Jumandy Cavernas

Location:
Just outside of Archidona
Tena, Ecuador

City Walk, Hiking

By Kristi Mohrbacher

Don't let the entrance to the Jumandy Caves deter you from going inside. Yes, you will have to enter through a water park. Yes, you will have to make your way through screaming kids to the cafe counter to ask for a guide.  Yes, it will cost $5 for your guide and flashlight and yes, you will wonder, "What the heck am I doing here?" As soon as you are 100 feet into the cave you will forget what you left behind as you concentrate on working your way deep into the earth without slipping. Your guide will lead you through the creek that has carved out the caves over the years, and at times, you will have to swim through it. You will climb over waterfalls, see sleeping bats and touch stalagtites and stalagmites. If you get there early enough and a 45 minute trek through the caves isn't enough for you, there is a cave that takes four hours to get through.  Make sure you are comfortable with your guide's knowledge and abilities if you embark on this four hour adventure.  And yes, you will be glad you visited the Jumandy Cavernas.  

Getting There
You can take a $6 - $8 cab ride from Tena, or hop on a bus in town to get out to the Jumandy Caves.  Be sure to mention to the bus driver that you would like to be dropped off there.