Important: Temporary Closure
Following severe flooding and storm damage during the winter of 2026, access to both Cueva del Gato and Cueva del Hundidero, including the walking routes and the Vía Ferrata Presa de los Caballeros, is currently prohibited. There is no confirmed reopening date but I will update this page as soon as there is any news.
The Hundidero and Cueva del Gato cave entrances are an intriguing geological wonder close to Ronda and well worth visiting if you are in the area. The cave system stretches for around 4 kilometres underground between two remarkable entrances and is home to a large colony of bats, prehistoric cave paintings and an impressive network of subterranean passages used by experienced cavers.
The cave system itself is not open to the general public, but you can visit both entrances. Under normal conditions, Cueva del Gato is the easiest to reach, with a nearby car park and a short walk of around 500 metres to the cave entrance. The Hundidero entrance requires a considerably longer walk.
Guide climbing around Ronda
If you’d like to try climbing in the Ronda area, there are local guides who can help you get started, whether you’re a complete beginner or have some previous experience. Guided climbing sessions are a great way to explore the surrounding rock formations with someone who knows the area.
Find out more about guided climbing in Ronda and the experiences available.
The Cueva del Gato
The Cueva del Gato, or Cat’s Cave, is one of the most recognisable natural landmarks near Ronda. The cave entrance sits at the end of a short riverside walk, where the water flowing out of the underground cave system forms a natural pool beneath a waterfall.
A footbridge crosses the river on the approach to the cave. The bridge shown in the photograph was constructed in 2023 to replace the original, which had been washed away by flooding.
The pool is known for its exceptionally cold, crystal-clear water. During the summer, it normally attracts plenty of visitors looking to cool off, and weekends can get particularly busy. Despite the crowds, the setting beneath the limestone cliffs is impressive.
The water remains cold even during the hottest months, making a swim a refreshing experience when access is permitted. There are also several bars and restaurants within a short drive, so the area can normally make a pleasant stop during a day exploring the countryside around Benaoján.
Getting to the Cueva del Gato from Ronda
The Cueva del Gato is located just 2 kilometers from the village of Benaoján. To get there from Ronda, follow the signs for Jerez/Seville. After approximately 1 kilometer, look for the signpost indicating Benaoján/Montejaque and Cortes de la Frontera and take a left turn (MA7041). After 6 kilometers or so, keep your eyes peeled for a parking area on the right-hand side.
The car parking is not free but is well worth the small charge
In the spring of 2023, the Benaojan town hall installed a pay car park for visitors to park closer to the Cueva del Gato. The parking fee is just 1 euro.
From there, you can follow a short trail that leads to the cave.
However, please note that access to the cave mouth itself is currently prohibited due to safety concerns, but you can still enjoy the stunning scenery and swim in the crystal-clear waters (if you are brave enough!) of the spring that flows from the cave.
The Hundidero cave entrance
Important: The Hundidero walking route is currently closed. Following the exceptional rainfall and flooding of winter 2026, the access path and surrounding infrastructure suffered significant damage, including erosion and landslides. Access to the cave and dam area is prohibited until further notice. There is currently no confirmed reopening date.
The entrance to Cueva del Hundidero is an impressive sight. Set at the bottom of a steep limestone gorge, the enormous cave mouth rises more than 60 metres above the surrounding landscape. This is where the water flowing through the underground Hundidero-Gato cave system disappears beneath the mountains, eventually emerging several kilometres away at Cueva del Gato near Benaoján.
The two cave entrances are separated by approximately 4 kilometres underground. The cave system is an important destination for experienced cavers, although entering its subterranean passages requires specialist equipment, experience and the appropriate authorisation.
Walking to the Hundidero Cave Entrance
Under normal conditions, reaching the Hundidero entrance involves a walk of approximately 2.5 kilometres along a signposted trail. The route descends towards the historic Presa de los Caballeros dam before continuing down a series of steep steps towards the cave mouth. Allow around 1.5 hours for the return walk, remembering that the climb back to the car park is considerably harder than the descent.
