Guadirikiri Cave

About

The Quadiriki Caves, nestled in Arikok National Park, are the site of ancient rock carvings and titillating folklore, beginning at the base of a limestone terrace. The main cave is composed of three chambers, the first two of which are illuminated by natural openings in the cave ceiling, allowing rays of sunlight to create stunning visual effects. The third chamber is starkly darker and damp, housing small, harmless bats, and natural formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Adjacent to the main cave lies a smaller cave, featuring an abundance of Amerindian petroglyphs. Local folklore surrounds the Quadiriki Caves with a mythical tale of star-crossed lovers, in which the daughter of an Indian chief who fell in love with a disapproved suitor were both imprisoned in separate caves. Despite their captivity, the lovers managed to meet clandestinely underground. Legend has it that both individuals met a tragic fate, and their spirits ascended to heaven through the openings in the cave's roof. Entry to Arikok National Park is US$15, with opening hours between 8AM to 4PM daily.