The sacred valley of Cotundo has several stones carved from cultures that inhabited the place. This petroglyph is located in the BoaLoma sector about 500 meters northeast of Cotundo. It is not clear to which culture these petroglyphs belonged. However, they date from the year 300BC until the time of the colony. Several cultures lived in these areas, especially the Quijos that have inhabited these lands in the last hundred years.
This petroglyph has several figures from different eras. It is called Mother Earth because it represents several figures of Serpietes, Jaguars, Anaconda (Amarun) and a two-headed mythological serpent (Atakapi). There are also abstract figures in the form of a large symbol that is said to symbolize the origin. For these cultures the Jaguar and the serpents are sacred animals that possess powers that only the Yachak (Sage) are capable of possessing. In addition the beliefs say that these great wise men when dying become jaguars.
From Cotundo (central stone) it goes towards the northeast hill to the BoaLoma sector. It is covered by a third order road about 500 meters to the point indicated in the map in this description. Just before a sawmill, the entrance is not very visible. The path is traveled for about 150 meters along a cement and dirt road until you reach the place where the stone is located.
Few know about the place and the locals are not very aware about the stones. There is no signage and there is little information on how to get there.
To get to Cotundo you can take a bus from Tena ($ 0.75, 30 min) or a taxi for $ 15.
Caverna de Jumandy Tena - Ecuador turismo Saturday 22 February 2025
Tourism
