170 meters underground sounds like a sci-fi movie. It’s real in Lima Province, with Sheke’s underground waterfall and lagoon, then a 30m rappel through tunnels and bat caves. The trade-off: the day can feel long, and there may be a wait once it’s time for the biggest rappel.

I like that the tour is very hands-on and safety-led, with gear, radio contact, and lots of support. The guide is Spanish-only, so you’ll want to fully catch the safety instructions before you go anywhere near the rappel or bungee option. You also get a head lamp, which helps you stay confident in the dark.

Key highlights you’ll feel all day

• 170m underground canyon route, with tunnels and stair descents built into the adventure
• Sheke’s Magic Lagoon and underground waterfall, plus optional time to cool off
• Bat cave stop, which adds an extra layer of wow without being gimmicky
• 30m abseiling/rappel with full safety setup and assistant support
• Optional bungee jump from Lima’s highest bridge later in the day

Entering Autisha: a full-day, center-of-the-earth mission

This is the kind of outing that starts before the city is fully awake, then quietly turns into a different world. You leave Lima at 5am, ride out to Cañon de Autisha, and spend about 16 hours total until you’re back in the city.

What makes it interesting is the mix of environments. You begin underground, move through dark tunnels and a subterranean waterfall/lagoon area, then shift to the open air at Lima’s high bridge for the optional bungee. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s an all-day activity circuit.

Safety gear and dark tunnels: what you’re really signing up for

A canyon this deep is not the place for guesswork. You’ll get your safety kit up front: helmet, harness, gloves, ropes/line of lives, and a head lamp so you can see where you’re stepping. You’ll also have an assistant and radio communications, which is the “grown-up” part of the adventure.

The itinerary includes crossing dark tunnels and descending stairs, and it’s designed to be done in a controlled way with the guide. Still, the sensation is real: you’ll be in tight, low-light spaces and you’ll feel the rock around you as you move.

This is also where I’d be honest about fit. The tour is not suitable for people with claustrophobia, and you shouldn’t push that line. If you get anxious in enclosed spaces or struggle with sudden height or motion, this one may be too stressful.

Sheke’s Magic Lagoon and underground waterfall stop

At some point underground, you reach the main payoff area: Sheke’s waterfall and Magic Lagoon. This is where the tour gives you time—enough to take photos, look around, and decide if you want to get in the water.

That optional swim matters more than it sounds. Cold water under the ground changes the whole feel of the visit. Even if you skip it, watching the waterfall and lagoon in a cave-like setting is the kind of contrast that makes the earlier tunnel time worth it.

You should also expect this stop to be the most “stand and stare” part of the day. The rest of the itinerary is movement and equipment, but here you get a breather to slow down and actually absorb what you’re seeing.

Bat cave time: the quick, memorable detour

You’ll also visit a bat cave during the underground portion. This isn’t framed as a long lecture or a slow walk through a “wildlife exhibit.” It’s a short, character-building stop that adds a real sense of place to an already unusual environment.

I like this type of stop because it keeps the day from feeling repetitive. Sheke’s water area gives you one kind of wonder, and the bat cave gives you another—different textures, different atmosphere, and a stronger “you’re not in Lima anymore” feeling.

The 30m rappel: where patience and clear instructions really matter

The biggest action moment is a 30-meter abseiling/rappel descent. You get trained and set up with your harness and ropes, and you’ll rappel with guide support and an assistant nearby.

Here’s what you should take seriously: the activity requires clear understanding of directions. The rappel isn’t a “watch and copy” situation; you need to understand what’s happening with your equipment and how to follow instructions safely. The tour is conducted in Spanish, so if your Spanish is limited, you should plan extra attention—safety communication matters most when the stakes are high.

There’s also a timing reality. The pacing can include waiting, especially around the rappel portion with larger groups. If you hate standing around, this part may feel like the longest hour of the day. My practical advice: keep a calm mindset here. The wait is part of how a group adventure runs when everyone has to gear up and move in an orderly sequence.

Lunch break and the shift back aboveground

After the rappel, you’ll get lunch time. The catch: lunch is not included in the tour price, so budget for it separately. This also means your energy planning matters—don’t treat food like an afterthought after a morning underground and then a big vertical moment.

Then comes the most Lima-like part of the day. You’ll travel back toward the city and visit Lima’s highest bridge, where the optional bungee jump comes into play for those who want it.

The day’s structure makes sense: first you use the canyon for the heavy adrenaline, then you swap adrenaline sources in a very different setting. You go from rock, water, and dark tunnels to wide open height and sky.

