Adventure Foray
ECUADOR
Exploring Diverse Ecosystems in the Upper Amazon, Páramo, Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve & Pacific Dry Forests
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February 14th - 28th, 2027
Join us for an extraordinary field-foray through Ecuador’s remarkable ecological crossroads, starting with our classic Upper Amazon and high-elevation Páramo tours and moving onto the misty forests of the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve and the endemic-rich Pacific dry forests. This immersive, all-inclusive experience combines expert-led field workshops, discovery walks, and hands-on exploration with opportunities to document fungi, plants, herpetofauna, and the broader biodiversity of one of Earth’s great hotspots.
Guided by mycologists, a herpetologist, and a local cultural leader, participants will explore a striking range of habitats while learning directly from the people and ecosystems that make Ecuador so exceptional. Comfortable accommodations at five locations over a two-week journey will keep us close to the landscapes we are studying. Choose the complete two-week expedition or join us for a single week. Make new discoveries, deepen your field skills, and share an unforgettable adventure with an enthusiastic community of fellow naturalists.
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Alan Rockefeller and Mandie Quark, founders of Mycena LLC, will bring deep fungal expertise and field experience. Renowned mushroom photographers, together they inspire interest in mycology.
Participants will be hosted by Waska Amazonia, a tour business based in Mera, Pastaza run by a herpetologist named Alex and local spiritual leader Dione. They offer immersive local experiences, including guided jungle excursions and cultural activities.
Location Details
Eco Arazza and Waska Amazonia in Mera, Pastaza Province
Experience the remarkable Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor, a mega-diverse region recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as “a gift to the Earth.” Guided excursions into diverse Andean habitats will provide opportunities to learn techniques from foray leaders who are making an impact in this vital and remarkable region. This location is situated at 1,120m/3,600ft a.s.l.
Heimatlos Amazon Jungle Lodge in Pastaza Province
Set amid 50 hectares of primary rainforest, Heimatlos is a peaceful retreat with panoramic jungle views, comfortable rooms and suites, hiking trails, a world-famous moth light, and an infinity pool overlooking the Amazonian landscape. The lodge blends outdoor exploration with relaxation, offering a lush and comfortable base to discover unique Amazonian species. This location is situated at 1,000m/3,280ft a.s.l.
Termas de Papallacta in Papallacta, Napo Province
Nestled in Ecuador’s high Andes region, Termas de Papallacta is a hot-springs resort where steaming thermal pools meet cool mountain air. Surrounded by dramatic scenery on clear days, the snow-capped summit of Antisana Volcano provides a spectacular backdrop. The resort offers comfortable rooms, spa treatments, and a peaceful place to unwind after a day of outdoor discovery. This location is situated at 3,300m/10,800ft a.s.l.
Maquipucuna Ecological Reserve in Chocó Andino de Pichincha
For 38 years, Maquipucuna has helped lead conservation efforts in Ecuador’s Chocó Andino region. Its 14,000-acre reserve is the result of a lifetime of work to protect one of the world’s most biodiverse hotspots, including endangered wildlife such as the Andean spectacled bear. This location is situated at 1,350m/4,400ft a.s.l.
Hostería Mandála in Puerto López, Manabí Province
Stay at Hostería Mandala, a charming beachfront eco-lodge on the Pacific coast, near Machalilla National Park. With Puerto Lopez Beach just a few steps away, guests may spot humpback whales offshore, lounging iguanas on the property, or sea turtles on the beach. Other amenities include a pool, hot tub, lounge, and library. This location is situated at sea level.
Local Biodiversity
Mycena's forays bring the most delightful people together from a variety of fields and interests; novice to expert, with absolutely no air of elitism. Questions are welcome and enthusiastically answered. Trip leaders are extremely knowledgeable, nimble, and just fun to be around. It's like grown-up summer camp and I absolutely love traveling with them. The two trips I've taken have been nothing short of transformational.
Incredibly expansive and fulfilling experience! The expert guides, the stunning locations, the abundant nature and the enthusiastic energy opened up my perspective and reinvigorated my passion for life - in all of its shapes and forms. Highly recommended these experiences for anyone who wants to live fully!
I was a newcomer to many aspects of this experience, and I was apprehensive at the beginning. I'm not a trained scientist, and I hadn't been on a group trip in a long time. But it didn't matter. The people who go on these forays are incredibly talented, dedicated, kind, supportive, and inclusive, and you will come away wanting to be more like them, and excited see them again on the next trip.
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!
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!
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.
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