About the reserve

The reserve lies in the department of Putumayo, Colombia, not far from the Ecuadorian border. It is 106 hectares in size, mainly (90%) consisting of primary forest.
It is located where the foothills of the Andes meet the Amazon, at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level.
There are typical Andean species, such as Spectacled Bears, Pumas and Andean Cock-of-the-rocks. But there are also animals typical of the Amazon region such as Jaguars, Tapirs, Trumpeters, Macaws, etc.
We have special rates for Digital Nomads.
The name – La Isla Escondida, meaning the Hidden Island – comes from the fact that it is located between the confluences of two major rivers: the Rio Sucio and the Rio Guamúez. The latter originates from the La Cocha Lake, Colombia’s largest natural lake.
The natural protection offered by these two rivers prevented hunting and logging in the past.
The government planned a road from the lowlands to the highlands through the island. But these plans were fortunately stopped after they ran out of money. Nevertheless we beneficiated from a concrete bridge that had already been built making the access to our reserve much easier.

You will find more info on following pages:

The Ecolodge



Accommodation

At the moment there are 8 rooms available:

  • 1 room with double bed and private bathroom,
  • 2 rooms with 2 single beds and private bathroom,
  • 3 rooms with 2 single beds (with shared bathroom),
  • 1 room with double bed and private bathroom in the forest,
  • 1 canopy tower room with 2 single beds or 1 double bed (no shower).

It is also possible to stay comfortably overnight in the jungle. We have several large tents.
The reserve has electricity (120 V, 60 Hz) and all rooms have light.

The most sustainable ecolodge?

We took some measures to become one of the most sustainable lodge.

  • For the construction of the lodge and bungalows, we used the wood of fallen trees as much as possible.
  • Most waste is recycled. There are separate containers for organics (composted), plastic, paper/cardboard, batteries, glass and metals. Basically there is only plastic waste.
  • We grow our own biological vegetables and condiments as much as possible. As especially red meat has a huge impact on deforestation, we use it less frequent. We often serve tasty complete vegetarian meals based on a mix of Colombian and Asian recipes.
  • The lodge is equipped with only 2 kW of solar panels and only 250 Ah of batteries. But automatic switches make optimal use of this energy.
  • Toilets work with a double biological filtration system. Therefore do not flush soap or chemicals in the toilet. All showers are equipped with biological soap dispensers. Waste water goes to a separate filtration system. Sheets and towels are normally not changed every day.
  • We work closely with the Colombian National Parks, as the “island” is neighbouring the Ingi-Ande National Park. The lodge generates an income to the local community. We try to convince local people that there is a better alternative than hunting, deforestation and coca cultivation. (Did you know that the ecological footprint of cocaine is gigantic and disastrous for the Amazon rainforest?)
  • But our most sustainable measure is that with your support we want to save more surrounding forests from (illegal) logging and hunting.

Safety

We keep a high safety standard in and around the lodge. All canopy platforms are only accessible with safety gear. All trails are regularly inspected and fallen trees are removed. Difficult sections have been provided with railings.

Our team

Esthefan Cuacialpud (°1986)
Administrator
Esthefan Cuacialpud (°1986)
Administrator
Jurgen Beckers (°1964)
Owner
Jurgen Beckers (°1964)
Owner
Manuel Cuacialpud (°1961)
Guide
Manuel Cuacialpud (°1961)
Guide
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