La Cueva de los Tayos | Esmeraldas

La Cueva de los Tayos – Ecuador’s Mysterious Underground World

La Cueva de los Tayos is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating caves in Ecuador, located in the Amazon region, within the province of Morona Santiago. It has captivated explorers, scientists, and conspiracy theorists for decades due to its vast underground chambers, unusual rock formations, and ancient legends.

This cave system, named after the Tayos birds (nocturnal oilbirds that inhabit its depths), has been linked to pre-Columbian civilizations, alien theories, and even secret treasures.

Key Features of La Cueva de los Tayos

1. A Vast and Mysterious Cave System

• The entrance to the cave is a massive 65-meter-deep vertical shaft, requiring ropes and climbing equipment for access.
• Inside, there are extensive tunnels, underground chambers, and smooth-walled rock formations.
• Some areas of the cave contain stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers.

2. Ancient Legends and Theories

• The Shuar Indigenous people, who have lived in the region for centuries, believe the caves are a sacred place, inhabited by powerful spirits.
• Some theories suggest that an ancient advanced civilization may have carved parts of the cave, pointing to the smooth walls and geometric shapes found inside.
• In the 1970s, Erich von Däniken, a Swiss writer known for his ancient astronaut theories, speculated that the cave contained evidence of extraterrestrial contact.

3. The 1976 British Expedition

• One of the most famous explorations of La Cueva de los Tayos took place in 1976, led by Stan Hall, a Scottish researcher.
• The team included Neil Armstrong (the first man on the Moon), British and Ecuadorian military forces, and local Shuar guides.
• The expedition explored the cave for weeks, mapping its tunnels and searching for evidence of a lost civilization or hidden artifacts.
• Although no concrete evidence of ancient civilizations or alien presence was found, the cave remains one of the most mysterious locations in Ecuador.

4. The Tayos Birds

• The cave is named after the Tayos (Steatornis caripensis), a species of nocturnal, fruit-eating birds that navigate in complete darkness using echolocation—a behavior similar to bats.
• The Shuar people traditionally enter the caves to collect Tayos bird eggs, a practice that has been part of their culture for centuries.

5. Adventure and Exploration

• Visiting the cave requires physical endurance, as it involves rappelling, hiking, and navigating through dark tunnels.
• Expeditions usually last 2–4 days, involving a trek through the Amazon rainforest, camping, and guided cave exploration.
• The journey is not for beginners, but it is one of the most thrilling adventure experiences in Ecuador.

How to Get There

• The closest town is Macas, the capital of Morona Santiago Province.
• From Macas, visitors travel to the Indigenous Shuar community, where local guides lead the expedition.
• A permit and an experienced guide are required to enter the cave.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June – November) – Best for trekking and cave exploration, as the rainforest trails are less muddy.
• Rainy Season (December – May) – The cave remains accessible, but the trails can be more challenging due to heavy rains.

Conclusion

La Cueva de los Tayos is one of Ecuador’s most mysterious and adventurous destinations, offering a mix of scientific curiosity, Indigenous culture, and underground exploration. Whether you are drawn by the thrill of adventure, the legends of lost civilizations, or the wonder of the natural world, this cave promises an unforgettable journey into the unknown.