Overview:

Bellamar Caves (or Grutas de Bellamar) are a set of limestone caves located in Matanzas Province, Cuba. The caves, which measure 2.4 kilometres in length, were formed by the corrosive action of water over thousands of years, and are now home to a wide range of interesting stalagmites, stalactites, and other cave features. The caves are a popular excursion site for tourists, with tours of the caves conducted in Spanish, Russian and English. The caves have a long history, having been explored since the 19th century, and are known as a 'subterranean theater' because of the underground performances of plays which have been held there. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

1. Natural Calcite Formations: Bellamar Caves are characterized by the multitude of stunning natural calcite formations created over millions of years, making it the perfect place to explore and immerse yourself in an underground world. 2. Rich History: The caves are hundreds of millions of years old, and there are records indicating that they were used by escaped African slaves and as shelters during the Cuban War of Independence. 3. Varied Species: The caves are a unique underground habitat that is home to a variety of plants, animals, and insects, which makes it a great place to observe and document rare species. 4. Ancient Artifacts: In addition to the natural formations, Bellamar Caves have yielded ancient artifacts, such as pottery and bones, which add to its archaeological value. 5. Perfect for Exploration: With 6 levels, mapping systems, and access to specialized equipment, the caves are perfect for escapades and explorations. This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Bellamar Caves are located in Matanzas, Cuba, and are one of the largest and most impressive underground cave systems in the world. The caves are believed to be over one million years old and were formed from a coral reef during a time when Cuba was much closer to North America and the Caribbean Sea was shallower. The caves were discovered in 1861 by Don Turíbio Bello Parra while he was hunting wild cows in the area. In 1872, he donated the caves to the Cuban government and they were opened to the public for sightseeing. Over the years, the caves have become a popular tourist attraction in Matanzas. In 2005, underwater archaeologists from the Cuban Institute of Anthropology and History conducted an exploration into the depths of the caves and discovered a 10,000-year-old human settlement. This settlement predates the arrival of modern humans to Cuba and demonstrates the important role caves have played in Cuban history. In addition to being an important archaeological site, the Bellamar Caves are also home to numerous species of bats, spiders, and reptiles. The caves also feature an impressive system of stalagmites and stalactites, and visitors can walk through the various chambers and observe the intricate shapes and formations. Today, the Bellamar Caves are an important example of Cuba’s natural and cultural heritage and are a popular tourist destination in Matanzas. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Bellamar Caves were discovered in 1861 by a farmer, Francisco Bellamar, while he was exploring a large limestone formation outside his property. 2. The cave is a two kilometer long karst limestone spectacle, filled with incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations. 3. The Bellamar Caverns have since become a major tourist attraction in Matanzas, Cuba. 4. In addition to the amazing subterranean scenery, the cave also houses a vast array of creepy crawlers, including bats, crabs and spiders. 5. The Bellamar Cave also serves as a refuge for species that are threatened, endangered or extinct in other parts of the world. 6. In the 1950s, a Cuban speleology group known as the ‘Grupo de Exploradores de Matanzas’, used the cave to launch scientific expeditions in order to study the caves and its environment. 7. The cave was also used as a shelter by Cuban rebels during the Cuban Revolution. 8. In the 1960s, the Cuban government declared the caves a National Monument in an effort to protect and preserve the limestone caves. 9. The Bellamar Cave is the oldest tourist attraction in Matanzas, Cuba. 10. A 1.2 km long lit walking tour allows visitors to explore the depths of the cave without artificial light. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.