many caves in brasil are cataloged as important touristic programs due to their cultural and religious significance to local communities.
speleology, the study of caves, is a difficult practice, requiring high technical and physical preparation to be done in a safe way - the national institute of speleology offers training and photography courses and organizes expeditions to these sites.
there are also small clubs related to the practice, spread all over the state - the sociedade brasileira de espeleologia - sbe (brazilian speleological association) maintains a database for rio de janeiro's main caves which is listed under 'regiăo sudeste'.
