La Isla Escondida Birding Lodge
Birding lodge and private reserve stay in Putumayo, Colombia, with 450+ recorded species, primary Amazon-Andes foothill forest, trails, guides and canopy platforms.
About this tour
Natural Reserve La Isla Escondida is a birding lodge and private reserve near Orito in Putumayo, where the Andean foothills meet the Amazon rainforest.
The reserve covers 130 hectares, around 90 percent of it primary forest, and sits between the Rio Sucio and Rio Guamuez at about 850 metres elevation. The site combines foothill, Amazonian and river-edge birding in one compact lodge-based stay.
Birders can use trails around the reserve, local guiding, canopy platforms and night excursions. The lodge reports more than 450 recorded bird species on the public activities page, while Jurgen's email notes an expanding list of more than 500 species including rare and range-restricted birds.
Accommodation includes lodge rooms, forest rooms, shared-bath options, tents and possible overnight stays on canopy platforms. Rates, guide availability, transfers, horse support for luggage, platform stays and final logistics should be confirmed for each enquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Colombia.
Birds you can spot
Discosura langsdorffi
target
Leucopternis melanops
target
Eutoxeres condamini
target
Hemitriccus rufigularis
target
Anurolimnas castaneiceps
target
Pipreola chlorolepidota
target
Myiopagis olallai
target
Schiffornis aenea
target
Megascops roraimae
target
Frederickena fulva
target
Cryptopipo holochlora
target
Snowornis subalaris
target
Psophia crepitans
target
Rhegmatorhina melanosticta
target
Nothocrax urumutum
target
Pharomachrus pavoninus
target
Aramides calopterus
target
Mitu salvini
target
Pogonotriccus orbitalis
target
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Arrive via Puerto Asis, Villagarzon, bus or private vehicle and continue toward Orito and Vereda El Libano. Walk the marked access trail into the reserve, with horse support for luggage if arranged in advance. Settle into the lodge and begin easy birding around the main house, garden and nearby trails if time allows.
Bird the reserve trails and canopy platforms for foothill and Amazonian species. tour details highlights include Nocturnal Curassow, Salvin's Curassow, Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Black-bellied Thorntail, Pavonine Quetzal, antbirds, antshrikes, manakins, fruiteaters and other specialties.
Use the lodge trail network with local guiding as needed. Depending on weather, access and interests, birders can focus on target species, canopy viewpoints, river-edge forest, nocturnal sounds, night excursions or more demanding trail options toward higher forest.
Take a final morning around the lodge, trails or platform areas, then walk back to the trailhead for onward travel. The lodge recommends longer stays for birding and photography when possible, so the exact number of nights can be adjusted after enquiry.
Locations & map
- Natural Reserve La Isla Escondida - Orito, Putumayo Colombia (Primary forest in the Andean foothills of Putumayo where Amazonian and foothill bird communities meet.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Recommended year-round except May and June, when rainfall is usually heaviest.
(Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026)
Included
- Accommodation and three buffet meals in the 2026 stay rate - Final room type and availability to confirm.
- Access to trails and observation platforms - Safety rules apply for canopy platforms.
- WiFi, pool, coffee/tea and accident insurance - As described on the public rates page; confirm at booking.
- Local guide - Guide rate listed separately unless included in a final quotation.
- Transfers, taxis and flights - Puerto Asis, Villagarzon, Orito and trailhead logistics are arranged separately.
- Horse support for luggage - Listed separately and must be arranged in advance.
- Platform accommodation supplement, extra meals, drinks and laundry - Separate unless confirmed in the final quotation.
Transport & stays
- Taxi, private transfer and trail access by arrange The information sheet describes access via Orito and Vereda El Libano, with a marked walk from the road to the lodge. | Meet: Orito, Puerto Asis airport, Villagarzon airport or agreed access point | Pickup: Taxi and horse/luggage support can be arranged in advance; final logistics to confirm with Jurgen.
Accommodations
- Natural Reserve La Isla Escondida lodge rooms (days 1-5) Private or shared-bath lodge rooms, forest room, tents or canopy platform by availability Solar electricity, WiFi near the lodge, meals, pool, trails and observation platforms
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Is this a standard tour?
No. This is a BirdWatch tour for a lodge-based birding stay at La Isla Escondida. Dates, nights, guiding and logistics are confirmed after enquiry.
How many nights should birders plan?
The lodge recommends four to six nights for birding and photography, with the exact stay tailored after enquiry.
Are rubber boots needed?
Yes. The information sheet strongly recommends knee-high rubber boots because trails can be muddy and slippery after rain.