IMG
© Jurgen Beckers

RN La Isla Escondida

0.65067 , -77.06806

Colombia

La Isla Escondida – "the Hidden Island" – is located in the department of Putumayo, close to the border with Ecuador. Biogeographically, the reserve lies at the intersection between the Amazon and the Andes at an altitude of ca. 850 metres. The reserve itself has a size of 106 hectares and consists mostly of primary tropical forest. It is surrounded by large areas of forests, also predominantly primary, which currently are not formally protected. The reserve is only accessible via a two-hour hike on muddy trails. You will be more than compensated for this by a truly unique experience of nature and wilderness.

Due to the geographic location, the area hosts mostly species typical of the Amazonian bioregion, including numerous species of antbirds and the remarkable Nocturnal Curassow. Typical Andean fauna elements include Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo and even Spectacled Bear. More than 450 species of birds have been recorded in the last years.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Site name was changed by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) into "RN La Isla Escondida" (2020-10-04 14:24:56 )

Coordinates were set by Admin : : 0.6507/-77.0681 (2018-07-18 00:00:00 )

Site name was set by Admin : as "Reserva La Isla Escondida" (2018-07-18 00:00:00 )

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 17:01:45
Las Isla La Isla Escondida – "the Hidden Island" – is located in the department of Putumayo, close to the border with Ecuador. Biogeographically, the reserve lies at the intersection between the Amazon and the Andes at an altitude of ca. 850 metres. The reserve itself has a size of 106 hectares and consists mostly of primary tropical forest. It is surrounded by large areas of forests, also predominantly primary, which currently are not formally protected. The reserve is only accessible via a two-hour hike on muddy trails. You will be more than compensated for this by a truly unique experience of nature and wilderness. Due to the geographic location, the area hosts mostly species typical of the Amazonian bioregion, including numerous species of antbirds and the remarkable Nocturnal Curassow. Typical Andean fauna elements include Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo and even Spectacled Bear. More than 450 species of birds have been recorded in the last years.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 11:46:56
Las Isla Escondida – "the Hidden Island" – is located in the department of Putumayo, close to the border with Ecuador. Biogeographically, the reserve lies at the intersection between the Amazon and the Andes at an altitude of ca. 850 metres. The reserve itself has a size of 106 hectares and consists mostly of primary tropical forest. It is surrounded by large areas of forests, also predominantly primary, which currently are not formally protected. The reserve is only accessible via a two-hour hike on muddy trails. You will be more than compensated for this by a truly unique experience of nature and wilderness. Due to the geographic location, the area hosts mostly species typical of the Amazonian bioregion, including numerous species of antbirds and the remarkable Nocturnal Curassow. Typical Andean fauna elements include Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo and even Spectacled Bear. More than 450 species of birds have been recorded in the last years.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 11:37:15
Las Isla Escondida – "the Hidden Island" – is located in the department of Putumayo, close to the border with Ecuador. Biogeographically, the reserve lies at the intersection between the Amazon and the Andes at an altitude of ca. 850 metres. The reserve itself has a size of 106 hectares and consists mostly of primary tropical forest. It is surrounded by large areas of forests, also predominantly primary, which currently are not formally protected. The reserve is only accessible via a two-hour hike on muddy trails. You will be more than compensated for this by a truly unique experience of nature and wilderness. Due to the geographic location, the area hosts mostly species typical of the Amazonian bioregion, including numerous species of antbirds and the remarkable Nocturnal Curassow. Typical Andean fauna elements include Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo and even Spectacled Bear.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Black Tinamou (Tinamus osgoodi)
Blue-throated Piping-Guan (Pipile cumanensis)
Nocturnal Curassow (Nothocrax urumutum)
Salvin's Curassow (Mitu salvini)
Buff-tailed Sicklebill (Eutoxeres condamini)
Pale-tailed Barbthroat (Threnetes leucurus)
Blue-fronted Lancebill (Doryfera johannae)
Ecuadorian Piedtail (Phlogophilus hemileucurus)
Black-throated Brilliant (Heliodoxa schreibersii)
Gould's Jewelfront (Heliodoxa aurescens)
Chestnut-headed Crake (Rufirallus castaneiceps)
Black-faced Hawk (Leucopternis melanops)
Foothill Screech-Owl (Megascops roraimae)
Band-bellied Owl (Pulsatrix melanota)
Pavonine Quetzal (Pharomachrus pavoninus)
Western Striolated-Puffbird (Nystalus obamai)
Coppery-chested Jacamar (Galbula pastazae)
Golden-collared Toucanet (Selenidera reinwardtii)
White-throated Woodpecker (Piculus leucolaemus)
Lined Forest-Falcon (Micrastur gilvicollis)
Fulvous Antshrike (Frederickena fulva)
Foothill Stipplethroat (Epinecrophylla spodionota)
Banded Antbird (Dichrozona cincta)
White-plumed Antbird (Pithys albifrons)
Hairy-crested Antbird (Rhegmatorhina melanosticta)
White-lored Antpitta (Myrmothera fulviventris)
Duida Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes duidae)
Green Manakin (Cryptopipo holochlora)
Fiery-throated Fruiteater (Pipreola chlorolepidota)
Gray-tailed Piha (Snowornis subalaris)
Amazonian Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus ornatus)
Foothill Schiffornis (Schiffornis aenea)
White-browed Purpletuft (Iodopleura isabellae)
Spectacled Bristle-Tyrant (Pogonotriccus orbitalis)
Ecuadorian Tyrannulet (Phylloscartes gualaquizae)
Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus capitalis)
Golden-winged Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus calopterus)
Foothill Elaenia (Myiopagis olallai)
Yellow-lored Tanager (Chlorothraupis frenata)
Fulvous Shrike-Tanager (Lanio fulvus)

