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Adventure in Shuar territory

Tayos Cave

Amazon rainforest, navigation along the Santiago River, hiking, cave exploration, camping and local culture. Departs from and returns to Cuenca.

2 days / 1 nightDeparts from CuencaCustomizable program
Duration2 days / 1 night
Departure and returnCuenca
Technical equipmentIncluded
GroupFrom 4 people · fewer, on request

Description

An adventure in Shuar territory that combines Amazon rainforest, navigation along the Santiago River, hiking, exploration of the Tayos Cave, camping and local culture.

Route: Cuenca → Bella Unión → Santiago River → Coangos River → Nankupas → Tayos Cave.

During the visit you can see the John Morris Arch, El Altar, the Stalagmite Cemetery, the Neil Armstrong Stalagmite, the Sinkhole, the Amphitheater, the Waterfalls and other areas of interest.

Two camping options

Camp at Nankupas

Exit the cave on the same Day 1 and hike back to Nankupas. Set up camp and spend the night in shared tents. Bathing and shower area. Includes dinner with a traditional local menu.

Included in the program

Camp inside the cave

Stay inside the cave after finishing the exploration. Camp set up in the area designated for the group. Personal washing with natural running water. Includes dinner with a traditional local menu.

With supplement · we'll confirm it on WhatsApp

What's included

Ground transport Cuenca – Yuquianza – Cuenca and canoe navigation on the Santiago River
Land and river logistics throughout the expedition; Greenstep coordination
Entry permits arranged with the Shuar community, access via the jungle route and Shuar welcome ceremony
Lunch and dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2, with a traditional local menu
Technical equipment: helmet, headlamp (batteries not included), harness, carabiners, safety lines, ropes and other necessary equipment
Camping equipment: shared tent and sleeping mat
Team: vertical-safety specialist guide, local guide, native Shuar guide and support guides

What is not included

–Day 1 breakfast in Bella Unión
–Sleeping bag
–Rubber boots
–Batteries for the headlamp
–Additional food and drinks not specified
–Personal expenses
–Services not expressly detailed under “What's included”

Itinerary

Departure at about 3:00 am and arrival in Cuenca at about 8:00 pm on Day 2.

Day 1 · 3:00 am

Departure and ground transfer

Meeting with the Greenstep team and departure from Cuenca toward the Amazon. Stop in Bella Unión for breakfast (not included) and continuation to the boarding point.

Day 1

Navigation and hike to Nankupas

Boarding a canoe on the Santiago River, disembarking on the banks of the Coangos River and a hike of about 2 hours along the jungle route to Nankupas.

Day 1

Lunch and Shuar welcome

Lunch included with a traditional local menu and Shuar welcome ceremony. Preparation to continue to the cave.

Day 1

Cave entry and exploration

Hike to the entrance area, preparation of technical equipment and entry with the guide team. Tour and exploration of different areas and formations.

Day 1

Dinner and rest

Two camping options (see above), both with dinner from a traditional local menu.

Day 2 · 8:00 pm

Breakfast, return to Cuenca

Breakfast included, camp breakdown and a hike of about 2 hours to the Coangos River. Return navigation along the Santiago River and transfer to Cuenca, arriving at about 8:00 pm. End of Greenstep services.

Essentials

Backpack and rest: 60-liter or larger backpack; simple camping sleeping bag or beach-style bag.
Clothing and footwear: rubber boots; light, quick-drying pants; light T-shirt; waterproof jacket or poncho; hat or cap; a change of clothes.
Hiking and lighting: trekking poles; headlamp batteries and spare batteries.
Protection: insect repellent, sunscreen and covers to protect clothing from moisture.
Personal hygiene: microfiber towel, soap bar, shampoo, toilet paper and personal items.

Personal equipment you need to bring. Approximate temperature: 28 °C. Estimated humidity: 60–70%.

Important notes

If you prefer to depart from another city, we can arrange it at an additional cost: ask a Greenstep team member.

Gallery

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