La Florida and Cueva Cascada Escondida

Cueva Cascada Escondida leads to an unusual destination in La Florida: about 190 metres inside the cave lies the 15-metre-high Cascada Escondida. The cave is located in Caserío La Florida, in the district of Nueva Cajamarca, in the province of Rioja and in the department of San Martín. This makes cave exploration and the waterfall the focus of your trip planning.

A karst cave by the Río Yuracyacu

Cueva Cascada Escondida is a karst cave on the banks of the Río Yuracyacu. Its waterfall is not at the cave entrance, but about 190 metres inside. This location shapes the visit: the cave and waterfall are part of a shared nature experience, while the river provides a separate point of reference beside the cave.

The regional tourism authority approved Cueva Cascada Escondida for caving, or cave exploration, as an adventure tourism activity by resolution dated 3 December 2024. The descent to and ascent from Cascada Escondida are made using ropes and anchors strategically installed for visitors’ safety. The 100-metre footpath to the cave and the subsequent descent to and ascent from the waterfall are therefore separate sections of the visit.

Route to the cave and practical planning

From Caserío La Florida to the entrance of the Cueva Cascada Escondida operation is 300 metres along an unpaved road, which can be travelled by private car. From the operation’s entrance, a 100-metre footpath leads to the cave. These figures refer to two different sections and their respective stated starting points. When looking for a holiday rental, you can compare this guidance with the exact location of your accommodation; the route distances do not start from your accommodation. Road and path conditions can change, so check them before your visit.

For cave exploration, the operator is to provide boots, a helmet, lighting and gloves, as well as an escort during the tour. Before travelling, confirm whether this equipment and escort will be provided for your visit. Safety equipment and route conditions may also be updated. If you are planning to visit with children, you can discuss the descent and ascent, the escort and possible swimming breaks together in advance.

Swimming at the waterfall or in the river

You can take a refreshing dip at Cascada Escondida; check the local conditions before entering the water. Another swimming option is the Río Yuracyacu beside the cave entrance, after visiting the cave and waterfall. Here, too, you should check the river conditions on site. The two options differ in location and in how they relate to the cave visit: one is a swim at the waterfall inside the cave, while the other is in the river beside the entrance after the tour.

This gives you a specific question to consider when planning your day: would you like to combine the cave visit with a possible swim at Cascada Escondida, or would you also like to plan for the described option at the Río Yuracyacu? Both depend on the conditions on site. Checking before entering the water is therefore part of the planning, not a guarantee that swimming will always be possible.

La Florida as a reference point when looking for accommodation

Since the cave is in Caserío La Florida, La Florida may be a suitable area to focus on when looking for a holiday rental if Cueva Cascada Escondida is a key part of your stay. Compare the exact location of your accommodation with the starting points of the routes described and your planned activities. This can help you choose a base that suits what matters most to you: cave exploration, the waterfall or a possible swimming break.

Discover more destinations

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