The Month of Jay - Part 2: Jumandy Caves

During the war in the 1500's between the invading Spanish Conquistadors and the many indigenous tribes of Ecuador, several leaders emerged. One of the most famous was a man called Jumandy. Jumandy led the indigenous Quichwa of the Amazonian Basin against the Spanish who were slowly moving down from the highlands into Quichwa territory. Jumandy burned the towns of Baeza and Archidona (now these two towns are Peace Corps volunteer sites) and moved the local populations into hiding. This was done to prevent the Spanish from stealing supplies and manpower. Jumandy was able to unite the tribes of the Oriente for a common defense...basically he was the William Wallace of Ecuador.

Jumandy attempted to get the indigenous tribes of the Sierra to help him, but when he went to their lands, they double crossed him and told the Spanish where he was. Jumandy retreated to his strong point, the caves now named after him. Unfortunately for Jumandy, the Spanish captured him at the caves, transported him to Quito, and executed him there.

Today the caves are a major tourist attraction and you can take a guided tour for $4. I had taken the Trainees who went on the Oriente Technical Trip to the caves, but it was worth going back. The coolest thing about the caves is that you can go anywhere. its not like the US where you have to stay on the path. We climbed in with our guide, Ramon, and hiked around for about an hour. We took a swim in a hole carved out by the stream that flows through the caves, bathed in a small waterfall, rubbed "medicinal" mud on ourselves, watched the bats flying all around, and generally had a good time.