White-plumed Antbird (Pithys albifrons) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:46:35)

Foothill Schiffornis (Schiffornis aenea) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:46:11)

Green Manakin (Cryptopipo holochlora) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:45:27)

Duida Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes duidae) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:45:16)

Coppery-chested Jacamar (Galbula pastazae) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:44:47)

Black-faced Hawk (Leucopternis melanops) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:44:33)

Hairy-crested Antbird (Rhegmatorhina melanosticta) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:44:21)

Western Striolated-Puffbird (Nystalus obamai) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:44:11)

Chestnut-headed Crake (Rufirallus castaneiceps) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:43:59)

Pavonine Quetzal (Pharomachrus pavoninus) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:43:44)

Black-throated Brilliant (Heliodoxa schreibersii) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:43:30)

Pale-tailed Barbthroat (Threnetes leucurus) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:43:07)

Buff-tailed Sicklebill (Eutoxeres condamini) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:42:48)

Black Tinamou (Tinamus osgoodi) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:42:37)

Salvin's Curassow (Mitu salvini) was added by Jurgen Beckers (2020-10-04 08:41:40)

Fulvous Shrike-Tanager (Lanio fulvus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 12:08:55)

Yellow-lored Tanager (Chlorothraupis frenata) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 12:08:10)

Foothill Elaenia (Myiopagis olallai) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 12:04:46)

Golden-winged Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus calopterus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 12:03:56)

Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus capitalis) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 12:03:34)

Ecuadorian Tyrannulet (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 12:03:10)

Spectacled Bristle-Tyrant (Pogonotriccus orbitalis) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 12:02:52)

White-browed Purpletuft (Iodopleura isabellae) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 12:02:12)

Amazonian Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus ornatus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 12:01:18)

Gray-tailed Piha (Snowornis subalaris) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 12:00:54)

Fiery-throated Fruiteater (Pipreola chlorolepidota) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 12:00:32)

White-lored Antpitta (Myrmothera fulviventris) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:58:55)

Banded Antbird (Dichrozona cincta) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:55:55)

Foothill Stipplethroat (Epinecrophylla spodionota) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:55:11)

Fulvous Antshrike (Frederickena fulva) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:54:07)

Lined Forest-Falcon (Micrastur gilvicollis) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:53:35)

White-throated Woodpecker (Piculus leucolaemus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:53:10)

Golden-collared Toucanet (Selenidera reinwardtii) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:52:44)

Band-bellied Owl (Pulsatrix melanota) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:51:42)

Foothill Screech-Owl (Megascops roraimae) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:51:22)

Gould's Jewelfront (Heliodoxa aurescens) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:50:14)

Ecuadorian Piedtail (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:49:38)

Blue-fronted Lancebill (Doryfera johannae) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:49:23)

Blue-throated Piping-Guan (Pipile cumanensis) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:48:51)

Nocturnal Curassow (Nothocrax urumutum) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-03 11:47:57)

  • Timing and strategy

RN La Isla Escondida can be visited all year. Rainfall is common at any season, especially between March and July, while January and February are the driest months. The temperature is very pleasant (a bit more than 20°C) all year round.

