cave · Castelo, ES
Gruta do Limoeiro
A cave with large chambers formed in granite rock, also an archaeological site with traces of ancient Indigenous occupation. Visits are guided and include a climb up a staircase to the entrance.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Gruta do Limoeiro
Gruta do Limoeiro (cave) is the best-known cave in Espírito Santo, in the rural area of Castelo, in the Espírito Santo mountains. It opens at the foot of a limestone rock wall, on a hillside, and inside it splits into several chambers linked by passages.
The cave is also the most important archaeological site of the state's prehistory. Excavations found Indigenous skeletons buried near the entrance, dated to about 4,500 years ago. Since the 19th century it has drawn poets and naturalists, and in 1984 it was listed as a state heritage site.
Visits are always accompanied by local guides, who provide a helmet and flashlight. Along the way you see formations such as stalactites, stalagmites and travertines, and bats are a common sight. The floor is dirt and nearly flat, but some stretches have low ceilings and require crouching.
The tour appeals to adults and children, but it is not recommended if you have trouble bending down. There is no wheelchair access inside the cave. Next to it is a visitor center with restrooms and a shop selling local products.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The guided tour inside the cave takes about an hour.
Best time
It is open year-round; go in the morning, when groups tend to be smaller, and on dry days, when the access trail is less slippery.
How to get there
It is about 15 km from downtown Castelo, beside the ES-166 highway, which links Castelo to Venda Nova do Imigrante. The access is signposted; from the visitor center, a short trail leads to the cave entrance.
Tip
Wear sneakers and clothes that can get dirty, because in some stretches you have to crouch. Large groups should book ahead with the visitor center.
A look at the place
Gruta do Limoeiro in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gruta do Limoeiro
Is there an entrance fee for Gruta do Limoeiro?
Yes, there is an entrance fee. Check prices and hours with the visitor center.
Do I need a guide to visit Gruta do Limoeiro?
Yes. Visits are always made with local guides, who provide a helmet and flashlight.
How long does a visit to Gruta do Limoeiro take?
About an hour inside the cave, with the guide.
Can children go into Gruta do Limoeiro?
Yes. The floor is nearly flat, but some stretches have low ceilings where you have to crouch.
Where is Gruta do Limoeiro?
In the rural area of Castelo (ES), about 15 km from downtown, beside the ES-166 highway, on the way to Venda Nova do Imigrante.