WORLDWIDE · CAVE HIKES & TREKS
Good cave hikes & treks fill their morning slots weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend four hours near Skaftafell hiking Falljökull Glacier and entering a naturally formed blue ice cave. Guides such as Camino, Maria, and Fabijan lead small groups of up to 12, provide crampons and helmets, and adjust the pace for first-time ice hikers.
“The experience was unbelievable!! Maria was the perfect tour-guide we totally recommend it.. once in the lifetime experience”
You’ll spend a demanding day in Matacanes Canyon swimming through rivers, jumping from waterfalls, rappelling, climbing, and passing through underground tunnels. A guide leads the route, with transport from Monterrey, wetsuit, helmet, harness, life vest, breakfast, and snacks included. You must be fit and able to swim.
“it's a long day, exhausting. But It is really a great adventure, exciting and thrilling. you have to make it if your body health allows to do so”
Travel from Peniche to Berlenga by catamaran or smaller boat, then tour the caves, hike past São João Baptista Fortress and the lighthouse, and enjoy free time by the beach. Guides speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish, with staff such as Pedro and Paulo praised for clear, friendly guidance.
“What a great activity with amazing staff! Special shout out to Pedro who was so professional and genuinely helpful. Would recommend to all :-)”
Travel from Catania to Etna with a guide such as Salvatore Mario, Lorenzo, or Eduardo. Taste honey, olive oil, wine, and local treats, enter Grotta dei Tre Livelli, then walk around volcanic craters at about 2,000 meters for sunset views.
“Alessandro was really knowledgable about the history of Etna and its various eruptions. He took time to find out a little about the people on his tour and was very attentive. The tour was an amazing experience and Alessandro answered everyone’s questions really clearly. His English is excellent and he is a real asset to your tours. Thank you again Alessandro for an incredible experience”
Spend 12 to 14 hours traveling from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Halong Bay by air-conditioned bus and deluxe boat. You’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, hike 420 steps on Titop Island, swim or relax on the beach, and choose kayaking or a bamboo boat ride. Guides such as Sam and Hercules have earned praise for friendly, clear service.
“Had a wonderful experience at Ha Long bay. Such unrealistically beautiful views. Me and my friends had a lot of fun. The whole guided tour was very a very culture rixh experience for us.”
Ride from Catania to Mount Etna in a small group of up to eight, walk across extinct craters and lava fields, enter Grotta Lunga with a helmet and lamp, then taste honey, olive oil, and Etna wine. Guides such as Lorenzo, Carmelo, and Tommaso add local stories in five languages.
“What a wonderful tour we had! I truly believe that about 98% of its success was thanks to our amazing guide, Lorenzo. Lorenzo is a fantastic person and a passionate storyteller with great knowledge of Sicilian history, myths, and Mount Etna. Throughout the tour, he shared fascinating stories, explained Etna’s unique features, and took care of everyone with genuine kindness. We were a group of seven, picked up from Catania’s old town. On the way to Etna, we stopped in Nicolosi to taste fresh oranges. After a short coffee break, part of the group went to the summit (Lorenzo helped with cable car tickets, bought separately), while the rest explored…”
Travel from Condado to Arecibo in an air-conditioned vehicle, then hike over rugged coastal rock to Cueva del Indio and its Taino carvings. Guides such as Sarah, Edward, Shmuel, and Alexis lead the cave section. Finish at La Poza del Obispo, with snacks, water, and a life jacket provided.
“Our tour guide Sarah was truly amazing. Very well spoken and a wonderful person as well. We had a great time together.”
Spend 7 to 9 hours exploring Cappadocia by air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup, a 3.5-kilometer Ihlara Valley walk, Kaymakli Underground City, Selime Monastery, lunch, and guides such as Mehmet, Ferman, Yusuf, or Funda.
“Beyond the unique topography of the region which is on display throughout the tour, the underground city is a travel experience unlike any other. Highly recommended tour. Funda was an extremely friendly tour guide who consistently tried to provide interesting background information.”
Travel from Faro in a small van with guides Claire or Sebastian to see Praia da Marinha, Benagil Cave from above, Algar Seco, Boneca Cave, Senhora da Rocha, and Praia Nova. Expect easy-to-moderate cliff walks, photo stops, optional swimming, snorkeling gear, and free time by the sea.
“Claire was a very pleasant and knowledgeable guide. She even recommended a restaurant in faro for us to check out after the tour (Mister Frango). Neither experiences disappointed; I would totally recommend. Cheers”
Meet your Spanish or English-speaking guide by Petit Bar for a coastal walk to Cala Falcó. Rappel 15 to 20 meters into a sea cave, or swim to its entrance, then explore lakes, stalactites and stalagmites in a wetsuit with safety gear. Guides including Paco, Matteo and Fillipe lead small groups of up to 10.
“Its wonderful adventure, i have hight scared and i was not that scared when i dawn from 20 meters high because of the good guide we have (dany) and the cave was marble and amazing. I definitely recommend this adventure 😎”
Travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao with an English-speaking guide such as Art, Nom, or Tik. Explore limestone caves by lantern, eat at a local market, then climb Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall. The $106 tour lasts eight hours, includes transport and cave entry, but not lunch or the optional 300-baht cave guide.
“I had a great day trip with Avi. Despite signing up for the group trip, I was the only participant, so I had a private tour. The caves were very fun and quite a unique experience. I also enjoyed the Sticky Waterfall. Avi was very knowledgeable and friendly, sharing lots of facts about Chiang Mai, the region, and its culture. He also took lots of photos without me even having to ask, so I now have lots of memories to keep from my trip! Overall, recommended.”
This seven-hour Cappadocia tour combines an Ihlara Valley walk, underground city visit, Pigeon Valley views, and Turkish lunch. Hotel pickup, transport, guide, fuel, and parking are included, but museum entrance fees are extra. Guides may include Akif, Ugur, or Spanish-speaking staff.
“We had a fantastic experience on the Green Tour in Cappadocia with Ugur as our guide. He was always extremely attentive, making sure everyone felt comfortable and informed. He explained everything clearly in two languages so that all participants could understand, and he answered every single question we had with patience and knowledge. A truly excellent guide; highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
By boat, by ladder, by staircase or on a rope.
