Everything you need to know to go to the cave of the tayos

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Today I tell you in detail everything you need to know to go on an expedition to the incredible Tayos Cave in the Amazon. Ecuador.

At the end of April I did, what until now has been, the most extreme trip of my 38 years of life. Thanks to the invitation of Ministry of Tourism I was able to go into eastern Ecuador and go even further, to the depths of the earth.

The Tayos Cave, a geological and cultural enigma hidden in the Ecuadorian Amazon, attracts adventurers and curious people from all over the world. If you dream of exploring its depths and witnessing its imposing beauty, This guide will give you all the information you need to plan your trip, yes indeed, under my personal experience that was extreme.

This is the expedition to the Cueva de los Tayos

As you know, When I travel I try to document as best as possible the cities and experiences they have to offer.. In this case, Within the Stop Being a Foreigner in Your Land campaign I was able to live an incredible adventure in the Ecuadorian Amazon and for this, before starting, I share the video divided into two parts.

The first is how the arrival is, since as I always say, Images are worth more than the fifteen hundred words in this post.:

And the second part about the myths, magic and mysteries of the Cave, with an incredible interview:

We continue with the information that you cannot miss.

Where is the Cueva de los Tayos??

We must start from the basics, many believe it is close to everything, but really, It is far from everything and very close to the border with Peru. It is located in the province of Morona Santiago, canton Limón Indanza, in the mountainous area of ​​the Cordillera del Cóndor, The Cueva de los Tayos is located in the ancestral territory of the Shuar community. Access is not easy, which adds an extra component of adventure to the experience. The closest cities/communities are General Plaza (Lemon), Mendez, Tiwintza and Patuca where the tour itself begins.

How to get to the Cueva de los Tayos?

Getting to the Cueva de los Tayos involves a combination of land transportation and, In most cases, river and land through trails in the jungle. There is no road that takes you directly to the cave entrance. This is what people don't know and they think it's a walk like going to the park..

First I have to recommend that you do this entire tour with a certified guide, because if they do it like this it will include everything, from land transportation from Quito or another city, the canoes, to be able to enter the Shuar communities, feeding, help and all the safety equipment to go down to the Cave.

In my case, We travel safely and calmly thanks to the support of Carlos Nuñez – Tour Guide and you can contact him directly at this number: 0987335032

As with every guide or agency, conditions can change, this would be an additional idea on how to get there:

1. From the main cities of Ecuador: The first step is to go to nearby Amazonian cities like Macas or Puyo. You can do it by bus from land terminals in Quito, Guayaquil or other important cities. Travel times can be extensive (for instance, from Quito or Guayaquil you can take between 8 and 14 hours or more by bus, depending on the route and connections).
   1. There are no nearby flight or airport options, Unless you have a big budget to rent a private plane or, like Will Smith, a helicopter that leaves you minutes from the Cave..
2. From Macas or Puyo: Once in one of these cities, You must coordinate transportation to the starting point of the expedition to the cave. Commonly, This point is a Shuar community, like Coangos. Transportation can be by vehicle and then by canoe along the river.
3. The final stretch: Arrival at the cave involves a walk along trails in the jungle. The duration and difficulty of this hike vary depending on the starting point and weather conditions. In some cases, may include steep descents.
   1. In my case, the total walk was almost 6 hours between ups and downs, super physically and emotionally demanding, so be prepared in every way, It is not a simple or common walk.
   2. There is a lot of mud, it's hot on the 34 degrees and you will be carrying a big backpack with some 20 kilos of weight on the back.

How to go to the Cueva de los Tayos: On your own or with a tour?

Given the complexity of access, the need for permits from the Shuar community and the challenges of the jungle terrain and the cave itself, It is essential to go to the Cueva de los Tayos with an authorized local guide and through tour operators that work together with the communities.

Trying to go on your own is not only dangerous, but also implies the impossibility of obtaining the necessary entry permits, since access is controlled by the Shuar community, guardians of this ancestral territory. Don't risk it and go with a guide!!

Plan ahead, since everything must be coordinated in advance.

Guide and adventure

Hiring a local guide is essential for several reasons:

• Knowledge of the terrain: Shuar guides have deep knowledge of the jungle, the trails, the rivers and, of course, from the cave itself. This guarantees your safety during the journey.
• Permits and coordination: Tour operators and local guides are in charge of managing the necessary permits with the communities, ensuring respectful and legal access.
• Cultural immersion: Going with community guides gives you the opportunity to learn about the culture, traditions and worldview of the Shuar people, who consider the cave a sacred place.
• Cave experience: Exploration inside the Cueva de los Tayos requires vertical progression techniques (rappel) to descend to its main rooms. The guides have the equipment and experience necessary to carry out this activity safely.

I remind you of the contact of the guide who helped us on this trip: Carlos Nunez – Tour Guide: 0987335032

The visit to the Cueva de los Tayos is intrinsically an adventure. It involves walking through the jungle, navigate rivers and descend to the depths of an impressive cavern. Requires good physical condition and a willingness to face natural challenges.

Adventure cost

The cost of visiting the Cueva de los Tayos varies significantly depending on the tour operator, the duration of the tour and the services included. Usually, Tour packages cover:

• Transportation from a meeting point (commonly Macas or Méndez) to the access community.
• River transport (in canoe).
• Specialized local guidance.
• Entry permits to the community and the cave.
• Equipment needed for cave exploration (casco, harness, lantern frontal).
• Food and basic accommodation in the community (in simple cabins or camping).

Tours can vary from expeditions of 2 days and 1 night to longer programs. Prices can range between $150 and $600 USD or more per person, depending on the factors mentioned. It is important to research and compare options from authorized tour operators.

What is needed and what to bring?

For an expedition to the Cueva de los Tayos, It is crucial to be well prepared. Here is a list of the essentials that you could travel according to the instructions of your guide:

• Lantern frontal (indispensable):
• Gumboots:
• Comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying clothing
• change clothes
• Raincoat or water jacket
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Swimsuit and small towel
• Biodegradable personal hygiene items.
• Personal medications.
• water bottles
• Snacks or additional energy food.
• Waterproof case to protect your electronic devices and documents.
• work gloves
• A large backpack with your belongings for the camp or accommodation.
• Sleeping bag and insulation

Important: Check with your tour operator about the specific equipment they provide and what you need to bring additionally.

How long does the expedition take?

The total time that the expedition to the Cueva de los Tayos takes varies depending on your starting point in Ecuador and the duration of the tour you choose. Considering land transfers from main cities and the duration of the tour itself, a visit can take:

• From Quito or Guayaquil: Minimum 2 a 3 days (including days of round trip travel to the area).
• From Macas or Puyo: Towers of 2 days and 1 night are usually the most common, although there are longer options.
• The walk and exploration inside the cave takes several hours, depending on the itinerary and group conditions. The initial vertical descent into the cave is a significant part of the experience that can take several hours.

The Cueva de los Tayos offers an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Plan ahead, Hiring an authorized local guide and being prepared for the conditions of the jungle are key to fully enjoying this unique and mysterious destination..

Do you dare to go?

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