Carlsbad Caverns National Park Self Guided Audio Tour

New Mexico , USA

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Self Guided Audio Tour

Active

(3 reviews)

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

"This is a self-guided audio tour. Park entry tickets are not part of the purchase. You’ll need to buy admission separately from the official Carlsbad Caverns National Park website or at the visitor center when you arrive."

Journey into the depths of Carlsbad Caverns National Park with our thrilling audio tour! Explore its vast underground chambers, intricate formations, and fascinating stalactites and stalagmites. Your guides share captivating stories about the caverns' discovery, unique geology, and the incredible bats that call it home. Learn about the park’s history and the science behind its stunning subterranean beauty. Perfect for families, adventurers, and geology lovers, this tour brings the caverns to life. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on an unforgettable underground adventure!

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Available options

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Self Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Tours NEVER expire

Freedom to explore at your own pace

Offline map (no wifi or data needed)

Turn-by-turn directions using GPS

Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music

Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Detailed itinerary

This little trail is just a few hundred feet long, but you can explore a small patch of Chihuahuan Desert, with some possible shade provided by the cliffs of Walnut Canyon. Interpretive signs identify plant life found along the trail and throughout the park.

An easy, paved trail less than half a mile round trip leads to a vista point overlooking Walnut Canyon. Not much of a hike, but a decent view.

Here's where you'll pay for your entrance to the park, as well as purchase any additional tours you might want to do. You can also explore the exhibits, get a bite to eat in the cafeteria (open 8am-4pm), and do your souvenir shopping in the gift shop. Lastly, this is also where you access the cave, either using the elevator or the back door for the trail to the natural entrance.

What's not included

Private Transportation

Admission not included — buy park tickets from the National Park Service.

Parking Fees

Meals and Refreshments

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 2.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Additional Starting Points: • Route 62 Eastbound coming from Guadalupe Mountains NP • Route 62 Westbound, Carlsbad, NM • US 285 south of Carlsbad, NM

Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.

Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.

Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.

Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.

Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!

The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.

What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”

Meeting point

Carlsbad, NM, is located in southeastern New Mexico, in Eddy County. It is situated along the Pecos River and lies at the junction of US Routes 62/180 and US 285. The city is approximately 20 miles north of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Important notes

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the Carlsbad Caverns National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket.

How to Redeem Your Tour(s):
1. Download the Shaka Guide app from the App Store or Google Play
2. Open the app and sign up or sign in
3. Tap Support
4. Tap Retrieve Purchases
5. Tap Redeem Purchase
6. Enter the 10-digit Booking Reference number (under the barcode on their Viator ticket)
7. Hit Redeem Purchase and download the tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app. For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

We can't wait for you to explore with Shaka Guide! If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138.

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download.

About New Mexico

New Mexico is a state in the southwestern United States known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. From the vibrant arts scene in Santa Fe to the stunning natural beauty of its national parks, New Mexico offers a truly enchanting experience for travelers.

Top Attractions

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

This national park is home to over 100 caves, including the famous Carlsbad Cavern, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Nature Full day Moderate

Santa Fe Plaza

The historic heart of Santa Fe, this plaza is surrounded by adobe buildings, shops, and restaurants, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Historical/Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

White Sands National Park

This unique park features vast dunes of white gypsum sand, offering a surreal and otherworldly landscape.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with pork, potatoes, and green chiles, a staple of New Mexican cuisine.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Breakfast Burrito

A large burrito filled with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and often green or red chile.

Breakfast Contains eggs and cheese, can be made vegetarian

Posole

A traditional soup made with hominy, pork, and red or green chile.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Hot air ballooning Spa treatments Scenic drives Wine tasting Art gallery visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The landscapes are also at their most beautiful during these seasons.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

New Mexico is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime can occur in urban areas. Exercise common sense and caution, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious when using ATMs at night

Getting there

By air

Albuquerque International Sunport • 5 km (3 miles) from downtown Albuquerque
Santa Fe Municipal Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Santa Fe

By train

Albuquerque Station, Lamy Station

By bus

Albuquerque Greyhound Station, Santa Fe Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable bus service with numerous routes throughout the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Albuquerque Canyon Road

Day trips

Taos

140 km (87 miles) from Santa Fe • Half day to full day

A charming town known for its adobe architecture, art galleries, and proximity to the Taos Ski Valley.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

290 km (180 miles) from Albuquerque • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Puebloan ruins and a rich cultural history.

Festivals

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta • Early October Santa Fe Indian Market • Late August

Pro tips

Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque for a deeper understanding of Native American history and culture.
Explore the vibrant arts scene in Santa Fe, including the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the many galleries along Canyon Road.
Take a hot air balloon ride over Albuquerque for a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Hike in the stunning landscapes of the Bandelier National Monument, featuring ancient Puebloan ruins and scenic trails.
Experience the unique geology and history of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, including the famous Big Room and Bat Flight Program.