20 Journeys Through the World’s Longest Caves

Located just outside Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves system features a vast network of caves that run over 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) through limestone hills. The caves are of religious significance to Hindus, and a massive statue of Lord Murugan stands at the entrance. Though the caves are relatively small by international standards, their cultural significance makes them an important destination.

Another cave from Malaysia, Gua Tempurung stretches more than 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) and offers an exciting array of stalactites and stalagmites. This cave is known for its impressive granite formations, and it’s one of the largest limestone caves in the country.

The Wellington Caves on New Zealand’s North Island extend 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and are known for their stunning limestone formations. Visitors can take guided tours through the cave to see calcite formations, crystal-clear pools, and the remnants of ancient marine fossils embedded in the rocks.

In the mountainous regions of Castilla y León, Cueva del Lobo (Cave of the Wolf) stretches over 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). The cave system is named after the wolves that once roamed the area. With beautiful stalactite formations, the cave’s mystery is enhanced by its remote location and its rich history of prehistoric human habitation.

Part of the Carlsbad Cavern System in New Mexico, this vast cave network has over 119 caves, with Carlsbad Cavern itself being one of the largest and most visited. Known for its "Big Room" – the largest underground chamber in North America – it is a famous tourist attraction, offering easy access as well as more advanced caving opportunities.

The Wanglong Caves, found in Sichuan Province, China, boast a total length of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The caves are famous for their impressive karst formations, including massive columns, curtain stalactites, and intricate helictites. The caves' cool temperature and lush surroundings add to their allure.

In the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey, the Levant Cave stretches for about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and is one of the longest caves in the country. The cave is known for its unique geological features and stunning formations. The diverse environment, which includes both dry and wet passages, makes this cave a popular spot for scientific exploration and amateur cavers alike.

The Cueva del Viento (Cave of Wind) is located on the Canary Island of Tenerife. It extends for over 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) and is the largest volcanic cave in Europe. This unique cave system is formed from the lava flows of past eruptions and is an extraordinary display of volcanic rock formations. It offers a different kind of spelunking experience compared to limestone caves.

Famed for its prehistoric cave paintings, the Chauvet Cave in southern France also stretches deep into the earth, though its full length is still not fully explored. The cave system is not open to the public, but replicas of its stunning prehistoric art can be visited at the Caverne du Pont d’Arc. The cave is famous for its remarkable preservation of Paleolithic artwork.

With over 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of passageways, Akiyoshido is Japan’s largest limestone cave. The cave is famous for its vast size and its stunning features, including massive stalactites, stalagmites, and the largest cavern hall in Japan, known as the "Akiyoshido Great Hall." The cave is part of the Akiyoshidai Plateau, which is also home to other unique geological formations.

Another gem from Slovenia, the Škocjan Caves form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and extend for 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). This cave system features dramatic underground rivers, waterfalls, and a massive canyon. The caves’ sheer scale, with some chambers large enough to accommodate entire cathedrals, makes it a thrilling destination for caving enthusiasts.

In central Italy, the Frasassi Caves stretch 13 kilometers (8 miles) and offer an otherworldly experience for visitors. Tourists can explore the “Grand Canyon” of caves, featuring massive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave's formations are some of the most spectacular in Europe, and its impressive scale leaves visitors in awe of the forces of nature.

Found in New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Lechuguilla Cave is one of the most scientifically important caves on the planet. With a length of 225 kilometers (140 miles), it is known for its extraordinary formations, including gypsum chandeliers, and its incredible biodiversity. Unlike most caves, the Lechuguilla Cave has been explored in an effort to uncover new microbial life, making it a hotbed of research.

Famous for its glowing glowworms, the Waitomo Caves stretch across several kilometers and have become a must-visit for caving enthusiasts. The caves are a stunning example of limestone formations, with limestone stalactites and stalagmites shaped by millennia of natural processes. Visitors can enjoy both boat tours through the glowing chambers and more adventurous spelunking expeditions.

A marvel of nature, Postojna Cave in Slovenia stretches 24 kilometers (15 miles) and is one of Europe’s most famous show caves. Visitors travel through its immense chambers and winding passages on a train ride before exploring on foot. The cave system features delicate formations of stalagmites and stalactites, and it is home to the rare and enigmatic olm, or "human fish," a species of aquatic salamander.

In the heart of New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park boasts 119 caves, with the main cavern measuring 8.2 kilometers (5.1 miles). Known for its breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, and vast chambers, the cave’s beauty is only rivaled by its diverse ecosystems, including colonies of bats that make their nightly exodus during the warmer months.

Located in the Dominican Republic, Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders) stretches over 8 kilometers (5 miles) and is renowned for its dramatic rock formations and prehistoric Taino petroglyphs. While not as long as others on the list, its historical significance and visual splendor make it one of the top cave destinations in the Caribbean.

Located in the Yucatán Peninsula, Sistema Sac Actun is the longest cave system in the world, stretching over 378 kilometers (235 miles). This vast labyrinth of underwater and dry passageways has been a source of fascination for cave divers. Researchers believe the system is part of a larger network of caves once used by the ancient Maya civilization. Adventurers and divers venture into the depths to discover freshwater pools, stalactites, and remnants of ancient rituals.

The Ox Bel Ha cave system, located near Tulum, Mexico, is a close contender for the world’s longest cave title with an impressive length of 270 kilometers (167 miles). Mostly explored by divers, the system consists of flooded passages and features stunning underwater features such as crystal-clear pools and intricate rock formations. It is one of the most important underwater cave systems in the world.

In Andalusia, Cueva de la Pileta stretches for about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) and is known for its prehistoric cave paintings, including depictions of bison, horses, and human figures. The cave also features a series of beautiful calcite formations and is an important site for both archaeology and geology.