Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Caverna Desmoronada in São Paulo reopens after 15 years
Caverna Desmoronada has reopened to visitors after being closed to the public for 15 years.
The cave is in PETAR, a state park in Iporanga, in the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil.
About 100 professionals studied the cave to assess its geology, fragile areas, visitor impacts and safety.
Their findings shaped a zoning plan that identifies areas open to visitors, places needing tighter controls and areas to keep protected.
The cave has large rock formations, uneven galleries and passages shaped by underground water over thousands of years.
The visit includes about 900 metres underground as part of a roughly 10-kilometre route that takes an average of eight hours round trip.
Visitors must book ahead and go with an accredited environmental guide; the cave receives visitors every day.
Caverna Desmoronada in São Paulo’s Alto do Ribeira State Park has reopened to visitors after 15 years closed.
Researchers assessed the cave’s geological and environmental conditions, visitor impacts and safety before approving public access.
About 100 professionals took part in the work, which identified areas suitable for visits and areas needing stronger protection.
The route includes about 10 kilometres of trail and 900 metres underground, with an average round trip of eight hours.
Visitors must book in advance and be accompanied by an accredited environmental guide.
- Who
- Visitors can enter the cave with an accredited environmental guide.
- What
- Caverna Desmoronada has reopened after 15 years closed to the public.
- When
- The reopening was announced on Thursday, October 29; the article was published on October 30, 2026.
- Where
- Alto do Ribeira State Park (PETAR), in Iporanga, São Paulo state, Brazil.
- Why
- Researchers assessed the cave to determine conditions for public access, visitor safety and conservation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The cave remained closed to the public for 15 years while researchers assessed its conditions.
The reopening was announced, and the cave returned to receiving visitors.
- Research participants
- About 100 professionals
- Trail route
- About 10 kilometres
- Underground route
- 900 metres
- Average visit duration
- Eight hours, round trip
- Visitor access
- Monday to Sunday, with advance booking and an accredited environmental guide