Cueva de Palestina
A river cave in the forested hills of the Alto Mayo. French and Peruvian cavers have surveyed more than three kilometres.
A cave with a river
The Alto Mayo is a wide valley on the eastern edge of the Andes. Its limestone hills contain many caves, and Palestina is the best known. A stream runs through it and comes out at the entrance.
Joint French and Peruvian expeditions have mapped the cave since the early 2000s.
Cueva de Palestina at a glance
- Location
- Palestina, near Nueva Cajamarca, San Martín
- Rock
- limestone
- Surveyed length
- more than 3 km
- Water
- an underground stream
- Wildlife
- oilbirds, bats
- Visitor section
- the first few hundred metres
- Lighting
- torches
- Altitude
- about 900 m
Along the stream
Guides from the village lead visitors along the stream into the first chambers. The route involves wading, and oilbirds can be heard overhead.
The deeper parts need caving equipment.
Cueva de Palestina in figures
In pictures
Select a photograph to enlarge it. Authors and licences are listed in the photo credits.
Before you go
Getting there
Nueva Cajamarca is on the main road between Chachapoyas and Tarapoto, about three hours from Tarapoto airport. The village of Palestina is a short drive from the town.
On the visit
Wear shoes that can get wet and bring a torch. Go with a local guide.
Good to know
After heavy rain the stream rises quickly and the cave should not be entered.
Opening times, access rules and prices change. Confirm them before you travel: the local guides' association in Palestina.
