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Scientific Research Confirms That Casa de Pedra in Vale do Ribeira Is the Largest Cave in the World by Entrance Height.
The Casa de Pedra, officially recognized as the largest cave in the world by entrance height, had its size confirmed by a scientific research conducted by researchers from the University of São Paulo.
The study was recently conducted in the Vale do Ribeira, interior of São Paulo, using drones and laser sensors to accurately measure the mouth of the Brazilian cave, which reaches a height of 197.1 meters.
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The work aimed to solve a scientific question that had persisted for more than three decades.
Cutting-Edge Technology Confirms Unprecedented Dimensions of Casa de Pedra
<pThus, the confirmation of the title of largest cave in the world, when the criterion is the height of the entrance, was only possible thanks to the use of advanced technology.
A drone equipped with high-precision laser flew over the arch of the Casa de Pedra, emitting about 1.92 million points per second.
These data allowed the creation of a detailed three-dimensional model of the cave’s mouth.
Unlike old measurements, which were made with ropes and manual equipment, the current method eliminated distortions caused by weight, tension, and inclination.
A Difficult Journey to the Largest Cave on the Planet
Reaching the Casa de Pedra is not simple.
The cave is situated in a dense forest area in the Vale do Ribeira, requiring about three and a half hours of hiking on difficult terrain.
During the trek, researchers faced mud, streams, steep climbs, and the transport of heavy equipment.
The most important box of the expedition had to be carried by two people, as it contained the drone responsible for measuring the largest cave ever recorded by this criterion.
A Brazilian Cave Located in a Natural Sanctuary
Thus, the Casa de Pedra is located within the influence area of PETAR, a region known for its environmental richness.
The park houses more than 400 cataloged caves, as well as one of the most preserved areas of Atlantic Forest in the country.
On the way to the cave, it is common to find traces of animals such as arapongas, wild pigs, jaguars, and ocelots.
Still, no other Brazilian cave in the region comes close to the grandeur of Casa de Pedra.
A Scientific Question That Lasted 36 Years
Since 1989, experts suspected that the mouth of Casa de Pedra could be the largest in the world.
At that time, spelunkers used ropes to measure the opening, but the results were inaccurate.
Ropes can stretch, and the presence of a suspended person directly interferes with the measurement.
Therefore, the official recognition could only be made now, with the support of the technology employed in the current scientific research.
Impressive Beauty and Extreme Risks
Despite its grandeur, the Casa de Pedra is also known for its risks.
A river runs through almost the entire internal expanse of the cave, making the crossing complex and dangerous.
To traverse the interior, it is necessary to walk nearly three kilometers over slippery stones, with sections where the water reaches chest height.
Therefore, any heavy rainfall in the region can cause flash floods.
Closure Since 2003 and Constant Monitoring
Thus, the area has been closed to tourism since 2003, when a waterspout hit a group during a crossing.
At that time, a guide and a tourist died.
Since then, researchers return periodically to the Casa de Pedra to monitor the water level.
Sensors have already recorded elevations exceeding two meters and sufficient force to damage equipment, reinforcing the need for caution.
Controlled Reopening Is Still Under Debate
The data collected by the scientific research is considered essential for discussing a potential reopening of the largest cave to the public.
Thus, the possibility under analysis involves restricted visits during the dry months, between April and September, and strict safety protocols.
For now, visitors can only reach the mouth of the cave—and for many, observing the colossal arch of the Casa de Pedra is already a unique experience.
An Uncontested World Record
Although there are deeper caves or larger halls in other countries, such as Sơn Đoòng in Vietnam, none surpass the Brazilian cave when the criterion is entrance height.
At Casa de Pedra, there are no more scientific doubts.
With 197.1 meters in height—the equivalent of five Christ the Redeemers stacked—the Brazil officially hosts the largest cave mouth on the planet.
Learn more at: ‘Larger Than 5 Christ the Redeemers’: How Researchers Measured the Largest Cave Mouth in the World in Brazil | G1
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