With all of the amazing wildlife around the Galapagos Islands, you may not think to look below the surface of what’s right in front of you. But, luckily, as your educational travel experts, we’re here to give you insights on what’s underneath the unique geography. You’ll find these volcanic islands teeming with lava tunnels–formed millions of years ago–that are ripe for intrepid investigation. The most famous is the half-mile long Tunnel of Endless Love, named for its heart-shaped hole in its roof that’s buried in the depths of Santa Cruz Island. And it’s on this very island that you’ll find the longest of the Galapagos’ tunnels, the Cueva del Cascaja, that’s a whopping 1.87 miles long!
If you’re a bit (c)rusty in the field of volcanology (and who isn’t) you might just be wondering, “What on earth is a lava tunnel?” Well, when a volcano erupts, lava flows down its side and, while the outside of the lava flow is cooled by the surrounding air, it solidifies. But the lava within stays hot and continues to flow, leaving a hollow tunnel in its wake. Exactly how hollow is it?
Even if you’re not much of a mole, there’s nothing to worry about when burrowing through these tunnels. That’s because they’re VERY wide and spacious, giving you plenty of room to stand and gaze at the geological gem that surrounds you. With a staircase leading you into these (mostly) well-lit caverns, you’ll be able to witness the rusty reds and blue-grays of the ancient volcanic rock, touch the smooth tunnel walls, and look out for tiny stalactites forming on the ceiling. And if you’re super observant, you might even spot small crystals made from mineral deposits that are dotted around the tunnel. Imagine that sparkling stone was a white hot blaze!