In 1965 Juan Moricz discovered what the natives call Cueva de los Tayos, and claimed to find within it a Metal Library. Not metal like the music, mind you, but rather tablets made of shining metal, deep within the cavern.
In 1976 an expedition was lead by Stanley Hall and included Neil Armstrong (yes, that Neil Armstrong), and head into Tayos. Today, Hall’s daughter Eileen continues to be active in the exploration and conservancy of the cave. Due to the dangers and challenges that this cave presents, with a 200′ drop at the mouth, exploring the cave has been very limited. When the 1976 group explored the cave they only made it about three miles in. There is significant flooding throughout the cave.
There are no roads that reach this cave system, which is located in the home of the Shuar natives, a ways down the Rio Santiago from Cuenca, Ecuador– one of the last true Colonial towns in the region. The views within the cave, however, make all the difficulties to reach it, worth it for many explorers.
More Info:
Tayos.org
The Portuguese Traveler
Ecuador Eco Adventure
Ancient Origins
Atlas Obscura
Outside Online
