There are different types of geocache:
- Traditional Geocache. This is the original type of geocache and the most straightforward. These geocaches will be a container at the given coordinates. The size may vary, but at a minimum, all of these geocaches will have a logbook. Larger containers may contain items for trade and trackables.
- Mystery or Puzzle Caches. The "catch-all" of geocache types, this type may involve complicated puzzles that you will first need to solve to determine the correct coordinates. Mystery/Puzzle Caches often become the staging ground for new and unique geocaches that do not fit in another category.
- Multi-Cache. These geocaches involve two or more locations, with the final location being a physical container with a logbook inside. There are many variations, but typically once you’re at the first stage, you will receive a clue to the whereabouts of the second stage. The second stage will have a clue for the third, and so on.
- Virtual Cache. A Virtual Cache is about discovering a location rather than a container. The requirements for logging a Virtual Cache vary—you may be required to answer a question about the location, take a picture, complete a task, etc. In any case, you must visit the coordinates before you can post your log. Although many locations are interesting, a Virtual Cache should be out of the ordinary enough to warrant logging a visit.
- CITO (Cache in Trash out). Cache In Trash Out® (CITO) is an environmental initiative supported by the geocaching community. Since 2002, CITO has helped preserve the natural beauty of cache-friendly spaces. In that time, more than 363,000 people have volunteered at 18,000 CITO events. Twice per year, geocachers can earn virtual souvenirs by hosting and attending events during CITO seasons. At CITO events, geocachers and community groups work together to improve parks and other outdoor environments. They pick up trash, plant native vegetation trees, remove invasive species, build trails, and more.
- An Event Cache is a gathering of local geocachers or geocaching organizations. The Event Cache page specifies a time for the event and provides coordinates to its location. After the event has ended, it is archived.
Other types of cache exist like Mega-Event Cache or Giga-Event Cache, but they are not really adapted for libraries.
The most common cache will be the traditional cache, but librarians can also use the multi-cache or the virtual cache.