A small but wonderful museum —that's how you could describe this educational facility, perfect for families with children and a great alternative for one of those rainy days so common in Asturias. The guides' passionate explanations are contagious, and their enthusiasm is contagious throughout. The amount of information they convey in just one hour of guided tour makes this cave seem larger and more awe-inspiring at times.
Avin's cave
Known as La Cuevona (The Big Cave), it's located in the village of Avín, in the municipality of Onís. Before entering the cave, a video sets the scene and introduces visitors to the most common species in Asturias. Once inside, the exhibition area is surprisingly spacious. A natural skylight floods the space with light. The tour through the depths of this grotto is fully accessible . We walk along an artificial walkway while an interior stream flows through the cavern, and we get close to several replicas of mammoths, giant deer, and woolly rhinoceroses, typical of the megafauna that inhabited the area during the Pleistocene.
The guided tour
We embark on a fascinating journey through time that usually feels far too short. The number of questions we'll inevitably have left unanswered will be considerable, even though throughout the visit we can interact at our leisure with the guides who share their knowledge in small, personalized groups, making it even easier for children. They always use illustrative analogies and examples to ensure a more rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone.
glacial fauna
The guides are a wealth of knowledge, and the replicas of animals from that era are very enlightening. They are life-size figures, the actual size these animals reached back then. They make a great impression. The mammoth at the cave entrance, in particular, is a favorite with children. It was covered in a woolly coat up to 90 centimeters long, and its tusks could exceed 4,5 meters in length, proving very effective at digging through the ice.
Replicas of Neanderthals around a fire, a saber-toothed tiger (that great feline whose upper canines were twice the size of those of a modern lion), a cave panther, a giant deer (Megaloceros giganteus, the largest deer in history with more than 2 meters in height not counting the antlers) and an adult female and a calf of the "steppe rhinoceros " (Stephanorhinus hemitoechus) complete the exhibition.
When the ice melted in the Picos de Europa region, these species were unable to adapt to the rising temperatures, leaving behind remarkable fossils. Many visitors will find it very interesting to complement their visit to the center with a caving excursion to La Peruyal cave . There, perfectly preserved remains of a baby rhinoceros have been found, trapped after accidentally falling into the cave. A detailed replica of this find can also be seen in the Cuevona cave.
Interesting information
The visit to the center is complemented by a mineral collection with explanatory panels about the mines and fossils of the area. Tours of the Cuevona cave are always guided. They last approximately 50 minutes and depart on the hour, so it is recommended to arrive at the center entrance about 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
· WINTER SCHEDULE
Arrange visits on the phone 616 21 24 83.
· TIMETABLE SUMMER
From June 15 to August 31.
Our opening hours are Monday through Sunday, closing only on Wednesdays. These are closed guided tours lasting 50 minutes.
The screenings are at 11, 12 and 13 in the mornings and at 16, 17, 18 and 19 in the afternoons.
Reservations are not required for visits (you must arrive 10 minutes in advance), but only if you are a large group who wants to visit the center.
· Rates
· Adults: €4,00
Children: €2,50
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
