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Caving in Serranía de Ronda

Diputación de Málaga
Gatera. Espeleología en la Serranía de Ronda

Caving in Serranía de Ronda

Although exploring wild cave systems started as a scientific study in a cross-disciplinary field combining the knowledge of geology, zoology, botany and archaeology, it soon became popular as a sport due to the challenges and inner beauty involved in caving.

In the Serranía de Ronda you will discover and enjoy an amazing underground world. The development along millions of years of one of the most spectacular landscape, the karst landscapes, is mainly due to the characteristic erosion caused by the atmospheric agents combined with the dissolution of the limestone in the Serranía. Some of the most important karst formations are the underground caves where the water flows abundantly along the mountain ranges.

A breathless landscape with lunar features is carved in the summits, becoming a real paradise for climbers and cavers. It is important to make a difference between the different types of caving as if the hole in the earth’s surface is more vertical than horizontal you will be practising potholing rather than caving.

Most of the caves in the region are forbidden for amateurs as they are extremely dangerous. One of the most popular and deepest pothole in the world is Sima GESM (Gesm-Sima de la Luz) with more than 1000m depth. You will have the possibility of discovering it with the help of expert instructors who will provide you with a professional assistant and the required equipment.

However, if you have a good physical condition, the superb 4000 m Hundidero-Gato through trip is a must. It is important to obtain the previous permission from the regional Department of the Environment. Other extraordinary caves are Cueva de las Excéntricas or Cueva de la Fuensanta.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Wetsuit
• Special harness for caving
• Helmet
• Static rope
• Torch/ headlamp
• First-aid kit
• Waterproof container
• Food
• Water
• Change of clothes

BOOKS

- Sierra de las Nieves. Cuevas, Simas y Barrancos. Manuel J. Guerrero Sánchez. Editorial La Serranía, 2004.

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