July 20 - 26th 2025
Join us in the lush cloud forests of Costa Rica for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy simple accommodations at a biological research station, surrounded by nature. Immerse yourself in a fun atmosphere, where the soothing sounds of birds and breathtaking mountain views provide a perfect backdrop for adventure. This all-inclusive event will feature daytime and nighttime hiking excursions, birdwatching tours, and zip-lining through the rainforest canopy. Tag along with us to discover rare species in a mountain paradise alongside mycologists, guest experts, and amazing peers.
Scroll down to check out our questionnaire! It has all the juicy details you'll need for this trip!
Journey through the clouds in:
00
DAYS
00
HOURS
00
MINS
00
SECS
ARE YOU READY TO SEE RARE SPECIES?
4,600 - 5,800 ft. asl.
Alan Rockefeller and Mandie Quark, founders of Mycena LLC, will bring deep fungal expertise and extensive field experience. Renowned mushroom photographers, together they inspire interest in mycology.
We will collaborate with several local guides, an ornithologist for bird watching and a biologist for spotting large mammals. We will consult Costa Rican mycologists in our community for specialized identifications.
Participants will be hosted by a biological research station, Estación Biológica Monteverde. This fully functional station provides researchers and students a place to explore Costa Rica's cloud forest.
Monteverde is a large protected high elevation rainforest, with diverse ecology and staggering biodiversity, including endemic species found nowhere else. Around 30% of its plants are epiphytes, including bromeliads, orchids, mosses, and ferns. Monteverde is renowned for its remarkable array of fungi, supported by the region’s unique environment. Consistently moist, cool conditions, and mature trees create ideal habitats for a stunning variety of interesting species.
Event Details
Remote Accommodations
We will stay at a biological research station featuring shared rooms with panoramic mountain views and conservation experts on-site.
Guests will explore hiking trails that wind through interesting landscapes straight from the property. This is an ideal retreat for nature lovers in Costa Rica’s breathtaking montane rainforest.
Biological Research Station
The Estación Biológica Monteverde serves as a base for field studies in ecology, conservation, and sustainable development.
Participants can attend workshops, join guided excursions, and contribute to biodiversity knowledge in one of the last extensive tracts of pristine cloud forest in Central America.
Authentic Meals
Guests will enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals prepared with traditional flavors and seasonal ingredients. Each dish will offer a taste of local culture.
Meals are designed to fuel participants for long days of forest exploration. On full-day adventures, we will provide a convenient packed lunch to keep you energized. Let us know if you have dietary restrictions in the questionnaire.
Rainy Season
July is the rainy season, when forests will be lush, vibrant, and teeming with life. Be prepared for misty mornings and afternoon showers, we recommend bringing warm comfy outdoor clothing and rain gear.
During the summertime fungi flourish, streams run crystal clear, and the landscape bursts with bright colors and a symphony of wild sounds.
Highland Forests (1,500m/5,000ft)
High-elevation forests are one of the richest and most intact ecosystems in Mesoamerica. Up to 700 distinct tree species have been recorded in Monteverde alone. We will explore majestic woodlands and diverse arboreal communities, searching for fungi and other rarely encountered species.
Rich Ecosystems
Monteverde's ecosystems house more than 100 types of mammals, 400 birds, and 161 species of amphibians and reptiles, making it one of the richest biological hotspots in the world. The region is a vital refuge for rare species such as wildcats, tapirs, the resplendent quetzal, the emerald quick lizard, and Talamanca glass frog.
Local Biodiversity
Thank you sooooo much for all the work you do in conversation and sharing your knowledge with all of us. Not only was the trip amazing, but I think the community you were able to build will result in lasting friendships. This was the trip of a lifetime - I am so grateful I found the advertisement and signed up!
- Anonymous participant, Ecuador Adventure Foray 2025
This trip [to Colombia] exceeded every expectation I had. Cannot recommend Alan and Mandie enough! The guides and all the other attendees on the trip were equally amazing. I hope to attend many more Mycena forays in the future!
- Plum, Colombia Foray 2024
I cried when we got home. The entire group connectedness and flow of our trip was quite unique and special. I did not expect to have such a deep and enriching experience, especially since I'm not a scientist. But your group experience is what I aspire toward.
- Miranda, Ecuador Adventure Foray 2025
Join Us!
Secure your spot for authentic adventures and expert-led explorations. Experience the carefree pura vida lifestyle in Costa Rica!
