What is geocaching and how to start with it?

Would you like to make your tourist trips special with something new? We have a tip for you, how to play treasure hunter with the help of a device with a GPS signal. We would like to introduce you to geocaching, which is full of adrenaline experiences for all age categories. Just choose the level of difficulty and the location of the hideout and you can set off on an exciting adventure.

What is geocaching?

Geocaching is a game that allows you to combine hiking with the search for a mysterious box. In this way, you add a little of the pleasant tension and excitement of finding a treasure to a relaxing walk through nature. The treasure in geocaching is the so-called cache, which is a hidden box with interesting objects inside. Caches can be found with the help of geographical coordinates, so you can easily get by with the location device in your mobile phone.

What does the cache look like?

A cache is usually a plastic box that can withstand bad weather. For that reason, it must be somewhat waterproof so that its contents are not destroyed by rain or moisture. The box should be large enough to store a logbook in which the finders are recorded. In the same way, interesting objects are also stored in the box, which the finder can take. However, there is one condition. If the finder wants to take an item from the cache, they must put an item in it that has the same or higher value than the one they want to take.

A cache is usually a plastic box that can withstand bad weather.

Where are caches hidden?

Caches are usually hidden in places that are attractive and interesting to visitors. For example, it can be a church, the remains of a historical fortification, an important tourist route or a place that is connected with a historical event. The logbook can also include an explanation of what makes the place interesting.

However, not all searchers were satisfied with relatively accessible caches in interesting places. In the desire to increase the difficulty, a number of cache founders decided that they would like to treat the searchers to a bit of adrenaline. Nowadays, you can find a number of caches hidden in rocks, in the urban underground or in the crowns of hard-to-reach trees.

Ideal entertainment for children

Did you also like to look for all kinds of hidden treasures as a child? Visits to monuments and unusual places are a bit boring for some children, so you can expect a whole series of protests and excuses quite soon. Thanks to the treasure hunt, you have a chance to keep their enthusiasm and you may not have to deal with sour faces during longer walks in nature.

Caches are usually hidden in places that are attractive and somehow interesting to visitors.

How to start geocaching?

First you need to register on the official geocaching website, where you will be able to start your cache hunt. On the website, you can choose which cache you visit first, and at the same time you can read basic information about it, such as its difficulty or help to find it.

1) Download the app

You can also find out all the necessary information in the handy application, thanks to which you will always have a whole range of information about the difficulty, attractions of the place and other tips at hand.

2) Write down the GPS coordinates

If you don't want to use the app, you can copy the GPS coordinates and use a variety of different GPS navigation methods. It's up to you which device you use to search for caches.

3) Pack a proper snack

Especially if you have a search planned with children. In short, it is difficult to function without food and drink, so it is better to prepare properly for the trip.

4) The search can begin

Now you can go on an exciting journey, which will end with a treasure hunt. Sometimes the search can drag on a bit, so if you can't find the cache right away, you'll need to be patient. But once you get the hang of various hiding techniques, you won't have any problem finding them.

5) You got it!

You have successfully found the cache. Carefully remove the box and inspect its contents. Probably the biggest attraction will be the logbook in which successful finders are recorded. You can write in it the date you found the cache and your name (nickname). If you have something to trade, you can also take some interesting item from the cache. Return the cache to the same place you found it. This way you will be sure that you will not make it difficult for other searchers to find it.

6) Hurray for the next one

If you have enough time, you can go hunting for other caches. There are usually more caches in a given area. It is good to check everything on the website or in the application.

7) We were here

Either on the spot after a successful find, or in the comfort of your home, in the application or on the website you can mark whether you have successfully caught the cache. If you could not find the cache, it is better to mark this fact as well. It is possible that the cache was lost or someone returned it to a wrong place. With this flag, you can prompt the creator of the cache to check the area.

Not for muggles

Just like in the wizarding world of Harry Potter, you have to watch out for muggles when geocaching. So everyone who doesn't play geocaching is a muggle, and it's your job to keep the box's location a secret from them. Increased attention is not entirely beneficial to caches, and it is therefore not an exception that caches start to disappear in frequented places. Some muggles even destroy boxes or place dangerous objects in them. It is therefore up to you to proceed as discreetly as possible when discovering the cache and not attract the attention of other visitors.