Peru Peaks & Pathways Tour
January 21st-30th, 2027
Early next year we are offering a brand new trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru, affectionately called the Peaks and Pathways Tour! National Geographic ranked Peru one of the world’s leading destinations, with internationally renowned cuisine, a rich ancient cultural heritage, and vast biodiversity.
On this foray we will explore ancient architecture and wander through misty mountains and forested river valleys, all while hanging out with cool people who get unreasonably excited about fungi.
Participants will stay at three ecolodges during their travels across the Department of Cusco in southeastern Peru. In addition to exploring high-elevation forests, we will offer cultural activities on the trip, including visits to the ancient architectural marvels at Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo.
Your trip leaders will be:
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Alan Rockefeller & Mandie Quark – Mycologists, photographers, and founders of Mycena LLC, bringing extensive fungal expertise and field experience
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Dennis Walker – Writer, comedian, and founder of Mycopreneur, bringing his enthusiasm for mushroom culture and community
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Iván Sebastián Pérez Muñoz – Our knowledgeable guide, whose rediscovery of Psilocybe collybioides helped inspire this adventure
Check out the Website for Tickets and Info
We’re going on a quest to find Psilocybe collybioides, a fascinating mushroom originally described in 1958 and rediscovered in the Cusco region in 2022 by our local guide, Iván. First described by Singer in 1958 in the high-altitude mountains of Argentina, Psilocybe collybiodes remained a mystery for nearly 70 years until Iván captured the first-ever photographs of this elusive species. Tragically, just one month ago, the original discovery site burned in a fire. Now we're heading back into the Andean forests alongside Iván and Alan (world expert of the Psilocybe genus), as an attempt to find another population of this rare species, capture the best photographs, and document its fragile habitat.
Could there be another Psilocybe population hiding in the nearby forests? What other unique biodiversity will we encounter along the way? Join our epic adventure to find out. We would love for you to participate!
Mycena forays are about bringing people together. Our trips create space for learning, discovery, laughter, and experiences that remain with you long after you return home. Come for the fungi, stay for the landscapes, the people, and the unforgettable connections.
We’ve hosted many incredible trips over the past five years, and have dozens of amazing reviews. People love exploring with us, and it definitely shows!!
Ecuador Adventure Foray
February 14th-28th, 2027
This trip is half full, and an impressive 60% of those who’ve signed up are returning participants! There are 10 spots remaining, so if you are planning on attending, please reach out and let Mandie know. We are happy to hold a spot for you, just communicate with us in advance!
On the Adventure Foray we will take our group from the Upper Amazon to the high-elevation páramo, through the misty forests of the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, and down the coast into the Pacific dry forests. Four wildly different ecosystems, each with its own cast of characters.
Check out the Website for Tickets & Info
The world is weird. Biodiversity is weirder. Let’s explore together!
New and Improved Open Source Focus Stacking Software Coming Soon!
Alan has teamed up with a researcher in China who invented a new focus stacking algorithm called Open Focus. They are working to build it with all the standard features of Helicon Focus or Zerene Stacker, but with even more improvements. This program will be completely free for any user and will be compatible with Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems. The updates will take another few days to complete, but you can either email us or DM Alan for instructions on how to download.
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