CUEVA DEL VIENTO

This cueva is the largest volcanic tube in Europe, and the fourth largest in the world. It is more than 17 km of underground tunnel formed 27,000 years ago by basaltic lava from the first eruptive phase of the Pico Viejo volcano, located on the flanks of Teide. It owes its name to the strong air currents that flow through it. The Cueva del Viento is exceptional because it is spread over three levels of galleries (a phenomenon that cannot be seen anywhere else) and offers magnificent geomorphological phenomena, such as precipices, lava stalactites, lateral terraces, lava lakes... This labyrinthine network of underground passages makes the number of unexplored ramifications incalculable. Inside, there is also a large quantity of fossils of extinct vertebrate animals, such as the rat and the giant lizard, or other bony remains of extinct species of Tenerife such as the graja or the hubara (birds). Its subterranean fauna is also a constant source of new finds, with almost 190 species known to date. Of these, 48 are troglophilic species (i.e. animals that live only in the underground environment), 15 of which are new to science, such as the eyeless cockroach Loboptera subterranean or the carabid beetles Wolltinerfia martini and Wolltinerfia tenerifae. Visits take place by appointment and in groups (limited to 10 people) and by language. Reservations can be made directly on the website. Please bring trousers, good shoes and warm clothing.