightly and only take things that will fit in your pockets.
Wear appropriate clothing
Even in summer, you must wear long trousers and trainers or hiking boots to enter the Cueva del Viento. Show up in shorts and flip flops and you'll be sent back the way you came. Temperatures drop considerably inside the cave, so there's no chance of you overheating.
Important info about Cueva del Viento
Official name: Cueva del Viento
Official website: www.cuevadelviento.net
Address: Camino los Piquetes, 51, 38438 Icod de los Vinos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Contact details: +34 922 81 53 39, info@cuevadelviento.net or via an online contact form
Opening hours:
April - September
9am - 7pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
9am - 4.30pm Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday
October - March
9am - 5pm Friday - Wednesday
9am - 6pm Thursdays
Suggested time: 3 hours
Prices
Non-resident adults: €20
Non-resident children aged 5-12: €8.50
Resident adults: €10 (make sure you take proof of residency)
Resident children: €5
Have you been here? What did you make of it?