Cave of the Tayos: Shuar Community Jungle Trek & Cave Tour

Summary

Amazon caves, Shuar legends, jungle hikes and fireside stories

You’ll hike through Amazonian jungle near Puyo with Shuar guides, stay in rustic cabins among towering trees, explore Cave of the Tayos twice (yes—bats included), taste local food cooked by community members, and hear stories by firelight you might remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — when we first got off the bus in Puyo at 6am, I was already sweating just thinking about hauling my bag through the jungle. But something about the early light filtering through mist and the way our Shuar guide, Carlos, grinned as he handed out walking sticks made me forget my complaints. The air smelled green — if that makes sense — like wet leaves and earth after rain. We walked for an hour with our stuff bouncing on our backs (I regretted packing that extra shirt), until we reached these wooden cabins tucked into the trees. Someone from the community waved us over and just said “bienvenidos” with this open-armed gesture that felt bigger than words.

Lunch was simple but so good — I still think about that soup with plantain and something smoky in it. After eating, Carlos took us around to show us plants they use for medicine or food; he broke a leaf and had us smell it (it stung my nose in a way I didn’t expect). Then came the part I’d been both dreading and dying to try: our first entrance into the Cave of the Tayos. It’s hard to describe — cool air rushing out, everything echoing weirdly. There were bats (don’t worry, they mostly ignored us) and these rock formations that looked like melted candles. My flashlight caught a spider on the wall and I nearly dropped it; Carlos just laughed.

That night we sat around a bonfire while people from the Shuar community told stories — some funny, some kind of haunting. There was this moment where everyone went quiet except for crackling wood and distant insects. I remember thinking how far away city noise felt right then. Sleeping in those cabins was rougher than home but honestly? Waking up to birds instead of alarms is something I could get used to.

The next morning after breakfast (eggs, yuca bread), we hiked deeper into primary forest. Carlos pointed out tiny frogs clinging to leaves and explained which trees were oldest by their roots. Our second trip into the Tayos caves felt different — less nerves this time, more wonder at how big everything seemed underground. We saw more stalactites, some bats swooping overhead, even a few odd insects clinging to rocks (I tried not to look too closely). Lunch back at camp tasted even better after all that climbing around in the dark.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel and explore Tayos caves

• Depart Puyo at 6:00 am
• Bus ride to jungle (2 hours)
• Walk through jungle to cabins (1 hour)
• Welcome by Shuar Indigenous Community
• Settle in community cabins
• Lunch
• Walk and learn about plants and landscapes
• First tour of Tayos caves
• Return to camp
• Dinner and bonfire with stories
• Lodging

Day 2 — Forest walk and second cave tour

• Amazonian breakfast
• Walk in primary forest, flora and fauna interpretation
• Second tour inside Tayos caves
• Observe stalactites, stalagmites, bats, spiders
• Return to community
• Lunch prepared by Shuar Community
• Return to Puyo city
• End of services

Top questions

How do you get to Cave of the Tayos from Puyo?

You depart from Puyo by public or private bus (about 2 hours), then walk one hour through jungle trails with your luggage to reach the Shuar community cabins.

Is lunch included on this Cave of the Tayos tour?

Yes, lunch is included both days—meals are prepared by members of the Shuar Indigenous Community using local ingredients.

What animals or insects can you see inside Cave of the Tayos?

You may observe bats, spiders, various insects, as well as unique cave formations like stalactites and stalagmites during both cave visits.

Are there guides from the Shuar Indigenous Community?

Yes, tours are led by local Shuar guides who share knowledge about plants, culture, and cave history throughout your stay.

Is transportation back to Puyo provided after the tour?

Yes—the return trip includes transportation back to Puyo at the end of day two after lunch.

Are alcoholic drinks or soft drinks included?

No—alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included in this tour package.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

No—the tour involves hiking uneven jungle trails and exploring caves; it's not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.

Do you sleep overnight in tents or cabins?

You stay overnight in rustic wooden cabins within the Shuar community area—no tents needed.

What’s included

Your two-day adventure includes roundtrip transport from Puyo by bus plus a guided jungle hike with your luggage to reach comfortable community cabins where you'll spend one night. All meals—two lunches plus breakfast—are freshly prepared by Shuar hosts. You’ll join two guided explorations inside Cave of the Tayos (with all entry fees covered), enjoy plant walks in primary forest led by locals who really know their stuff, relax around a bonfire hearing cultural stories each evening before returning safely back to Puyo on day two.