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Reservations for Altamira Caves

Hello,
Has anyone been to Altamira Caves in Santillana Del Mar recently that could tell me how they got reservations? The website in the Rick Steves Spain book doesn’t seem to be valid any longer and a new website that covers the cave and museum gives hours and prices but no option to purchase online. I realize we can go there and purchase tickets, but we’ll only arrive there at midday, staying the night then shoving off in the morning. We would chance not being able to get in at all or not getting in at a time that accommodates other sightseeing plans in our schedule.

Thank you

Posted by
7840 posts

Keep in mind you’ll be visiting a reproduction of the caves, not the actual one. Note the free days.

From the website about advance tickets:

“Advance
In advance through Banco Santander's online sales platform .

Information regarding advance purchase:

Tickets purchased online are only valid for the service, date, and time indicated. Failure to comply with the indicated time will result in the holder being subject to the same access and waiting conditions that apply to visitors without tickets.
To purchase free tickets, you must present the corresponding official document, valid and clearly updated, at the box office. If, after verification of the aforementioned accreditation, the requirements are not met, you will be required to pay the standard rate and an entry time will be assigned based on available capacity.
The purchase of general admission tickets does not require validation at the box office. Any visitor with a general admission ticket may present themselves directly at the museum entrance doors.
Tickets must be purchased in advance at least one day before the visit, never on the same day.
Tickets purchased through advance sales services cannot be exchanged or refunded.
Punctuality is essential (15 minutes before the selected time). Otherwise, you will lose your right to entry.
Tickets for Saturday afternoons and Sundays are always free and can only be obtained at the museum ticket office on the day of the visit.”

Free admission (for all visitors)
Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. and Sundays all day
April 18, International Day of Monuments and Sites
May 18, International Museum Day
October 12, Spanish National Holiday
December 6, Constitution Day

Free admission (accreditation required)
Persons under 18 and over 65.
Students between 18 and 25.

If you’re spending the night in Santillana Del Mar, consider staying at the Parador Gil Blas. Also, if there for a night you’ll get to experience the town without all the day trippers. Finally, while walking around the town, especially near Collegiate Church of Santillana you may notice round brass plaques with the Camino de Santiago symbol inlayed/embedded among the cobbles. They signify you’re on a part of the Camino.

In 2017 we had a good meal at Restaurante Casa Miguel. We ordered the fixed price menu of the day and it came with a bottle of local wine. The restaurant wasn’t fancy, but the service was good.

Posted by
57 posts

Thank you both. Yes I did realize the cave we would see is a reproduction which is not ideal, but I understand the museum is very good. In addition, we will be in Santillana Del Mar for a night and it is an interesting nearby attraction.

Posted by
361 posts

I thought the museum was fair (and I am a geek for that stuff) and not worth a trip on its own. I agree with Mikel that the caves Las Monedas and El Castillo are a better option. The two are a short walk apart and you can see both in the same morning or afternoon. If you are near Ribadasella, I highly recommend Cueva del Tito Bustillo, the art rivals Altamira and you see the real thing in situ.

Posted by
917 posts

You´ll find Santillana del Mar a bit touristy and worth a visit of a couple of hours, but it´s a lovely place to stay as it´s full of manor houses and palaces. Make sure you make the appropriate reservations for the cave of your choice, and take into account that tours are in Spanish. If you want it in English (fully private), the cost is 90eur per cave and you have to tell them in advance. Most caves need a car to get there, or a hike.

Posted by
57 posts

Can you tell me how long of a drive both Las Monedas and El Castillo are from Santillano Del Mar?