El Castillo Caves and Rock Art tour

Step into the deep past with a visit to Puente Viesgo, a charming Cantabrian village that holds some of Europe’s most fascinating prehistoric treasures. After hotel pickup, we’ll journey to Monte Castillo, home to the UNESCO-listed caves of El Castillo and Las Monedas. These caves are globally recognized for their extraordinary rock art and archaeological significance, dating back tens of thousands of years.

Our visit begins in the Cave of El Castillo, discovered in 1903, where some of the oldest known cave paintings in the world adorn the walls. You'll marvel at negative handprints—many believed to be of women—ancient depictions of animals, and even one of the earliest known constellations. This cave offers a rare glimpse into the lives of both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, who once coexisted here. Then we’ll explore the Cave of Las Monedas, famous for its charcoal animal drawings and stunning geological formations like stalactites and stalagmites that paint the cave in natural hues.

To round out the experience, we’ll stroll through Puente Viesgo itself, enjoying views of the lush Pas River, the town’s historic church and town hall, and its famous thermal spa, which has shaped the village's identity over time. This tour offers a captivating blend of ancient art, natural beauty, and cultural charm—perfect for anyone drawn to the mysteries of human history.