Welcome to the Venado Caves
The Venado Caves are located about a 45-minute drive from La Fortuna, and around 40-50 minutes on an unpaved road from Nuevo Arenal. The majority of people who visit drive there on their own, but there are plenty of tour operators that will also include transportation from/to your hotel in La Fortuna, for added convenience.
I visited recently with a friend. We arrived around 9:15 am and got our helmets and headlamps for the tour. They also have rubber boots available, but I decided to just use my hiking shoes. This worked out great because there are some parts that I think the boots would’ve made me very clumsy for. They don’t have lockers, but the parking lot is watched over well, so you can leave your stuff in your car.
Exploring the Caves
Then, the fun began! We entered the cave and almost immediately, were greeted by bats hanging from the roof. They live in holes they “dig” into the limestone. We felt like we had stepped into a completely new world – stalactites, stalagmites and fossils of ancient marine life remind you that earth as we know if is constantly changing.
Our first challenge was to squeeze our whole bodies through a very narrow opening. When we made it to the other side alive, we climbed and crawled through the tunnels, getting wonderfully wet and dirty, as we crossed underground rivers at times, and ran into spiders that looked a bit like scorpions. (If you’re lucky like me, you might accidentally touch bat guano, too – it’s squishy…). During the rainy season, you’ll also get to see waterfalls!
Important Information About Venado Caves
They have a photographer available, and will make a CD of your pictures for $20 USD, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your camera along and potentially ruining it. I decided to be a rebel and brought my cell phone along to take pictures, wrapped in a ziplock bag. I got some nice shots, but I wouldn’t recommend this if you don’t have a waterproof camera!
The tour lasts about 2 hours. When you’re done, you can visit their little soda to have a meal, or hang out at their pool for a while.
What to Bring
Comfortable clothes that can get wet and dirty, sneakers or hiking shoes (if not using the rubber boots they provide), dry clothes to change into, a towel.
Important Notes and Restrictions
If you are claustrophobic or very afraid of bats, this is NOT the tour for you. While this is not a very strenuous activity, you do need to be in decent shape to enjoy it. It requires some climbing, crawling and going through very narrow passages. If this is not a problem for you, the Venado Caves are an experience unlike any other.
Rates and Schedule
Entrance fee: $28 USD, includes equipment, guide and access to the pool.
Schedule: 8 am to 3 pm daily.
How to get there
An adventurous 40-50 minute drive from Nuevo Arenal.
From La Fortuna, also about 45-50 minutes.
In fact, staying in La Fortuna can be a fantastic idea if you are planning to visit the caves. The many choices of hot springs around there will make a perfect stop after this more active adventure! You can find a map of accommodations there below – we are sure you’ll find something to fit your needs and taste.
