Beneath our feet lies a hidden world. It is a world of stone and shadow. This is the Avenc des Cérvol also known as the Sima del Ciervo or the Deer Pit. It is the deepest and most extensive cave in the Son Camps mountains.
The entrance before you might seem unassuming. It measures only about 3 by 1.4 meters. Yet, this small opening leads to a surprising depth.
To enter the Avenc des Cérvol one must install a rope. Look for the encina oak tree facing the entrance. A sling around the large rock protects the rope from friction.
The descent begins on a slippery slope. As you go down be cautious. The path winds through an area sparse in formations. You will notice some stalagmites and small stalactites dotting the ceiling.
Farther down another rope installation is needed. Find a natural anchor in the ceiling. Another anchor is nearby just before a two-meter drop. This drop brings you to the lowest point of the cave at -34 meters.
Here among the chaotic stones lie remnants of the past. Bones are visible. They are recent bones from at least two dogs. To the right are more deteriorated bones. These are likely from the deer that gave the Avenc des Cérvol its name.
From the depths we can begin our exploration outwards. Leave the rope and venture into the most interesting area on the right. This area lies behind a narrow passage. Access it after climbing a couple of meters.
Prepare to be amazed. This is the most decorated part of the Avenc des Cérvol. Banners stalactites stalagmites and columns abound. Beautiful flowstones pave the way.
Descend a bit further. You will see a stalagmitic barrier. It is affected by vertical solifluction. Next to it a column shows similar effects. This one also has a horizontal displacement. Keep an eye out for fistular stalactites in this area.
Interestingly the Avenc des Cérvol is very close to the Avenc des Coll de Son Camps. They are only about 10 meters apart separated by a jumble of rocks. This suggests they might be part of the same cave system.
The Avenc des Cérvol extends about 450 meters. It runs south to north with an average width of 28 meters east to west. The average slope is -30 degrees. It steepens to -50 degrees towards the deepest part in the southeast.
Near the edge of the path look for a depression. You will see the descending mouth over leaf litter and parietal flowstone. The initial entry can be slippery. It leads to a debris obstruction after ten meters.
If you head north while maintaining altitude you will see a large broken flowstone. There are rocks columns and cenital concretions. A passage through some rocks allows descent to a lower chamber. This chamber slopes at about -30 degrees.
Inside this lower chamber all types of formations flourish. There are paving flowstones botryoidal formations and especially striking draperies. Magnificent signs of solifluction have displaced a large stalagmitic barrier. At the eastern end a few meters drop leads to a small humid room. It features fistulous stalactites and older formations reaching a depth of -16 meters.
From here towards the southeast you can ascend a fracture over similar material. This leads to a deposit of clasts and foreign materials. From this point the cave entrance is visible. Beyond the cone descent continues to the lowest point at -34 meters. Trunks with fungi and some Cervus elaphus bones can be found here.
Continuing exploration upwards the area becomes larger. Spectacular sets of parietal flowstones are all around. The southern area is a chaotic mix of blocks stones and loose earth. The majestic fistulous stalactites gourds botryoidal formations and coralloids are remarkable in the upper part. Amid this chaos a chaotic chamber can be visited. It is accessed through a hole or window in a flowstone.
The Avenc des Cérvol offers a glimpse into Mallorca’s geological wonders. It is a testament to the slow persistent work of water and time. This hidden realm reminds us of the unseen beauty that lies beneath our feet.