The 5 Best Caves You Need to Explore

It’s no secret that the world is full of beautiful countries, mountains, forests, rivers and glaciers to explore. Many people dedicate years, or even their lives, to adventuring across the surface of our planet –

It’s no secret that the world is full of beautiful countries, mountains, forests, rivers and glaciers to explore. Many people dedicate years, or even their lives, to adventuring across the surface of our planet – but even so, there is much more to see.

Have you ever considered going subterranean and exploring the many caves our wonderful Earth has to offer? Caves offer an enchanting experience for thrill-seekers below the ground, complete with bats, stalagmites and stalagtites, animals that can live in extremely low light conditions, and even ancient cave paintings and remains.

Playing slots games in Australia and watching the rugby are both thrilling pastimes indeed, but nothing beats discovering new terrain that only a handful of other people have seen. If this sounds like your cup of tea, be sure to start planning your trip to one of our recommended caves as soon as possible!

#5: Caves of the Thousand Buddhas – China

The Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, also called the Mogao Grottoes, is hidden away in 492 caves dug by roaming monks along a desert cliff face on an isolated part of the ancient Silk Road near Dunhuang.

The caves were decorated with more than 2,000 colourful mosaics, sculptures and paintings spanning over 11 acres in total. The detailed 14th century paintings provide insight into how daily life was for locals over 1,000 years ago, and are also a sight to behold for purely aesthetic reasons.

#4: Waitomo Glow-worm Caves – New Zealand

The Waitomo Caves are filled with millions of tiny, bioluminescent glow worms that radiate small blue lights to catch prey as they dangle from the ceilings. The caves themselves are nestled in the subtropical hills of NZ’s North Island, and visitors can explore them via inflatable rafts thanks to guided underground tours.

As your eyes adjust to the darkness, you will begin to notice a sea of glittering blue lights that look almost like the Milky Way. The only difference is that these stars are hidden deep below the ground!

#3: Cave of the Crystals – Mexico

This unique cave boasts dozens upon dozens of white selenite crystal columns, some of which are over 36 feet long. They shimmer and shine in a chamber known as the Crystal Cave of Giants, based 1,000 feet under the ground in the Naica Mine.

You can expect to see massive crystal structures several feet wide here, but the high temperatures and 90% humidity of the cave make for a dangerous trip, even for researchers. Be sure to opt for a guided tour to stay safe while you marvel at this miracle of nature.

#2: Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort – Canada

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort was born when a small hot spring cavern was enlarged to form a 150-foot long cave filled with tepid to warm, mineral-rich water. The water naturally drips down from the ceilings of the cave, creating huge stalactites and flowstone in brilliant shades of orange, red, blue and green thanks to its mineral content.

For those who prefer cooler swimming, there is also an outdoor cold plunge pool fed by a stream overlooking the Purcell Mountains to enjoy.

#1: The Hundred Mammoths Cave – France

Ice Age humans near Rouffignac, south-western France, drew stunningly detailed images of 158 mammoths that are still visible on the Hundred Mammoths Cave’s walls. 65 animals, including bison, ibex, horses and rhinos, as well as anthropomorphic figures can be seen on its Grand Ceiling.

Paleolithic artists who painted the cave’s walls had to crawl on their bellies through narrow passages, but modern guests can tour the cave using an electric train that makes a regular half-mile trip through the hillside.