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Hundidero – Gato System

The Hundidero – Gato System is located in the Andalusians municipalities of Montejaque and Benaoján, in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

Standing before us is one of the most unique cavities in Andalusia. It has two entrances; one to the north, Hundidero, and the other to the south, the Cueva del Gato (the Cat´s Cave). Cave development occurs becdause the Gaduares River is blocked by the Sierra del Algarrobo (the Algarrobo Mountains) and is forced to carve at the rocks so that it may find and outlet for its waters.

In front of us is the Cueva del Gato which measures 17 meters wide and 26 meters high, and is the naturally hollowed out area of the complex, where the Gaduares River resurfaces and joins the Guadiaro River.

The Hundidero – Gato System consist of a main passage over 4 kilometers long. During dry seasons, the cavity has 25 lakes which can only be crossed by swimming. The longest lake is calle the Cabo de las Tormentas (Cape Thunderstorm) and is 114 meters long. In total ther are over 8 kilometers of passages with a 112 meters inclination between the entrances of the Hundidero and Gato.

The cave system contains within its walls unique and beatiful structures, such as the Sala de los Gours (Gours Hall), the Gran Estalagmita (the Great Stalagmite) or the Cabo de las Tormentas (Cape Thunderstorm). Other features of great dimensions include the Plaza de Toros (the Bullring) with a diameter of 50 meters and the Galería de las Cabras (The Goat´s Passageway).

In the Mountainous Range of Ronda you can find some of the most important caves and abysses in Andalusia, such as the abyss system Gesm-Sima de la Luz wich is 1022 meters deep and has 10 kilometers of passages, or the Sima del Aire which next to the Hundidero-Gato cave system represents the underground geographical riches of the region.

The Hundidero-Gato cave system trail requires expertise and the right equipment. There are active travel tour companies in the region which allow visits to this underground world within a secure environment. In order to get a general picture of these formations and phenomenons, you can visit the Centro de Interpretación de la Espeleología de Montejaque (Montejaque´s Speleology Society).

Hundidero - Gato System