3-Day Amazon Cave Adventure in Southern Ecuador with Shuar Visit

3 Days Round trip from Cuenca Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Hike through the Southern Ecuadorian Amazon along a clear rainforest stream
02 Look for the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's colourful national bird
03 Explore an obscure cave with an underground river and waterfall
04 Visit a Shuar/Mestizo community and walk to a ritual waterfall in the rainforest
05 Relax by a sandy river beach on the return to Limón

Go on an adventurous trip to the underrated Southern Amazon region of Ecuador. Enjoy a beautiful hike in the rainforest along a clear stream, with the chance to observe the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's colourful national bird. Explore an obscure cave with an underground river and waterfall, and walk an enchanted rainforest trail to a waterfall still used by the Shuar for their mysterious rituals.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Cuenca, Limoncocha National Biological Reserve

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Journey to Limón and Rainforest Stream Hike

Meet at 9:00 AM at the office and begin the journey shortly afterwards. Arrival at the hotel in Limón is scheduled for around noon.
Afterwards, enjoy a delectable lunch and spend some time exploring the small town.
Then, put on "wet gear" (rubber boots and, in case of wet weather, a rain poncho) to enjoy a beautiful hike in the rainforest along a stream.
After about one hour of walking, return and have the chance to observe the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's colourful national bird.

At the end of the day, return to Limón for a delicious dinner.

Day 02

Jungle Cave Exploration and Riverside Relaxation

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and get ready to depart for the cave. During the 1.5-hour drive, take in the spectacular views of the jungle.
Within the obscure cave, see an underground river and a waterfall.
After the discoveries in the dark, enjoy lunch.
On the way back to Limón, stop at a river and relax for a while on a sandy beach.
In the evening, proceed to the finca, located a bit outside Limón, where you will be served a BBQ by the warm fireplace.

Day 03

Shuar Community Visit and Enchanted Rainforest Trail

After a hearty breakfast, drive to a small Shuar/Mestizo community in the rainforest.
Walk on an enchanted rainforest trail to reach a waterfall that the Shuar still use for their mysterious rituals.
Return to the hotel and prepare for the trip back to Cuenca.

Arrive by late afternoon.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Cuenca 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

2 nights' accommodation in a hotel.
Transportation, activities, and meals as listed above.
Rubber boots.
Spanish- and English-speaking guide.

What's Not Included

Drinks.
Tips.
Single supplement.
Personal expenses.

What to bring

Please note that, due to the weather, some itineraries may be subject to change and availability without prior notice.
Limón is situated in the Amazon rainforest, so the weather is usually nice and warm, but you have to be prepared for both light and heavy rain. Bring light clothes and just a few warm ones for the evenings or when it starts raining. We recommend packing the following for your trip:
- Comfortable outdoor shoes.
- Camera.
- Insect repellent.
- Sun cream (a high factor is recommended).
- Lip balm (a high factor is recommended).
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Binoculars (if possible).
- Bathing suit.
- Small daypack.
- Hat or cap for sun protection.
- Light cotton pants.
- Long-sleeved light cotton shirts.
- Shorts.
- Comfortable shoes and/or sandals for Limón.
- Extra pairs of socks.
- Passport (take a copy as well).