QUITO-MISAHUALLI TRIP

2nd stop, Archidona

Archidona-Jumandi, the subterranean world

After twenty steps from the entrance of the cave, after the first curve, the darkness encloses all while behind remain shouts of kids comming down the water slides. The subterranean world opens to humid walls, bats, long leg spiders, transparent insects, stalactites and stalagmites. In the caves of Jumandi, with a flashlight in the hand and in the company of a guide, the visitor enjoys an introduction to the speleology. The weak glow of light illuminates the rock vaults. The river runs accross the cave's floor to disapear in a well. For the more advanced visitors, a bypass conducts to a place where barely there is space to walk like a cat through caverns.

Do not forget.
To enter the caves is indispensable to take a water resistant flashlight, waterproof puncho and rubber boots because the floor is covered with mud.

How to get there.
The complex of Jumandi caves is few kilometers before the town of Archidona.

The complex.
Besides the caves is a turist complex with pools, slides, restaurant and parking. It is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00.

The history.
Jumandi is the name of a native cacique that directed a rebellion against the Spaniards in 1578. The legend counts that he took refuge in these caves.

Pano: the door of Llanganates

Only 30 minutes from Tena is the entrance in a world of mythical legend. Pano is the Eastern part of the Llanganates. Its trails, where passed tens of explorers looking for the treasure of Atahualpa, are bordered by cascades, river pools and exuberant vegetation where the orchids grow on rock walls and tree trunks.
What to take.
In the knapsack you should not lack insect's repellent , solar protector, and bathing suit. In order to have a comfortable walk it is advisable to use light clothes and waterproof footwear.
The food
The inhabitants of Pano offers refreshments and some foods to visitors, but it is preferable to take sufficient light food like sandwiches and bottled water.

Archidona - Tena Area

20 - In the communities of Cotundo and Reten are found abundance of petroglyphs and sacred figures from pre-Columbian times.
21 - 5 kms from Archidona is a complex of Jumandy caves.
22 - In community of Santa Rita are found four petroglyphs.
23 - Archidona's Intercultural Ecotourism Centre with cabañas, restaurant and conference hall.
24 - Early conquistadors found the City of Archidona. The church and a petroglyph in San Agustin are worth visiting.
25 - A petroglyph is found on the farm of Chaupi Shungu.
26 - In the middle of Rio Inchillaqui is found a complex petroglyph.
27 - Another petroglyph 100 m. from the bridge.
28 - The embedded track of puma is found at "Puma rumi" location.
29 - Rio Pano and Rio Tena are class II kayaking rivers. Rio Misahualli from Tena to Puerto Misahualli is class IV, the best kayaking river in Ecuador.
30 - The Amazonic Park "La Isla" in the centre of City of Tena with examples of local fauna and flora.
31 - A petroglyph of a toad known as "Sapu rumi".
32 - Rio Jatunyacu is class III kayaking river up to Puerto Napo.
33 - Rio Anzu is class II kayaking river.