Beneath our feet lies a hidden world. It is a world of darkness and stone. This is the Avenc de s’Embut.
The Avenc de s’Embut receives its name from its funnel-shaped entrance. Imagine a giant sinkhole. The upper part is about 7 meters in diameter. It narrows to a mouth of 1 x 1.5 meters.
We are in Calvià, near the Coll des Pastors. This is in the Serra de na Burguesa. The Avenc de s’Embut is not far from Palma.
To reach the Avenc de s’Embut, we walk along a path. This path winds into the Serra de na Burguesa. After about 2 kilometers, the path descends slightly. Here, we leave the path to the left. After a short climb, we have a view of Palma Bay. If we look east-southeast, we find the Avenc de s’Embut. It lies in a depression about 125 meters away.
The walk to the Avenc de s’Embut takes about 35 minutes. The distance is 2,000 meters. The coordinates are WGS84 31S 0463561 / 4379550. Its altitude is 379 meters.
Let’s talk about the descent into the Avenc de s’Embut. The entrance has two spits. These allow us to split the 14-meter aerial wall. The first chamber measures 15 x 25 meters. Part of its base is flat. At one end are large blocks. To the east is an earth ramp. This ramp leads to a level of -21 meters. From here, we descend further. We pass under large blocks. The descent of about 20 meters ends at the top of the Sala de ses Columnes at -43 meters.
The Sala de ses Columnes is oriented northwest-southeast. It has a slope of -30 to -35 degrees. The linear distance is 52 meters. The slope is dominated by a scree of stones.
The Avenc de s’Embut is famous for its speleothems. These are lithochemical formations. We find large columns and stalagmites. There are also flowstones, eccentrics, stalactites, and draperies. Solifluction processes are visible.
A large column stands 10 meters high. It has separated and moved from the ceiling. A bit further down is another column. This one is 13.65 meters high. It has a diameter of 45 cm. At the bottom, a hole leads to the deepest point at -80 meters. Near the hole is a nativity scene. To the northeast of the chamber is a small room. It contains various formations.
Exploramallorca.com classifies the Avenc de s’Embut as an advanced-level cave. The depth is about 95 meters. The tour duration is 3 hours. They recommend it for people aged 14 and up.
The total distance traveled to and from the cave is 4.1 km. The round trip takes 1 hour. The time inside the Avenc de s’Embut is 4 hours. The maximum altitude is 437 m. The minimum altitude is 241 m. The positive and negative elevation change is 193 m.
The Avenc de s’Embut requires a 15-meter and 30-meter abseil. The maximum depth inside is -95 meters.
This cave is located in the Coll del Pastors area. It is easily accessible in the Serra de na Burguesa. The entrance forms a funnel. Access is via the Coll de s’Embut. A 15-meter abseil leads to the first chamber. This chamber measures 15×19 meters. It is brightly lit by light from the outside.
A very slippery dirt ramp leads to the Tup de ses Pedres. This has a steep slope. The first impression seems completely straight. However, it consists of blocks that “facilitate” the descent.
After passing this tube, we reach the upper part of the Sala de ses Columnes. At -60 m, it is the largest. We continue descending without the rope. We follow a path of stones and earth. The first thing that strikes us is the large central column. A little further down is another column. It is 13 meters high and 40 cm wide.
At the lowest part, we can see a nativity scene. In this cave you can see a good number of spiders. A local source describes them as fearsome and ferocious.
Remember the image of this hidden world as we head back into the light. The Avenc de s’Embut remains. It waits for those who dare to descend into its depths.