2-Day Amazon Expedition: Caves and Crystal Lagoons

Underground rivers and jungle lagoons in two days

A 2-day Amazon tour from Archidona combining cave exploration and natural pool swimming in the Llanganates forest, with accommodation, meals, private transport and a local guide included. The itinerary alternates between speleology (caves with stalactites, stalagmites and underground tributaries) on day one and an expedition to the Yani lagoons on day two. A minimum of two participants is required. Children are welcome from age 10.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore caves and stay at hotel

• Tour caves with stalactites and stalagmites
• Explore underground tributaries
• Stay overnight at Hotel Palmar del Río Premium

Day 2: Visit natural crystalline pools

• Have American breakfast with Amazonian touch
• Expedition to Yani natural lagoons
• Enjoy refreshing river adventure

The experience

Day one centers on cave exploration. You'll move through trails lined with stalactite and stalagmite formations, descend into underground tributaries, and navigate passages with equipment provided: rubber boots, helmet and flashlight. The guide leads the speleology tour at a pace suited to moderate fitness. This is not a passive walk but active movement through the cave system. After the expedition you return to Hotel Palmar del Río Premium in Archidona for the night, where rooms have private bathrooms, hot water and cable TV.

Day two shifts to water. An expedition takes you into the Llanganates forest to the Yani natural lagoons, where you swim in pools fed by crystalline water. The river crossing uses a cable car, and the whole day unfolds in the middle of the jungle rather than at a developed site. Breakfast is included both mornings. Meals and snacks are part of the package throughout.

Private transportation moves the group between the hotel, the cave entrance and the lagoons. A local guide who speaks English or Spanish leads both days and handles the logistics. The operator asks that you meet at Hotel Palmar del Río Premium, located two blocks from the Municipality in Archidona, which sits central to the attractions in Napo province.

What’s included

• Private transportation between Archidona and both sites.
• accommodation one night at Hotel Palmar del Río Premium with private bathroom, hot water and cable TV.
• breakfast both mornings.
• all meals and snacks during the expedition.
• rubber boots, helmet and flashlight for cave exploration.
• entrance tickets to both sites.
• local guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Child (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Archidona Aventura

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you choose the language that fits your group. Both days require moderate physical fitness: the cave day involves active movement through passages, while the lagoon day is less strenuous but includes a cable car river crossing and swimming.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens on the cave day?

Speleology is the focus: you walk trails through cave formations including stalactites and stalagmites, then explore underground tributaries. The guide provides a helmet, flashlight and rubber boots, and leads the tour at a safe pace through the passages. It is an active experience, not a viewing tour.

Can I bring my 10-year-old on this trip?

Children are welcome from age 10 and up. The cave day requires moderate physical fitness and the ability to move through passages with a helmet. The lagoon day is less demanding but still involves river crossing by cable car and swimming in natural pools.

What is included in the price?

The package covers accommodation at Hotel Palmar del Río Premium for one night; breakfast both mornings; all meals and snacks during the two days; private transportation between the hotel and both sites; rubber boots, helmet and flashlight for the cave; entrance tickets; and a local guide in English or Spanish.

What should I know before booking if I have health concerns?

The operator does not recommend this tour for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, particularly for the cave day, which involves active movement through passages and underground spaces.

Where do I meet, and how do I get to the starting point?

You meet at Hotel Palmar del Río Premium on the road to Sinchi Sacha, two blocks from the Municipality in Archidona. The hotel is central to tourist attractions in Napo and has a pool where you can rest between days. Private transport is included once the tour begins.