Cavernas del Río Nus


Useful Information

Location: Above river Nus, municipality of Caracolí, Magdalena Medio region.
(6.305833, -74.691667)
Open: no restrictions.
[2021]
Fee: free.
[2021]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst Cave
Light: bring torch
Dimension: L=220 m, VR=50 m.
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:
Address: Cavernas del Río Nus, Caracolí, Antioquia, Colombia
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History


Description

The Cavernas del Río Nus (Caves of Nus River) is named after the Nus river, which flows right below the entrance. This river is a tributary to Rio Nare and meets it only 1.4 km south of the cave. This area is inhabited and there are farms everywhere, but the infrastructure is rather rudimentary. Many of the farms are accessible only on foot or with 4WD. The nearest village, which is bigger than a hamlet, is probably Caracolí, but its 15 km as the crow flies, which equals 30 km on winding single lane dirt tracks. The best way to reach the cave is probably by boat from La Sierra upstream Rio Nare to the hydroelectric power plant Hidroelectrica Argos Nare and the a 1.5 km hike upstream Rio Nus. There seem to be organized tour, which is definitely a good idea, where the cave is a stop on a full day (or three days) itinerary of hiking, motorcycle rides and rafting on the Nus River.

The cave is effusively praised and mentioned on many websites. It is called the most spectacular cave in Colombia. The reality is rather sobering. A 200 m long cave with dripstones, has no special features worth mentioning, no development, but is at least horizontal and easy to navigate. Nevertheless, this is a wild cave and any visit is caving, or probably cave trekking, and requires equipment, knowledge and physical fitness. We have the impression that the cave is supposed to serve as a tourist magnet under the umbrella term "ecotourism". But be careful. Located only 100 km east of Medellin you will probably find "tourist sites" you would have better avoided in the remote inaccessible rural landscape. Another good reason to go with a local guide.