Visiting caves abroad: what is it, why should you do it and where should you go?

What is a cave?

• Caves are natural cavities beneath the earth's surface. Caves are often formed by the weathering of rock and can extend deep and far underground.
• Real caves are formed naturally: by groundwater/chemical weathering, wind, rain, waves, or even lava.
• Some types of caves you may encounter abroad include stalactite caves, wind caves, lava caves, ice caves, and sea caves.

Which caves are among the most beautiful caves in the world to visit?

• Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, United States: the largest cave system in the world
• Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, United States
• Cueva de los Cristales, Mexico: cave filled with giant crystals
• Gruta de Huagapo, Peru: also used for cave diving
• Eisriesenwelt, Austria: 42-kilometer-long ice cave
• Fingal’s Cave, Scotland: sea cave on the Hebrides, accessible via boat tours
• Raufarhólshellir, Iceland: large lava cave
• Scărișoara cave, Romania: magnificent ice cave, for icicle lovers
• Waitomo Glowworm caves, New Zealand: You sail through a cave lit by the New Zealand glowworms that live there.
• Naracoorte Caves, Australia: this World Heritage cave is known for the many fossils that have been found there.
• Cango Caves, South Africa: in addition to impressively large chambers, you will also find ancient San drawings here.
• Sof Omar Caves, Ethiopia: 15 kilometers long and with a rich cultural history.
• Snowy Jade Cave, China: three floors with white, jade-like tunnels and chambers.
• St Paul's Subterranean River National Park, Palawan, Philippines: accessible by boat; choose a longer route for fewer crowds.

How dangerous is it to visit a cave and what to consider when doing a cave tour?

• Most large caves can only be visited with a guide.
• Have you lost your guide and is it dark? Stay where you are, as the guide will probably be able to find you because he knows the way. The chance of you finding the guide is smaller.
• Visiting caves without a guide can certainly be dangerous, although this varies greatly depending on the type of cave and the size of the cave or cave system
• Do not visit a cave alone, so that in case of an emergency there is a better chance that someone will be left behind to get help.
• Perhaps the most dangerous caves are those that flood during heavy rain or high tide.
• Frequent and prolonged stays in caves with many bats pose a risk of disease transmission, but this is not really an issue in caves that are open to tourists
• Other risks in caves include falling rocks, getting lost, hypothermia, claustrophobia, and injuries from falls