Our local guides will lead you through lush forest along kilometers of trails to waterfalls and riverine beaches, in search of animals and birds, and many of the other wonders that the forest has to offer.

There is no better way to sit back and soak in the sounds and smells of the cloud forest than while paddling quietly through primary forest along a calm stream.

Keep the kids stimulated with fun and educational activities designed just for them. When not out exploring in the forest, some of the favorites are rock painting, pizza making, blowgun target shooting, marshmallow roasts at the fire and hummingbirds feeding right on their fingers, but there is so much more.

San Isidro’s pool is like a huge jacuzzi and is the spot of choice to spend hours after a long hike.

There is no hunting here, but try your hand at some fun target shooting.

Search for night monkeys, owls, amazing insects and even tapirs right around the lodge alongside one of our guides at sundown before dinner.

Spend a morning crossing pristine streams and adventuring through beautiful primary forest for a visit to a private, picturesque sandy beach along a rushing mountain river. On a sunny day a swim in the cristaline waters can be exhilarating! All of our forest excursions are led by a local guide.

Hike through lush forest to a nearby waterfall where your guide will help you search for pottery remains left by ancient tribes that inhabited the area thousands of years ago. A brisk dip into a natural pool is always fun for the kids!

The lodge produces a lot of the herbs and greens that land on your plate, all completely organic. Enjoy a stroll through the greenhouse to see what the lodge has growing to make your meals healthy and dynamic!

For those interested in insect observation, check the lights at the main porch that are a real treasure trove for colorful and strangely-patterned moths and other insects. The sound of loud buzzing wings could mean the arrival of a 5-inch Hercules Beetle, while fire-flies drift about along the trails. Birds and agoutis show up here at first light to pluck their first meals of the day.

Birds are one of the most visible and vibrant forms of nature and San Isidro has a long reputation for being a truly wonderful spot to include on any birding tour to Ecuador. Right from your cabin doorstep in the early morning, the birding starts as birds drip from the trees in a flurry of activity, so you don’t have to go very far! But this is just the beginning, because the primary forest trails and forested road sides await, harboring hundreds of species. While San Isidro and its surroundings are well known for quite a healthy set of bird rarities for the more hardcore birder, it is also the perfect place for the beginning neotropical birder to soak in that first quetzal, motmot, or even antpitta.

Wildlife and bird photography has surged in popularity in the last decade. Whether your interest is more relaxed, or you are a more serious photographer, San Isidro offers some fabulous opportunities to get some great shots. In the early mornings right around the cabins, trogons, tanagers woodcreepers, jays, and caciques are only a few of the exciting types of birds that come in to feed on the moths and other insects. The secretive antpittas at the worm feeding stations also often put in appearances, allowing for quality photos as they tend to stand right out in the open at close range. Even spectacular owls perch on low branches around the lodge at night, just begging to be photographed.

Hummingbirds are unique to the western hemisphere, and also happen to be among the most awe-inspiring, beautiful, and diverse groups of birds in the world. The nectar feeding stations around the lodge, that attract some gorgeous, glittering hummingbirds, marvel even the most casual of observers; you don’t have to be a serious birder or photographer to enjoy these intriguing little gems at close range, and this is the perfect activity for a rainy spell.

Pre-Colombian cultures, never conquered by the Incas, flourished in the hills at San Isidro. Known as the Curisetas, much evidence of their lifestyle and activities can be admired at San Isidro during your hikes on the property, such as carefully positioned monoliths to indicate direction, a strategic look-out point fitted with stone chairs, and ceramic pottery remains that can be found in the bed of almost every stream.

Tropical forests are overwhelming with diversity to say the least, but with the help of organizations like Biocomercio and GIZ, we have designed a trail for our visitors to help point out and explain some of the more interesting topics. With 15 interpretive signs, learning a little more about the forest you are strolling through is rewarding and eye-opening; it might surprise you what is going on out there, from strangler figs and outrageous orchid diversity, to active bird flocks and secretive mammals.

With a little help from the sun, especially between 10:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M., you will find butterflies of all colors and forms floating about the gardens, roadsides, and inside the forest. Dramatically-patterned Heliconius butterflies and metalmarks are common. If you are a butterfly enthusiast, there are plenty of stunning species to keep you occupied!

San Isidro has kilometers of trails through lush cloud forest where you can venture off for as long as you like. Take a morning stroll close by, or pack a lunch and make a full day of it. Explore forest streams, rushing mountain rivers, waterfalls, and even a cloud forest lake. Each trek is different, and you never know just when a bear or tapir might decide to cross your path!

More than 100 species of native orchids line the trails around the cabins. While there is no single blooming season, there is almost always a healthy sampling of colorful species showing off their gaudy flowers.

The forest has a completely different feel after the sun goes down, so let’s go on a night hike! Right around the lodge night monkeys become frisky at dusk, while a resident and beautiful species of owl often sits only feet away. Only a short ramble away, into the forest, you never know what you will turn up; we’ve seen racoon-like Kinkajous and even Little Spotted Cats, among others. 

​(*Activities at an extra cost. Please ask administration for more details if you are interested)

This has become an increasingly popular activity at the lodge as it not only teaches our guests about the local products and how to turn them into interesting recipes, but also makes it possible to interact with folks from the surrounding communities that work with us.​

(*Activities at an extra cost. Please ask administration for more details if you are interested)