AMAZON EXPEDITION

Tayos Cave

A 67 m rappel into the underworld of the Amazon.

3.0217° S, 78.2075° W — 67 M rappel
Certified Guides1:2 Guide Ratio AvailableWe Own Our EquipmentFree Summit Photography
EXPEDITION

Tayos CaveGuided expedition · Ecuador

The Cave of the Tayos is one of Ecuador's most enigmatic places, deep in the Amazon rainforest of Morona Santiago, beside the Shuar community of Coangos. This guided PEAKS expedition is a 2-day, 1-night experience with 24 continuous hours inside the cave and a night camping underground, opening with a 67 m rappel into a subterranean world of galleries, waterfalls and vaulted chambers.

The adventure combines a boat crossing, a trek along the short route (about 1.5 hours of hiking) and vertical rope work. Inside, we visit the cave's most striking features: The Cathedral, the Moricz Arch, the Amphitheater with its internal waterfall, and the Neil Armstrong Stalagmite, a stone formation more than 10,000 years old. The cave is home to the tayos, nocturnal birds that navigate by echolocation. All vertical safety equipment is included, and rappel technique is taught before the descent.

This trip is built for active people looking for a direct, well-run experience rather than a mountain summit. Spots are limited, and every departure runs with certified guides, complete vertical safety systems, pack mules for the gear, and a welcome from the Shuar community.

The details

Expedition facts

67 m
Rappel descent
3.0217° S, 78.2075° W
Coordinates
2 days / 1N
Duration
Caving · Adventure (67 m rappel)
Grade
24 continuous hours inside the cave, camping underground
Daily activity
Meeting point
Cuenca & Riobamba (pickup)
Starting from
By WhatsApp

Good physical condition. No previous caving or rappelling experience is required: technique is taught before the descent. Bring a headlamp with spare batteries, work gloves, a quick-dry base layer, a waterproof jacket, rubber boots, a 50-liter backpack, and all clothing and your sleeping bag sealed in waterproof plastic bags.

Request a quote
Tayos Cave — PEAKS Ecuador
Tayos Cave — PEAKS Ecuador
Tayos Cave — PEAKS Ecuador
Tayos Cave — PEAKS Ecuador
Tayos Cave — PEAKS Ecuador
Tayos Cave — PEAKS Ecuador
Tayos Cave — PEAKS Ecuador
Tayos Cave — PEAKS Ecuador
Tayos Cave — PEAKS Ecuador
Tayos Cave — PEAKS Ecuador
Tayos Cave — PEAKS Ecuador
The plan

Itinerary2 days / 1 night

The route
Day 01
  • Departure
    Meet at the pickup point and drive roughly 4 hours (200 km) toward Morona Santiago, in the Amazon.
  • Puerto Yuquianza and boat crossing
    Arrive at the river port and transfer by boat to the Shuar community of Coangos.
  • Trek on the short route
    Begin the trek along the short route and visit the home of Taita Don Bosco, an elder and wise man of the community.
  • Cave mouth and camp
    Reach the mouth of the cave, complete the 67 m rappel, set up camp inside the cave and rest.
Day 02
  • Underground expedition (4 to 5 km)
    Break camp and explore The Cathedral, the Moricz Arch, the Amphitheater and the Neil Armstrong Stalagmite.
  • Ascent through the chimney
    Return to camp and climb out of the cave through the chimney exit.
  • Lunch with Taita Don Bosco
    Share a local lunch in the community before heading back.
  • Return drive
    Boat crossing back and drive to the original meeting point.
Transparency

What's included

Included

  • Certified guides with fluent English
  • Ground transport from the pickup point
  • Boat crossing
  • High-end vertical safety equipment (helmet, harness, carabiner, lifeline and double safety rope)
  • Camping equipment (tent and sleeping bag)
  • Pack mules for the gear
  • Lunch inside the cave
  • Permits and welcome by the Shuar community
  • In-cave photography and technique training

Not included

  • Meals outside the cave
  • Sleeping pad or sleeping bag liner
  • Rappel or work gloves
  • Knee or elbow pads
  • Personal clothing (pack everything in waterproof plastic bags)
Good to know

FAQ

Do I need rappelling or caving experience?
No. We teach rappel technique before the 67 m descent, and our certified guides manage all vertical safety systems.
Is the cave dangerous?
It is a serious environment, which is why we use complete vertical safety equipment, a lifeline and a double descent rope, and we keep group sizes small. Safety always comes first.
What should I bring?
A headlamp with spare batteries, gloves, a quick-dry base layer, rubber boots, and everything sealed in waterproof plastic bags. Meals outside the cave are not included.
How do I book?
Spots are limited. Message us on WhatsApp to coordinate dates and a quote. Your reservation is confirmed with a non-refundable deposit.
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