Optional bungee jump from Lima’s highest bridge

The bungee option is extra, and it’s not for everyone. If heights make you anxious, you should skip it even if you’re feeling brave during the canyon. Remember that this jump is the kind of experience where fear can surge fast.

On the positive side, the guides and specialists are there to help you through it, and the bungee is presented as an optional add-on once you’re already well into the day. If you’re already doing the rappel, you’ll likely understand your limits better once you’re back aboveground and can see what’s coming.

Even if you don’t jump, the high-bridge stop is still a useful contrast point. You get that “Lima is right there” feeling after hours underground.

Price and value: what $59 really covers

The listed price is $59 per person, and for an all-day active tour that includes transportation, professional guidance, safety equipment, and underground access, it can feel fair. You’re also getting practical gear: head lamp and the full harness/rope setup, plus radio communications and first aid support.

Still, this price has a few common add-ons you should account for:

• Lunch is not included
• The Chaclla community entrance ticket is S/. 8 per person (not included)
• The bungee jump is $25 optional extra

So your real cost depends on your choices. If you’re doing the full set—underground visit, 30m rappel, and bungee—you should expect to pay more than the base number. If you skip bungee and budget lunch well, the $59 can feel more like a good deal.

Also note the rating: it sits around 4.6/5 from a small set of reviews. That’s a strong signal that most people are coming away happy—especially because the experience is activity-heavy, not just a long bus ride with a couple of photos.

What to bring (and what not to forget)

This day has a clear “what you need” list, and you’ll enjoy it more if you pack for it:

• Swimwear: because you have the option to cool off at Sheke’s underground lagoon/waterfall area
• Sunscreen: you’re outdoors later, including around the bridge
• Insect repellent: the tour includes a mix of environments, and bugs can be an issue in outdoor stops

A small tip: aim for clothing you don’t mind getting wet and rough. Underground caves and water stops can be damp even when you plan well.

Timing, group size, and how the day feels in real life

The schedule is 5am to 9pm, which is a long day on paper. In practice, it works if you accept that it’s a process: gear up, move underground, pause at Sheke, add the bat cave stop, then wait for your turn on the rappel, and later add a high-bridge option.

The long hours can be part of the appeal for people who like full-day challenges. It can also feel exhausting if you expect a brisk, nonstop adventure. The key is to treat it like an activity day, not a quick tour.

If you get hangry, plan for it. Lunch isn’t included, and you’ll likely be waiting at some points. Being prepared makes the difference between a great day and a mildly frustrating one.

Who this is best for (and who should skip)

You’ll likely enjoy this most if you want a real physical adventure with a clear safety structure. The highlight is that the tour combines underground exploration (tunnels, waterfall/lagoon, bat cave) with a structured vertical component (30m rappel) and a high-altitude option later (bungee).

You should skip it if:

• you have claustrophobia
• you don’t feel comfortable with safety instructions in a high-stakes environment
• heights or intense adrenaline experiences are a hard no for you, especially if you’re considering bungee

If you’re comfortable following instructions and you’re okay spending most of the day moving between environments, this is the kind of tour that gives you a story worth telling.

Where to meet and how to get ready for the early start

You meet at Shopping Mall La Rambla in Lima. You’ll share the exact location with the operator ahead of time.

Because the start is 5am, you should set yourself up the night before. This is not a “sleep in and roll out” day. Plan transport to the meeting point so you’re not rushing in with stress.

Quick call: should you book Cañon de Autisha?

Book it if you want an all-day activity that’s more than photos. The mix of Sheke’s underground waterfall and lagoon, a bat cave, and a guided 30m rappel is a strong combo for people who enjoy structured adventure and don’t mind a long day.

Hold off if you hate enclosed spaces or if you rely on English-only explanations. The guide works in Spanish, and the safety tasks require understanding. If you’re not confident with Spanish communication, you may find the experience stressful rather than thrilling.

If you want, tell me your comfort level with heights and dark enclosed spaces, and whether you’re doing the optional bungee. I can help you decide if this fits you—or suggest a better match.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It departs at 5am and the full day runs until about 9pm.

Where do we meet in Lima?

You meet at Shopping Mall La Rambla. The exact localization is shared with you.

How long is the experience?

The duration is 16 hours.

What activities are included?

You get the underground visit, including tunnels, Sheke’s waterfall and lagoon, and the bat cave, plus abseiling/rappel of 30 meters.

What safety equipment is provided?

You receive personal safety equipment including helmet, harness, gloves, and a head lamp, along with ropes/line of lives support, plus an assistant and first aid kit.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is bungee jumping included in the price?

No. Bungee jumping is optional and costs $25.

Is the tour in English?

The live tour guide is Spanish.