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While in Punta Cana or any other place in the Dominican Republic, have you ever considered the option of exploring caves with impressive geological formations and mysterious Taíno paintings? Cueva de las Maravillas is today one of the main tourist attractions of the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic.
Located halfway between the cities of San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana, this huge system of caves houses hundreds of well-preserved pictographs and petroglyphs that date from thousands of years ago. It is possibly the most accessible cave in the Dominican Republic thanks to its excellent lighting system, accessible ramps, sturdy paths and a modern elevator.
The excellent lighting system will allow you to contemplate the prodigious show of stalactites, stalagmites and geological columns in limestone rock. You can also appreciate the hundreds of petroglyphs, pictograms and engravings created by the Taínos Indians, who inhabited these caves about 800 years ago. However, excavations have found archaeological remains and human bones dating from 4000 or 5000 years ago.
The Cueva de las Maravillas was discovered in 1926 and until 1949 was called Jagual Cueva. Located 25 meters deep, it is about 800 meters, of which 240 have been conditioned for tourist visits. The Cueva de las Maravillas was declared a National Park on July 22, 1997.
The place was the center of magical-religious activities, several of their artistic expressions are associated with mortuary rituals.
How to get there
From Santo Domingo, you can take a bus that will drop you in La Romana in just two hours and 15 minutes. From La Romana, it’s a good idea to take a taxi so that you can get very close to your destination. It’ll be much easier to get here from other places like Punta Cana since it’s located closer to the caves. From here you can take a bus to La Romana and then also get a taxi to the specific point where the caves are located.
What to see inside the cave
The most famous areas of the cave are the Water Mirror and the Great Panel. The first part consists of an artificial lake that reflects the top of the cave like a mirror. The Great Panel has the most important rock painting in the entire cave, which represents a funeral ritual, although it also includes all kinds of other scenes painted by the Taínos.
Throughout the cave, you can enjoy more than 500 paintings and engravings, where you will be struck by the intensity of the reddish and black tones that characterize the drawings in this cave. Among them you’ll find several paintings classified as abstract, but there are others in which animals, geometric shapes or even human figures and faces can be identified. Why would the ancient Taínos paint all this? It’s nothing short of a mystery that will leave you wanting to learn even more about the history of the Dominican Republic.
How to visit the cave
This cave is perfectly equipped to be comfortably visited by anyone. It has several ramps, adapted paths, good lighting and a lift to make the visit easier and ensure that nobody is excluded from the experience of exploring this gem of geological and rock art.
This means that it’s a suitable place for people with reduced mobility or for those who are somewhat older. And, of course, it can be visited with children since it’s not dangerous.
The Cave of Wonders measures 2,625 feet, of which around 820 have been adapted for access, and are open to the public. All visits to the cave take the form of a guided tour, which starts from the main reception every 15 minutes. The tour lasts almost 45 minutes.
To protect the ancient art on display, it is forbidden to take pictures with flash, record, use music devices, litter inside the cave or touch the walls. It is also recommended to speak softly during the tour. It is recommended to wear comfortable, airy clothes for the trip, and sensible footwear is an absolute must. The cave temperature remains fairly stable throughout the year, at around 66 °F, so coats are not needed.
Is Cueva de las Maravillas worth a visit?
Definitely yes! The Dominican Republic is known for its beaches, snorkeling, and all-inclusive resorts. But don’t forget — our coastal paradise offers something for everyone… even the history buffs! Visiting the Cave of Wonders is a special experience for those who crave exploration and a unique cultural experience.
Cueva de las Maravillas is a protected area under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment and Natural resources. This means access is safe and easy, and you’re expected to pay a small fee for entrance.
Entrance costs RD$300 (around US$5.15) for adults and includes a tour.
If you are thinking about a guided tour, we have now available a full day adventure leaving from Punta Cana, including a stop to the beautiful village of Altos de Chavon.
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