Anguilla: ancient caves full of history

Anguilla, an island located in the northeast of the Caribbean, near Puerto Rico and Saint Martin, is known throughout the world for its natural beauty and for maintaining a tranquility and exclusivity rare in other destinations in the region.

In addition to its beautiful beaches whose waters reflect various shades of blue, Anguilla has natural treasures for those who enjoy underground adventures. The Caribbean island is home to some of the oldest caves in the Western Hemisphere.

 "The Fountain", as it is known by the locals, is one of Anguilla's most famous caves and is situated in the heart of the Fountain National Park, in Shoal Bay, on Anguilla's northeast coast. The cave features a unique collection of Amerindian rock art and archaeological deposits associated with an underground pool, which has been a source of fresh water for over 1,500 years. A visit to the "Fountain" offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the roots of the island in a unique experience.

Cavannagh Cave is located in the Katouche Bay area, which can be visited on organized tours. The cave is surrounded by beautiful vegetation: natural balsam bushes abound, which has many purposes, such as making brooms, medicines, and even nail polish. A surprise awaits the visitor in the heart of the cave. There, a fig tree has put down its roots, providing an extraordinary sight that will leave unforgettable memories of Aguilla.

The Katouche cave requires a little more physical fitness and, why not, courage on the part of the visitors. After donning their safety gear, visitors are ready to venture into the rocky heart of Anguilla. The adventure requires them to get into tight spaces. Below, visitors experience intense darkness as they explore the cave. But luckily, the powerful lanterns provided allow visitors to illuminate the depths of the cave and appreciate the geological wonders before them.

But for those who prefer to stay above ground, a tip is the Heritage Collection Museum, which is filled with intriguing Anguilla relics dating back to the time of the Arawaks (Amerindian people who were Anguilla's first inhabitants). The Museum is the best place to start a history tour in Anguilla, as it covers the full spectrum of the island's rich heritage.

Wallblake House, for its part, is a historic farmhouse with an attached museum, located in The Valley, the capital of Anguilla. It is said to be the oldest structure on the island, having been built in 1787 by Will Blake, a sugar farmer.