South America, a continent known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures, also hides a fascinating world beneath its surface. While many travelers flock to its iconic mountains, jungles, and cities, the underground wonders of South America remain largely unexplored. From ancient caves and mysterious tunnels to hidden rivers and underground cities, the subterranean treasures of South America are waiting to be uncovered. Join us on a travel adventure to discover 20 of the most intriguing and unexplored underground wonders in this captivating part of the world.
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#1 The Cave of the Guacharos, Peru
The Cave of the Guacharos in Peru is home to the Guacharo bird, which roosts in its dark recesses. The cave system, nestled in the Amazon rainforest, is home to underground rivers, intricate formations, and biodiversity. Though it is known to the local community, much of the cave's deeper tunnels are still largely unexplored.
#2 The Cavernas de Onzaga, Colombia
The Cavernas de Onzaga in Colombia is a stunning underground cave system known for its dazzling calcite formations and deep, dark chambers. Located in a remote area, only a few explorers have ventured into the cavern’s depths, leaving many parts of the system unexplored.
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#3 The Lost Tunnels of Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá is home to a series of secret underground tunnels that were allegedly used during times of conflict. These tunnels, which extend under the old part of the city, are rumored to connect significant locations like government buildings and military sites. Though some parts are known, much of the system remains hidden.
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#4 Cueva del Chivato, Ecuador
Located in the southern Andes, the Cueva del Chivato is a mysterious cave system known for its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams. Despite being visited by a small number of locals, the majority of the cave system remains unexplored, offering potential for exciting discoveries in the future.
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#5 The Salt Mines of Zipaquirá, Colombia
Though not entirely unexplored, the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá is one of South America’s most awe-inspiring underground sites. This salt mine features a cathedral carved directly into the rock, along with a labyrinth of tunnels that extend deep beneath the Earth. While much of it has been documented, the mine's full depths are still a subject of exploration
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#6 Cueva de la Candelaria, Colombia
The Cueva de la Candelaria, located in Colombia, is a massive cave system renowned for its beauty and mystery. Deep within the caves are unique geological formations, and it is believed that the cave may contain ancient artifacts. Parts of the cave remain largely unexplored due to the rugged terrain and the difficulty of accessing it.
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#7 Cueva de los Tayos, Ecuador
Cueva de los Tayos, located in the Amazon rainforest, is an extraordinary cave system that is home to some of the most unusual formations in the world. The cave is notorious for its rumored extraterrestrial origins and has attracted explorers and archaeologists alike, though many parts of the cave remain untouched and unexplored due to its remote location.
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#8 The Labyrinths of ValparaÃso, Chile
Beneath the colorful hills of ValparaÃso, Chile, a labyrinthine system of tunnels and passageways exists, believed to have been used for smuggling during the city’s port trade history. Some of these tunnels are open to visitors, but many remain hidden and uncharted, offering a sense of adventure for explorers.
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#9 The Morro do Ferro Tunnels, Brazil
Hidden beneath the Morro do Ferro mountain in Brazil are a series of tunnels and caves that date back to colonial times. These tunnels were once used for mining and transportation, but much of the network is still unexplored, and their original purpose remains a mystery.
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#10 Cueva del Guácharo, Venezuela
The Cueva del Guácharo in Venezuela is a vast cave system that is home to the guácharo bird, a species that nests within its dark recesses. The cave is part of the Guácharo National Park and features underground streams and waterfalls that have yet to be fully explored, making it an exciting and mysterious underground destination.
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#11 The Underground River of Puerto Princesa, Brazil
The underground river in the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park is one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world. The river flows beneath stunning limestone karsts, and its cave system is full of fascinating geological formations. Although the river is well-known, further exploration of its numerous branches and hidden chambers is still underway.
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#12 The Bat Caves of Cueva de los Murciélagos, Bolivia
Located in the department of Cochabamba, Bolivia, the Cueva de los Murciélagos is a bat-filled cave that houses thousands of bats in its dark, labyrinthine tunnels. While the cave has become a popular tourist attraction, much of its extensive underground system is still unexplored, offering a unique opportunity for those seeking adventure.
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#13 Cueva del Milodón, Chile
Situated in the Patagonian region of Chile, Cueva del Milodón is a massive cave that is home to prehistoric remnants, including the remains of the giant ground sloth, Milodon. Although it is a popular tourist spot, the cave system extends further than what is publicly accessible, and parts of the cave remain largely unexplored.
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#14 The Underground City of Sete, Brazil
Sete, a small town in Brazil, features a fascinating underground network that has yet to be fully explored. Rumored to contain tunnels built during the colonial period, the underground city of Sete is said to have been used for both storage and defense during various historical conflicts.
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#15 The Tunnels of Quito, Ecuador
Beneath the historic city of Quito, Ecuador, lie a series of tunnels and hidden passageways that were used by the indigenous people and later by Spanish colonizers. These underground routes were used for everything from secret communication to hiding from enemies, and while much of them remain unexplored, they are an intriguing part of Quito's history.
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#16 Cueva de las Tarantas, Venezuela
The Cueva de las Tarantas is a stunning underground cave system in Venezuela, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations. The cave is located in the Gran Sabana region, a remote and visually stunning area of the country, making it a hidden underground gem.
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#17 La Cueva de las Lechuzas, Mexico (Bordering South America)
While this cave is located in Mexico, it shares cultural significance with other parts of Latin America. La Cueva de las Lechuzas, or the Cave of the Owls, is a mysterious site with natural and man-made features. Local folklore suggests that the caves are enchanted and serve as a portal to the spirit world.
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#18 The Catacombs of Lima, Peru
Underneath the streets of Lima, Peru, lie the catacombs of the Convento de San Francisco. These vast underground burial chambers house the remains of over 25,000 individuals. The eerie yet fascinating site offers a glimpse into Peru’s colonial past, where the dead were buried in intricate patterns and crypts.
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#19 Cuevas de las Manos, Argentina
Located in Patagonia, Argentina, the Cuevas de las Manos (Caves of the Hands) is an ancient network of caves adorned with prehistoric handprints. These artworks were created by early human inhabitants over 9,000 years ago, and the caves themselves are located deep within the Patagonian Andes, making them an incredible underground wonder.
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#20 The Salt Mines of Uyuni, Bolivia
One of the most mesmerizing underground attractions in South America, the Uyuni Salt Flats are home to vast salt mines that stretch beneath the ground. Beneath the surface of the Uyuni desert lies a network of salt mines that have been used for centuries, along with a complex system of caves and tunnels. The scale and beauty of this underground world are awe-inspiring.
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