Bellamar Cave, Matanzas Cuba
Location: Matanzas. 2 km south of the city of Matanzas.
Cuevas de Bellamar, Carretera La Alcancma, Matanzas, 40300 Matanzas, Neighbourhood: 7540, Tel: +53-5-261683.
Open: All year daily 9-18.
Size: L=3,225m, T=27°C.
Guided tours: D=45min., L=1,500m.
The cave system was discovered in February 1861. The caves are made of crystalline formations and great amount of stalagmites and stalactites. The interior passages descend looking for the aquifer, ending up in lakes with crystal waters.
Located in a region of loamy limestone marine terraces, it is 3,1 kms. (almost two miles) long. Tours cover 1500 m (5000 feet) of it, including some of its 17 galleries, 6 halls and a corridor. The history of the cave has an interesting history. The water that drips from its walls keep its relative humidity at 100 percent, and the temperature ranges between between 25° and 27° C (77º and 80.6º F).
Also see:
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol 41, Issue 246, November 1870, pp. 826-834, Harper & Bros. New York
http://www.showcaves.com/english/explain/Literature/BellamarHarpers.html