As almost anywhere in the tropics, early mornings and evenings are most productive, while activity can be rather low at the middle of the day.

Since many of the specialities can be elusive and rains can limit birding time, it is worth spending at least 4 or 5 nights in the reserve, preferably more. Hiring a good local guide is very much recommended if you want to get the most out of your stay.

You can only get around on foot in the reserve. There are several well-marked trails. Do not forget to bring comfortable rubber boots. Do not miss out the three canopy towers, which provide an excellent opportunity to get close views of some species that can otherwise be hard to find. It takes a little courage to climb the towers, but you are well secured.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Jurgen Beckers on 2020-10-04 08:48
RN La Isla Escondida can be visited all year. Rainfall is common at any season, especially between March and July, while January and February are the driest months. The temperature is very pleasant (a bit more than 20°C) all year round. As almost anywhere in the tropics, early mornings and evenings are most productive, while activity can be rather low at the middle of the day. Since many of the specialities can be elusive and rains can limit birding time, it is worth spending at least 4 or 5 nights in the reserve, preferably more. Hiring a good local guide is very much recommended if you want to get the most out of your stay. You can only get around on foot in the reserve. There are several well-marked trails. Do not forget to bring comfortable rubber boots. Do not miss out the three canopy towers, which provide an excellent opportunity to get close views of some species that can otherwise be hard to find. It takes a little courage to climb the towers, but you are well secured.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 16:28
Isla Escondida can be visited all year. Rainfall is common at any season, especially between March and July, while January and February are the driest months. The temperature is very pleasant (a bit more than 20°C) all year round. As almost anywhere in the tropics, early mornings and evenings are most productive, while activity can be rather low at the middle of the day. Since many of the specialities can be elusive and rains can limit birding time, it is worth spending at least 4 or 5 nights in the reserve, preferably more. Hiring a good local guide is very much recommended if you want to get the most out of your stay. You can only get around on foot in the reserve. There are several well-marked trails. Do not forget to bring comfortable rubber boots. Do not miss out the three canopy towers, which provide an excellent opportunity to get close views of some species that can otherwise be hard to find. It takes a little courage to climb the towers, but you are well secured.
  • How to get there

The easiest way to get to the Reserva La Isla Escondida is from Orito, the nearest town. If you don’t have your own transport, a taxi can get you from Orito to the beginning of the trail that takes you to the reserve. The drive takes half an hour. From there you need to follow the broad trail which leads north on the right side of the house. It will take you ca. 2 hours to get to the lodge. The trail can be very muddy, so don’t forget to bring your rubber boots. The Lodge can arrange horses to carry your luggage, but this needs to be arranged in advance.

You can get to Orito by bus from Puerto Asís (1.5 hours) or Villagarzon (2.5 hours). Puerto Asís and Villagarzon ca be reached by Bus from Bogotá or by flight from Bogotá or Cali. There are also a few direct buses from Bogotá to Orito. See the website of the reserve for more details.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 16:59
The easiest way to get to the Reserva La Isla Escondida is from Orito, the nearest town. If you don’t have your own transport, a taxi can get you from Orito to the beginning of the trail that takes you to the reserve. The drive takes half an hour. From there you need to follow the broad trail which leads north on the right side of the house. It will take you ca. 2 hours to get to the lodge. The trail can be very muddy, so don’t forget to bring your rubber boots. The Lodge can arrange horses to carry your luggage, but this needs to be arranged in advance. You can get to Orito by bus from Puerto Asís (1.5 hours) or Villagarzon (2.5 hours). Puerto Asís and Villagarzon ca be reached by Bus from Bogotá or by flight from Bogotá or Cali. There are also a few direct buses from Bogotá to Orito. See the website of the reserve for more details.

There are no restrictions of access to the reserve. However, if you want to stay at the reserve, you need to book in advance (Email). Even if you visit the reserve only for the day, it is recommended that you announce your arrival. 