The walk also takes you past the Caballeros Dam, an ambitious engineering project built during the early twentieth century. Despite its impressive construction, the dam never became operational because water continually escaped through the porous limestone and karst formations beneath it.
The path and steps leading down towards the Hundidero cave entrance are very steep in places. The enormous cave mouth makes the walk worthwhile, but remember that you have to climb all those steps again on the return journey!
Vía Ferrata Presa de los Caballeros
Important: The via ferrata is currently closed. Following the exceptional rainfall and flooding of winter 2026, the dam and surrounding infrastructure suffered significant damage. The access path towards the Hundidero cave was also badly affected by erosion and landslides. The Ayuntamiento de Montejaque has prohibited access to the dam, cave and adventure facilities until further notice. There is currently no confirmed reopening date.
The old Caballeros Dam has also become the setting for an unusual outdoor adventure attraction: the Vía Ferrata Presa de los Caballeros, also known as the Vía Ferrata Hundidero. Opened in 2024, the installation uses the structure of the historic dam to create a climbing route with fixed metal rungs, safety cables, a hanging Tibetan bridge and a zip line.
The route has three sections, graded K1 and K2, offering different levels of difficulty. The easier section is intended for beginners, while the K2 sections provide more of a challenge. The installation also includes a passage through an old tunnel within the dam.
Access to the via ferrata is normally free for visitors bringing their own equipment. Guided activities with equipment supplied by local companies are also available.
Do not attempt to reach the dam or use the via ferrata while the closure remains in force. Check with the Ayuntamiento de Montejaque for updates before planning a visit.
You can find further information about the route on Ferrata Guide, although its route description should not be taken as confirmation that access is currently permitted.
You can also find out more about the Vía Ferrata Presa de los Caballeros over at Wikiloc.
Getting to the Hundidero cave from Ronda
From Ronda, take the A-374 towards Seville. After approximately 8 kilometres, look for the turning onto the MA-8403, signposted for Benaoján, Montecorto and Cortes de la Frontera.
Follow the MA-8403 for around 3.5 kilometres. The parking area for the Hundidero walking trail is on the right-hand side of the road. Parking here has traditionally been free.
[Image caption: The Hundidero footpath begins at the parking area beside the MA-8403.]
From the car park, a track descends towards the Caballeros Dam before continuing along the footpath towards the Hundidero cave entrance.
Exploring the Hundidero-Gato Caves and Via Ferrata Presa de los Caballeros: FAQ
It’s a 4-kilometer underground cave network between the Hundidero and Cueva del Gato entrances, located near Ronda. The system is not open for public entry, but both cave mouths are accessible and worth visiting.
No. Entry into the caves themselves is restricted due to safety concerns and conservation. However, you can visit both entrances and enjoy scenic hikes, views, and swimming near Cueva del Gato.
Yes. The spring-fed pool is open to the public and very popular in summer. The water is very cold year-round, and access is free after paying a small parking fee nearby.
It’s a century-old dam project that was abandoned due to water leakage. Today it’s part of a revived recreational project that includes a via ferrata route built onto its face.
It’s a fixed climbing route built on the face of an old dam near the Hundidero cave. It features iron rungs, safety cables, a suspension bridge, and a zip line.
K1 is beginner-friendly, with easy vertical sections and close-set holds. K2 is still suitable for most people but includes steeper sections and slightly more exposure.
No prior climbing experience is required, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. The route includes sections that may feel challenging for those with a fear of heights.
Yes. A certified via ferrata set is required, including a helmet, harness, lanyard with energy absorber, gloves (optional), and a pulley for the zip line.
The walk is about 2.5 kilometers and takes 30–45 minutes downhill, with a steeper return climb. Allow 1.5 hours round-trip.
Access to the Hundidero trail and the via ferrata is free. Parking at the Cueva del Gato costs 1 euro. Parking at the Hundidero trailhead is free.
Yes, but extreme heat is common. Bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Children over 12 with supervision and older adults in good health can complete the route. However, it’s not suitable for anyone with mobility issues or fear of heights.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
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