February 24th - March 4th 2026
Join us on an extraordinary journey to discover biodiversity in the cloud forests of Peru's Emerald City, Oxapampa. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at an eco-resort, within walking distance from the town and jungle. Travel alongside an inspiring group of peers to visit a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve and mingle with local mycologists at a mushroom festival. Dive into an engaging, hands-on adventure that will highlight Peru's breathtaking natural diversity and deep cultural roots. Participants will have opportunities to connect with scientists, local leaders, and fellow explorers on this fun scientific foray through one of the planet’s most celebrated countries.
Need all the juicy details? Scroll down to click on the questionnaire - it has all the information you'll need for this trip!
Journey through the clouds in:
00
DAYS
00
HRS
00
MINS
00
SECS
ARE YOU READY TO SEE RARE SPECIES?
Culture meets Ecology
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.
Local guide Sebastián Enríquez is a mycologist, documentary photographer, and founder of Revolución Fungi. He will be hosting a mushroom festival in Oxapampa and leading walks for our group and the locals.
Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2010, protects Peru’s last undisturbed central jungle ecosystems, spanning a wide range of elevations and housing incredible biodiversity.
Join us on an adventure to explore biodiversity in the Oxapampa–Asháninka–Yánesha Biosphere Reserve, situated in Peru’s Pasco region. This UNESCO heritage site protects some of the most untouched ecosystems along the eastern slopes of the Andes as they descend into the Amazon Basin. Encompassing elevations from lowland rainforest to misty mountain grasslands, the reserve is defined by its dramatic altitudinal range and remarkable ecological diversity.
Event Details
Stay in the Town of Oxapampa
Experience the quaint colonial German town known for producing artisanal products including some of the world's best honey and coffee. Click the button above to see images in our photo gallery.
After our daily adventures, you can relax in comfortable accommodations at the Cemayu Lodge. Cute wooden cabins set amidst lush gardens will provide a peaceful retreat with easy access to the town and surrounding jungle.
Hike in an Andean Cloud Forest
Oxapampa is located between the Amazon lowland forest and high-altitude grasslands, resulting in high diversity of flora, fauna, and fungi. Terrain ranges from 300 - 4,500 m (1,000 - 14,700 ft) a.s.l. create a tapestry of ecological zones.
This region contains some of the last remaining undisturbed primary forest ecosystems in the central jungles of Peru. These breathtaking landscapes provide a sanctuary for biodiversity.
Enjoy Fresh, Authentic Cuisine
Guests will enjoy genuine dishes made with fresh, local, and seasonal produce, showcasing the rich and vibrant tastes of Peru. Traditional recipes will be used to create an authentic experience of the Pasco region’s culinary traditions.
Meals are designed to energize and nourish participants for days of hiking. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions in the questionnaire so we can accommodate your specific nutritional needs or requirements.
Join a Mushroom Festival
The second annual Revolución Fungi Fest will be a celebration dedicated to the fungi of this important region. It will unite experts, enthusiasts, and curious minds through engaging workshops, insightful talks, and captivating forays.
Participants can learn a variety of skills, from fungi identification, photography and microscopy, to DNA sequencing. Join the excitement and connect with a passionate community eager to share their love for local fungi.
Explore Biodiversity You've Never Seen Before
The Oxapampa reserve hosts rare species including over 10,000 plant species, with at least 50 endemic (found only there). It also supports 127 species of mammals and 71 fish species. Bird diversity is especially high, with 855 recorded species—about 45% of all the birds in Peru.
Participate in an ecological survey on iNaturalist, learn at your own pace while contributing valuable community observation data on plants, fungi, and more!
Experience Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park
Yanachaga-Chemillén is a stunning protected area featuring rugged mountains covered by dense cloud forests and deep canyons which provide diverse habitats for wildlife. The park is a refuge for rare species including the Andean spectacled bear, jaguars, harpy eagles, and over 600 orchid species.
The park is a vital watershed, supplying clean water to surrounding communities. Its unique biodiversity and significance make this park a top destination.
Snapshot of Local Species
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, February 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, November 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, February 2025
Join Us!
Visit the untouched cloud forests of Oxapampa, where nature thrives at the foothills of the majestic Andes mountains. Discover a side of Peru few have seen and create memories that will last a lifetime!
