GRUTA DE SAN PEDRO “CHUSSEK UTA”

About ten kilometers north of Sorata, about 3 hours' walk (the same time for the return journey). "Chussek Uta" means "Owl House", as the cave was once home to a large number of these nocturnal birds of prey. Take along some food and plenty of water, as it's hard to come by on the way. Starting from the main square, you join a dirt road that leads to the small village of San Pedro. The winding, mostly deserted road passes through a few hamlets nestled in small valleys. As you approach San Pedro, the first thing you'll see is the church. The cave is 1 km beyond the village, a 20-minute climb from the new car track. On the way up, a small white house will serve as a landmark. On arrival, you'll find someone at the entrance to turn on the light bulbs inside the cave. The cave is interesting without being an extraordinary site, and makes a very good excuse for a pleasant walk on the mountainside. Boots can be hired at the entrance. Being an easy hike, it's ideal before embarking on a more demanding trek to the Laguna Glaciar.

Many stories are told about this cave. Legend has it that an enormous treasure was hidden here, somewhere at the bottom, by the conquistadores. There are even whispers that the cave was deliberately flooded to prevent any attempt to find it (the few attempts to do so have resulted in fatal accidents).

What remains true is that at the bottom of this cavern flows an underground lake. If you're ever in the mood for a swim and adventure, don't forget to bring a towel and possibly a headlamp. And be careful where you point your torches or lanterns, as you risk triggering an avalanche of bats. After a 20-minute breaststroke (the crossing can also be made by pedal boat if you want to stay dry), you reach the end of the main tunnel (approx. 400 m long). At least, that's the impression you get. The truth is that opposite you, on the right, there's a narrow passage leading to the rest of the underground. It's possible to squeeze through the stalactites if the water level isn't too high. We strongly advise you to take a guide when visiting the cave, and never to venture in alone.