The cave serves as a vital nesting site for the oilbird, a nocturnal species that uses echolocation similar to bats.
The interior is divided into six distinct levels, though public access is restricted to the lower primary chamber.
The air inside the cave is known for a distinct, strong odor caused by the accumulation of guano and organic nesting materials.
The limestone rock formations within the cave are estimated to be millions of years old.
The 'guácharos' leave the cave in large flocks at dusk to forage for fruit, returning before dawn.
The Cave of the Owls, or Cueva de las Lechuzas, is a massive limestone karst cave situated within the Tingo María National Park. The cavern is primarily inhabited by a large colony of oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis), locally known as 'guácharos,' which are the namesake 'owls' of the site. Visitors can traverse the first 400 meters of the cave via a maintained wooden boardwalk. The interior features extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations throughout its chambers. The cave is part of the Bella Durmiente mountain range, which forms the silhouette of a sleeping woman above the entrance. Humidity levels remain consistently high, creating a damp, subterranean environment. The cave ecosystem is strictly protected by the National Service of Protected Natural Areas (SERNANP).
The entrance silhouette framed by the dense tropical jungle vegetation.
Bring a high-quality flashlight or headlamp to view details in the deeper, darker recesses of the cave.
Use insect repellent before entering, as the humid environment attracts mosquitoes.
Ensure your camera has a flash-free setting, as bright lights disturb the resident bird colonies.
Do not attempt to venture beyond the marked wooden boardwalk, as the deep cave systems are unstable and dangerous without professional equipment.
Operations are subject to closure during heavy seasonal rainfall or maintenance work by SERNANP.
No loud noises; flash photography is strictly prohibited; stay on the designated wooden walkway to avoid disturbing the soil ecosystem.
