Cueva El Samán, Cave system in Sierra de Perijá, Venezuela
Cueva El Samán is a cave system in the Sierra de Perijá mountains formed by ancient water erosion through limestone rock. The network consists of hundreds of underground chambers of varying sizes connected by passages that wind through the mountainside.
Exploration of the cave system began in the 1990s when scientists conducted several expeditions to map and study the underground chambers. Before that, the site was known primarily to local communities who had inhabited the surrounding mountain region for many generations.
The caves hold deep meaning for the Japreria people, an indigenous group who have lived in this territory for countless generations and view this place as integral to their way of life. When walking through the passages, visitors sense how this underground world connects to the land and its inhabitants.
Reaching the cave requires crossing river sections and hiking through mountain terrain, so good physical fitness is important. Visiting with a local guide is recommended since they know the safest routes and can help you navigate the landscape effectively.
The cave system is home to a large colony of guácharo birds, nocturnal creatures that make loud vocalizations in the darkness that visitors can hear. These birds are among the most important populations of their kind in Venezuela and visitors will notice their presence throughout their underground journey.
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