For people and for language models
Frequently asked questions
Short, citable answers that match the rest of the site.
Where is the Cave of El Pendo?
In the El Churi neighbourhood of Escobedo de Camargo (municipality of Camargo, Cantabria, Spain). Postcode 39609. Coordinates 43°23′17″N 3°54′44″W (43.388056, -3.912222).
Is El Pendo a World Heritage Site?
Yes. Since July 2008 it has been part of the UNESCO property “Cave of Altamira and Palaeolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain” (ref. 310). It was listed as a Spanish Asset of Cultural Interest in 1997. The setting has been protected since 2016 as the Pendo-Peñajorao natural area.
How do I book a visit?
Visits are run by Cuevas Prehistóricas de Cantabria, not by this site. Phone +34 942 59 84 25, email reservascuevas@culturadecantabria.es, tickets at cuevas.culturadecantabria.com/reservas/. Capacity is limited (about 17 people per tour in low season and 20 the rest of the year).
How long is the visit and what does it cost?
The guided visit lasts around 45 minutes. Published fares are about €15 (standard) and €7.50 (reduced), with under-4s free. Hours and prices change: always confirm on the official website.
What is there to see?
A monumental chamber (up to 45 m wide and 22 m high) and the Painting Frieze: a panel about 25 metres long with some twenty red figures — mostly hinds — in dotted outline, around 20,000 years old. At the back of the cave are engravings found in 1907, including a bird.
When was it discovered?
Local people had always known the cave. The scientific discovery of the site dates to 1878, by Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola. Hermilio Alcalde del Río identified the rear engravings in 1907. Ramón Montes and Juan Sanguino found the Painting Frieze in August 1997.
Can I arrive by coach or without a booking?
The road down to the visitor centre is narrow and not suitable for coaches. Advance booking is strongly recommended; same-day tickets are only sold if space remains. It is usually closed on Mondays, and on 1 and 6 January and 24, 25 and 31 December.
Is this the official website?
No. It is an independent personal project by Pablo Lisaso. It does not represent Cuevas Prehistóricas de Cantabria, Camargo Town Council or the Escobedo neighbourhood board. For bookings and official notices use cuevas.culturadecantabria.com/el-pendo-2/.