Cave of the Tayos Expedition

EXPEDITION

Cave of the Tayos ExpeditionGuided expedition · Ecuador

Descend into the Cave of the Tayos, one of the most enigmatic places in Ecuador, deep in the Amazon of Morona Santiago beside the Shuar community of Coangos. This guided Tayos Cave expedition by PEAKS begins with a 70-metre rappel into a vast underground world of galleries, waterfalls and chambers.

The adventure combines jungle trekking, a boat transfer and vertical work, with a night camped inside the cave. Highlights include the Cathedral gallery, the Moricz Arch and the Neil Armstrong stalagmite, a rock formation more than 10,000 years old. All vertical safety gear is provided and rappel technique is taught beforehand.

This is an adventurous expedition for the physically fit and curious, not a mountain climb. Cupos are limited, and every trip is run with certified guides, full vertical safety systems and a welcome from the Shuar community.

The details

Expedition facts

70 m

Rappel descent

3.0217° S, 78.2075° W

Coordinates

2 days / 1N

Duration

Grade C · Adventurous (caving + 70 m rappel)

Grade

6–10 hrs caving and vertical work

Daily activity

Year-round; driest June–December

Season

Meeting point

Riobamba (pickup)

Starting from

Enquire for prices

Good physical fitness and no severe claustrophobia. No prior caving experience is required — rappel technique is taught before the descent. Keep all clothing and your sleeping bag in plastic dry bags.

Request a quote ›

The plan

Itinerary2 days / 1 night

Day 01

Early hotel pickup in Riobamba
Long drive toward Morona Santiago in the Amazon.
Boat transfer to Coangos
Arrive at the river port and cross by boat to the Shuar community of Coangos.
Shuar welcome and jungle trek
Traditional welcome, then a short jungle trek to the cave mouth.
70 m rappel and camp
Rappel into the cave and set up camp inside.
First exploration
Explore near the entrance chambers; rest.

Day 02

Inner expedition (4–5 km)
Traverse the Cathedral, Moricz Arch and Neil Armstrong stalagmite.
Break camp and exit
Pack up and ascend the chimney to exit the cave.
Return to Riobamba
Boat and long drive back to Riobamba (late arrival).

Transparency

What's included

Included

Certified guides with fluent English
Hotel pickup and transport from Riobamba
Boat transfer
Entry and cave-camping permits
Shuar welcome
Vertical safety gear (harness, helmet, lifeline, double descent rope)
Camping gear and camp stove
Rappel technique training and photography

Not included

Food
Sleeping pad / insulation mat
Rappel or work gloves
Personal clothing (bring everything in dry bags)
Local lunch en route (approx. $5)

Good to know

FAQ

Do I need caving or rappel experience?

No. We teach rappel technique before the 70 m descent, and certified guides manage all vertical safety systems.

Is the cave dangerous?

It is a serious environment, so we use full vertical safety gear, a lifeline and double descent ropes, and limit group size.

What should I bring?

A headlamp with spare batteries, gloves, quick-dry clothing and everything sealed in plastic dry bags. Food is not included.

How do I book and what does it cost?

Prices are quoted on request and cupos are limited. Enquire on WhatsApp and confirm with a non-refundable deposit.

Cave of the Tayos Expedition