Mendukilo cave

Mendukilo Cave sits in the municipality of Larraun, in Spain's Navarre region, right next to the village of Astitz and just a few minutes from the town of Lekunberri, at the foot of the Aralar mountain range. It's one of the few caves in the area open to guided visits, known for the floating walkway that carries visitors through its underground chambers.

How do you get to Mendukilo Cave?

The cave lies in the Larraun valley, within the Sierra de Aralar, on land belonging to the council of Astitz. The nearest well-known reference point is Lekunberri, a few minutes away by car. The cave entrance serves as the meeting point for organized tours, and booking ahead is required since visits run only in guided groups.

What will you see underground?

The route covers roughly 540 metres and passes through three connected chambers, reaching more than 40 metres below the surface. Inside, visitors find rich mineral formations — stalactites, stalagmites, and flat, curtain-like draperies hanging from the ceiling. Dynamic lighting highlights the rock shapes and creates atmosphere without disturbing the cave's natural setting. The whole route runs along a raised floating walkway suspended above the cave floor, which keeps foot traffic from affecting the underground environment.

What is the visit like?

A visit lasts about 60 minutes and only happens in groups — a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 30 people — led by a local guide. Arrive at the entrance five minutes before your scheduled time. Bookings can be made by phone or through the cave's website.

Footwear matters here: the walkway rules out high heels, so wear something flat and sturdy. For centuries the cave served local shepherds as a natural winter shelter for mountain livestock before it opened to the public on 22 July 2005.

When should you visit, and what should you bring?

Inside, the temperature holds steady at 8–9°C year-round regardless of the weather outside, so warm clothing is essential even in summer. Thanks to that constant temperature, the cave can be visited in any season, though it's worth checking the tour schedule in advance — group sizes are capped, and slots can fill up quickly on weekends and during holidays.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit Mendukilo Cave on my own, without a guide? No. Visits run only in guided groups with a local guide, and you need to book in advance.

How long is the visit and how long is the route? The visit takes about 60 minutes, covering a roughly 540-metre route through three chambers more than 40 metres underground.

What's the temperature inside, and what should I wear? It stays cool year-round at 8–9°C, so bring warm clothing regardless of the season outside, along with flat, comfortable shoes.

Since when has the cave been open to visitors? Mendukilo opened to the public on 22 July 2005, after centuries of use by locals as a natural shelter for mountain livestock.