11 July 2025

Mocoa, Putumayo – seeking advice

My friend and I are interested in traveling to the higher elevation/foothill areas of the Mocoa region, Putumayo in February 2026. We are wondering if anyone is familiar with how safe it currently is there. It seems that some of the ecolodges have closed, so if it is indeed safe for travel, we are seeking recommendations for places to stay in the forest, as well as for guides (preferably English-speaking). We are generalists and interested in both primate and bird life. Thanks!

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smoke mirrors
Transplanted myself from Los Angeles to the Mid Hudson Valley, New York, after retiring. Love to learn more than anything, pretty much about all topics–technology, history, art, music, and, of course…nature.
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7 Comments

  • 12 July 2025
    tomeslice

    I heard that specifically the area of Colombia that’s adjacent to Ecuador is not safe.
    But Rob Smith would definitely be the one to ask.

    But note that you have #El Paujil tagged in your inquiry – that’s nowhere near Putumayo, just FYI 🙂
    Cheers,
    Tomer

  • 13 July 2025
    Ben S

    It may be lower than you’re looking for, but I can recommend RN La Isla Escondida near Orito. The owner Jurgen Beckers (jurgen.beckers@gmail.com) is very knowledgeable about other sites in Putumayo.

  • 21 July 2025
    AlexS

    Have a look at my trip report of Colombia and contact the local wildlife guide Corentin. He lives in Mocoa 😉

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  • 1 August 2025
    CarlosBocos

    You can stay at Mochilo, it’s usually good for mammals like the marmoset and Harold, the owner, is extremely helpful and he can guide you around. I don’t know if he speaks English or not. Cheers

  • 11 August 2025
    Ottavio Janni

    I second Ben’s recommendation about La Isla Escondida near Orito, which is a fantastic destination for birding and wildlife watching. Another excellent local guide to get in touch with would be Brayan Coral Jaramillo (on FB or IG) who is based in Sibundoy and knows Putumayo very well. Both he and Jurgen would be good people to contact for the latest info on safety. Mocoa is also near the Miraflor/Piamonte area in Cauca, the best site for Caquetà Titi Monkey and with some other great wildlife and birding. Alexis Burbano Ruiz (on FB, or alexis_rb7 on IG) is a great local contact and would be able to fill you in on all details as to which sites are safe to visit and how to access them

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