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 18:35
There are no restrictions of access to the reserve. However, if you want to stay at the reserve, you need to book in advance (la.isla.escondida.lodge@hotmail.com).(Email). Even if you visit the reserve only for the day, it is recommended that you announce your arrival. 
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 18:24
There are no restrictions of access to the reserve. However, if you want to stay at the reserve, you need to book in advance.advance (la.isla.escondida.lodge@hotmail.com). Even if you visit the reserve only for the day, it is recommended that you announce your arrival. 
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 17:08
There are no restrictions of access to the reserve. However, if you want to stay at the reserve, you need to book in advance. Even if you visit the reserve only for the day, it is recommended that you announce your arrival. 
  • Other attractions

The biodiversity in the reserve is amazing. Plant and insect lovers, for instance, will have a lot to marvel at. Moreover, the reserve is home to numerous species of mammals, including Puma, Jaguar and Spectacled Bear. However, you are much more likely to see some of the local primate species or perhaps a Kinkajou or Paca during a night excursion.

Apart from that, one of the highlights while staying at the reserve is the feeling of being surrounded by unspoiled wilderness, far away from civilisation.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 18:03
The biodiversity in the reserve is amazing. Plant and insect lovers, for instance, will have a lot to marvel at. Moreover, the reserve is home to numerous species of mammals, including Puma, Jaguar and Spectacled Bear. However, you are much more likely to see some of the local primate species or perhaps a Kinkajou or Paca during a night excursion. Apart from that, one of the highlights while staying at the reserve is the feeling of being surrounded by unspoiled wilderness, far away from civilisation.

The Ecolodge is the only place to stay in the reserve or close to the reserve. You need to book in advance (Email). See here for rates. The lodge is simple but very comfortable. There are currently 7 rooms available, including a room on one of the canopy towers. Tasty meals are served.

The Ecolodge implements high sustainability standards. Many vegetables are grown locally (and biologically). Electicity is provided by solar panels. Toilets work with a biological filtration system.

Mobile signal inside the reserve is weak or absent most of the time, but satellite internet is available.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 18:36
The Ecolodge is the only place to stay in the reserve or close to the reserve. You need to book in advance (la.isla.escondida.lodge@hotmail.com).(Email). See here for rates. The lodge is simple but very comfortable. There are currently 7 rooms available, including a room on one of the canopy towers. Tasty meals are served. The Ecolodge implements high sustainability standards. Many vegetables are grown locally (and biologically). Electicity is provided by solar panels. Toilets work with a biological filtration system. Mobile signal inside the reserve is weak or absent most of the time, but satellite internet is available.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 18:29
The Ecolodge of the reserve is the only place to stay in the reserve or close to the reserve. You need to book in advance (la.isla.escondida.lodge@hotmail.com). See here for rates. The lodge is simple but very comfortable. There are currently 7 rooms available, including a room on one of the canopy towers. Tasty meals are served. The Ecolodge implements high sustainability standards. Many vegetables are grown locally (and biologically). Electicity is provided by solar panels. Toilets work with a biological filtration system. Mobile signal inside the reserve is weak or absent most of the time, but satellite internet is available.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 18:23
The Ecolodge of the reserve is the only place to stay in the reserve or close to the reserve. You need to book in advance (la.isla.escondida.lodge@hotmail.com). See here for rates. The lodge is simple but very comfortable. There are currently 7 rooms available, including a room on one of the canopy towers. Tasty meals are served. The Ecolodge implements high sustainability standards. Many vegetables are grown locally (and biologically). Electicity is provided by solar panels. Toilets work with a biological filtration system. Mobile signal inside the reserve is weak or absent most of the time, but satellite internet is available.

The reserve is very safe. The greatest danger is getting lost in the forest. Unless you are with a local guide, under no circumstances should you leave the marked paths. Apart from that, keep an eye on the trail while walking, as you don't want to accidentally step on a snake.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-03 18:28
The reserve is very safe. The greatest danger is getting lost in the forest. Unless you are with a local guide, under no circumstances should you leave the marked paths. Apart from that, keep an eye on the trail while walking, as you don't want to accidentally step on a snake.
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

Reports

Season:
to
2018-12-26 to 2019-01-04 Isla Escondida, Putumayo Jérôme Fischer
2018-08-18 to 2018-09-16 Southern Colombia Fabian Schneider and Nina Perret-Gentil
2018-09-20 to 2018-09-24 Putumayo – La Isla Escondida Mathias Ritschard and Juanita Olano Marín
RN La Isla Escondida - Orniverse