Otorongo Expeditions

Otorongo is the only lodge that operates near Oran. They work hard to ensure local communities benefit from visitors and partner with them on a variety of environmental projects. Otorongo brigns guests to visit several native communities during their stay and they pay each community on a monthly basis to protect their communal lands, helping to keep out commercial hunters and lumber companies. For example, they work closely with the community of San Gregorio where -not only is their communal forest intact - they also receive visits of international guests who regularly purchase handicrafts from the producers directly. They also work with the community of Boyador where they have sport fishing programs that benefit the village. They also have an extensive rotating staff they hire from the surrounding communities that serve as local guides, gardeners, waiters , drivers, and maid service. They are proud to be one of the highest paying lodges for locals even when there are no guests to take around!

By working closely with native communities to protect the forests, they are helping to preserve rich, biodiverse rainforest from extractive industries. Their latest endeavor is a 1000 hectare nature reserve dubbed "Fossil Creek". The reserve consists of tribal lands from two native communities, Nuevo Union de Boyador and Roca Eterna, who are partners in the agreement with Otorongo and local government. Together, their goal is to use the reserve to protect the unique flora and fauna of the area while promoting sustainable development via ecotourism.