Mammoth Cave National Park, located in Kentucky, is the longest cave system in the world. It spans for more than 400 miles (640 km) with astonishing passageways, measuring twice as long as the second longest cave system- Sac Actun in Mexico’s, which is an underwater cave.
The National Park offers fascinating tours, that informs visitors about numerous notable features of the cave, such as the Frozen Niagara, Grand Avenue, and the famous Fat Man’s Misery. There’s so much to see in this caves that tours tours can last up to six hours.
The Seasonal Treasure
The Skaftafell Ice Cave in Vatnajokull National Park in Iceland is a spectacular tunnel formation that can only be seen during the winter when temperatures are low enough for the glacial rivers to freeze; thus, the caves reform in different locations with new paths to explore each year.
You have to be flexible if you want to catch this sight, as the tour is highly dependent on conditions. But it's worth it. Being inside an Ice Cave provides visitors with the unparalleled opportunity tow capture blue light passing through glacier ice.
Neanderthals and Their World
A cave in France gives us a glimpse into the prehistoric world of the Neanderthals. In it, were found structures assembled by these archaic humans who lived for a bracket of time scientists estimate to span between 400,000 and 40,000 years ago.
These structures are composed of both stalactites and stalagmites that have been cut down to form a sort of a pyre, or room-sized ring. Some have been made to form effigy chambers, and other structures for seances or similar rituals. There are other assemblages in this cave that baffle scientists and explorers up to this day as to their purpose, but offer valuable clues regarding the culture of our ancient predecessors.
The Homes of Hobbits
A cave in Indonesia called the Liang Bua is able to offer solid proof that our planet was once home to humanoids that stood a stumpy 1m (3 ft 7 in). They are called Homo floresiencis, a name derived from that of the Indonesian island where they were found: Flores. The dominant consensus is that they are a distinct species from modern humans, as supported by genetic findings and their obvious anatomical differences.
The initial belief was that Homo floresiencis existed until 12,000 years ago, but this was superseded by new discoveries that indicate they actually ceased to exist some 50,000 years before the rise of the Neanderthals.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Near Benigal Beach, Portugal, this cave a literally a sight to sea (get it?). The entrance is covered in fine sand with a "rooftop" window where the sun rays beam in. The rich, warm colors of the formations and the sounds of the waves make this cave an alluring and welcoming sanctuary.
While it isn't advised to swim around to the cave to get as tides change quickly, and currents in this area can be very strong, but don't worry, there are plenty of boats around you can hop on. This cave is truly a natural wonder and all visitors will leave it inspired.