Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
"Explore the Enigmatic Tayos Cave, Following in Astronaut Neil Armstrong's Footsteps"
The Tayos Cave was already well-known to the ancestral peoples of what is now Ecuador, known as the Shuar or Jíbaros. However, it wasn't until July 21, 1969 (curiously just a few days after NEIL ARMSTRONG set foot on the Moon), that the world learned of the existence of one of the oldest caverns known to man, rumored to hold secrets of intelligent underground civilizations. Undoubtedly, if you seek extreme adventure, this will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life!
What's included
Comprehensive Personal Spelunking and Camping Gear Provided
Two expert spelunking guides
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Registration and Military-Authorized Permit for Entry into Protected Area
One horse will carry the spelunking equipment, food, ropes, and provisions for the group.
Gratuities
What to expect
Day 1: Let's Head to Morona Santiago province
Quito
8h
Departure from Quito, Riobamba, or Baños de Agua Santa city. We just need to confirm the pickup time and location beforehand.
Today, lunch and dinner are not included. Our primary focus is traveling to Mendez City to ensure a good night's rest. Tomorrow promises a full day of adventure, requiring all our energy. However, along the way, feel free to ask the driver to stop at various scenic spots for brief visits."
(Travel from Quito to Mendez city: 9 hours)
Route: Quito - Baños - Puyo - Macas - Mendez.
12h
Upon arrival in Mendez City, guests will meet with specialized guides who will provide essential information and recommendations for the journey. Personal spelunking equipment will be distributed, and participants will be registered in the platform.
Day 2: Tracking the Trails of the Coangos and Shuar Communities
Mendez
2h
At 06:45, after enjoying breakfast, guests will be warmly greeted and participate in a safety briefing.
Personal spelunking equipment will be rechecked, and participants will be officially registered on the platform to visit the Cueva de los Tayos, under the supervision of Ecuadorian military personnel.
Subsequently, there will be a transfer to the Yukiantza River Port, from where participants will embark on a canoe journey to La Puntilla, situated at the confluence of the Kuankus River and the Santiago River.
Coangos
4h
Upon arrival at LA PUNTILLA, guests will embark on a picturesque walk to reach the SHUAR COMMUNITY of Kuankus, where they will be warmly welcomed at 13H00 PM and treated to a delightful lunch. Following this, at 14h00 PM, another guided walk awaits, leading from the Kuankus Community to the Coangos River, where an ancient suspension bridge spans its waters.
An adventurous highlight of the journey occurs at 14:40 PM as participants experience a thrilling raft crossing of the Kuankus River, with one tourist crossing at a time. After the crossing, the group will continue on foot, trekking from the Kuankus River to a community farm marking the entrance to the cave, scheduled to be reached by 16H00 PM.
12h · Admission ticket included
As the day comes to a close, the group will arrive at the estate of Mr. Bosco Pitiur at 18:00 PM, where they will be greeted with warmth and hospitality. A hearty dinner awaits at 20:00 PM, providing an opportunity for interaction and cultural exchange with a Shuar family. Finally, at 21:00 PM, guests can retire to rest in comfortable Shuar camping place, preparing for the adventures that await on the following day.
Day 3: The Enigmatic Cueva de los Tayos: Unraveling Mysteries & Legends
2h · Admission ticket included
At 06H00 AM, guests will enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by a SHUAR FAMILY, providing nourishment for the day's adventures. Following breakfast, at 06H40 AM, the group will embark on a scenic hike to reach the entrance of the "CHIMENEA" CAVE, a journey filled with stunning natural beauty.
Upon arrival at the cave entrance at 07H30 AM, adrenaline and excitement will fill the air as tourists prepare to descend 70 meters by rappel into the depths of the cave.
This thrilling experience offers a unique perspective and sets the tone for the exploration to come.
Once inside the cave, guests will begin their exploration, led by experienced guides, as they make their way to the "THE CATHEDRAL" campsite. Here, the group will set up camp, arranging insulation and sleeping accommodations for the night ahead.
Cueva de los Tayos
1 day · Admission ticket included
A well-deserved lunch will be served at 12:00, prepared by the knowledgeable guides, providing sustenance for further exploration.
From 13:00 onwards, guests will embark on a fascinating journey deep into the cave, discovering remarkable features such as The Altar, Hall of Stalagmites, Cascade, and Amphitheater.
Don't forget to capture the moment with a memorable photo near the stalactite, reminiscent of the one taken by astronaut Neil Armstrong.
As the day winds down, at 20:00, a light snack will be provided by the guides, offering a moment of respite and reflection on the day's discoveries. Guests will gather to share their experiences and anecdotes with the guides, fostering a sense of camaraderie and cultural exchange.
Finally, at 21:30 PM, it will be time to rest and recharge inside the cave, surrounded by the ancient mysteries and wonders of the underground world, preparing for another day of adventure to come.
Day 4: From the cave to the rivers, the journey back to civilization begins
Cueva de los Tayos
5h · Admission ticket included
The third day of the tour begins at 05:30 AM with camp disassembly, equipment collection, and backpack preparation. At 06:00 AM, a light breakfast will be served inside the cave.
At 07:00 AM, participants will embark on a rope ascent, using our equipment, to exit the cave, facing a height of 70 meters. At noon, at 12:00 PM, a lunch prepared by the Shuar family will be enjoyed outside the cave.
4h
After lunch, at 12:30 PM, a hike will be undertaken from the cave entrance to the Kuankus River, followed by a raft crossing of the river at 01:30 PM.
Subsequently, at 02:30 PM, a walk from the Kuankus River to La Puntilla will take place, where at 04:30 PM, a canoe will be boarded bound for Yukiantza.
Morona-Santiago Province
12h
At 05H30 PM, the return journey from the Yukiantza port to the city of Méndez will commence. Finally, at 07H00 PM, arrival in Mendez will occur, where equipment return will take place.
Dinner not included. Accommodation in the city of Mendez.
Day 5: Flexible Departures
Mendez
1h
Our program concludes with breakfast.
From here, you have multiple options for returning to Quito city or continuing your journey to Cuenca, Guayaquil, or Baños de Agua Santa cities. During your trip, our guide can assist in organizing your transfer by bus or private transport.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Quito to Rainforest Adventure: Coordinate Your Pickup Location for Departure!
If you're from another city, simply let us know to arrange your transfer
Additional information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
