The Cave of Swallows, named for its winged inhabitants, has a circular opening measuring approximately 160 by 250ft leading to a room that is 995 by 440 feet. The distance from the opening of the cave to the cave floor comes to a total of 1094 feet, this is the low point. The high point allows for a 1220 foot freefall which makes this cave the 11^th deepest cave in the world.

Due to the large opening of the cave it is perfect for BASE jumpers and cavers. Although it is quite the challenge for cavers in general, just imagine having to climb back up this monster. There are already adventure companies that have established operations to get you into and out of the cave. This development has been vey positive for the locals who live around the area since there was no opportunity for employment in the past.

The area is untouched by tourism and therefore being eco-conscious is very important. For this reason there is only one point of entry for cavers at the opening. This specific spot has all the bolts and equipment attached to the opening ready to accommodate all cavers.

There is only one way to get to this area and that is by 4WD on an unpaved single lane road which leads to the village. Keep in mind that when traveling to this area, it is a rainforest with all the traditional rainforest insects, such mosquitos, so prepare accordingly.

In terms of wildlife the swallows make up the majority of the inhabitants, followed by parakeets and numerous birds. Take note that the bottom of the cave is filled with bird droppings which makes up the basic diet of millipedes, centipedes, scorpions. These small creatures naturally attract snakes and other carnivorous animals such as silk worms which drop millions of lines of silk from the ceiling of the cave in order to catch insects. These are very sticky and something you do not want to run into.

Naturally, with all the dung in the area, there is risk of diseases. So upon reaching the bottom, capture the Kodak moment, catch a breath and head on back up. Danger is always an element of adventure, without it there is no thrill.

On a more relaxing front, every day at dawn the birds which inhabit the caves leave to gather food and return as dusk. The birds circle the cave higher and higher to get out which makes for a dramatic exit that is not to be missed. Of course, neither dusk nor dawn would be a good time to enter the cave – a little too much traffic.

So instead of taking out all of that rage on the printer at the office, make like Bruce Wayne and jump into El Sótano de las Golondrinas.