PRE-REGISTRATION:  Join the waitlist to hold your spot by clicking the Book Now button! You'll get an official invite from me before booking goes live to the public. Booking officially opens publicly November 6, 2024. 

Do you want to go on a nature journaling adventure next summer with a select team of nature journalers and Marley Peifer as your host?

Do you love biodiversity? 

Do you want to draw beautiful birds, cool bugs, and sweeping landscapes? 

Do you want to nature journal in some of the most unique and biodiverse environments on the planet?

Do you want to do that with like-minded nature lovers?

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MAILING LIST

We will start in the mountainous Páramo around Quito with volcano views and soaring raptors before descending the slopes to the cloud forest where  green jays and sword-billed hummingbirds aren't the only living jewels that litter the landscape.    Then it's down to Amazon Rainforest in the Cuyabeno reserve where pink river dolphins, monkeys, and caimans wait to meet your acquaintance before finishing the trip in the hot springs warmed by the Antisana volcano. 

Each day will be filled with spectacular experiences, extreme nature nerding, as well as quality nature journal lessons and personalized coaching from Marley. With SciBugs handling logistics and guiding, you'll always have an entomologist around too for when you want to look at the bugs just a bit closer.   

We want you to join this Andes to Amazon nature journaling trip!

For 10 DAYS we will explore a spectrum of ecosystems from the Andean mountains spanning the high paramo and deserts down to the lush and immersive Amazon rainforest.

From fierce raptors and sword-billed hummingbirds to pink river dolphins and toucans, from Morpho butterflies to giant stick bugs and cryptic beetles -

Ecuador has it all!

MARLEY PEIFER

Marley is a nature journaler and educator. He longs for a reintegration of art with science and words with images, a synthesis that he develops in his journals. Nature Journaling became a fundamental practice for Marley when he discovered how it could synthesize his interests and  accelerate his learning. As an educator, Marley is constantly sharing, inspiring, and provoking learning in nature and on paper.

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Experience: Over 10 years teaching, nature journal expeditions on 3 continents, more than 200 free educational videos online. Fluent in Spanish, well-traveled.

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Collaboration:  Do you want to enhance the level of creativity, visual problem-solving, and observation skills at your school or organization? Do you want someone to train your educators in how to use nature journaling? Marley has trained teachers and helped launch nature journaling initiatives in California, the Amazon, Costa Rica and the Galapagos.

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Approach: Do you want a fun, rich, holistic learning experience? Marley combines engaging whole-brain activities with a healthy dose of cross-cutting concepts and transferable skills, sprinkled with meta-cognitive exercises. Get a free taste in Marley's weekly

Nature Journal Show.

NANCY MIORELLI / SCIBUGS

Nancy is a passionate, self-proclaimed, PR representative for insects. While earning her Master's degree at the University of Georgia in Entomology, it became crystal clear that most people did not see insects the way she did.

In attempts to combat this "kill it with fire" mentality, Nancy started several science communication projects including a YouTube channel, and co-founded the blog Ask an Entomologist which seeks to answer the public's questions about insects using scientific literature and written in a way that is both fun and accessible.

Following her Master's, Nancy flew to the heart of the Ecuadorian cloud forest where she worked in an ecolodge showing tourists the beautiful and hidden world of the smaller majority; leading environmental education programs, guiding tours, and giving natural history presentations featuring insects.

After two years, Nancy traded her leafy green jungle for the concrete jungle of Quito where she designs her own tours under the brand SciBugs which focuses on the interconnectedness of ecology (especially insects), geology, conservation, local culture, and ecotourism. She is licensed in Ecuador and has been working in Ecuadorian Tourism for the past nine years.

The Amazon Rainforest

The Cuyabeno reserve, the part of the amazon rainforest located near the Colombian border, is home to playful dolphins, chattering macaws, pocket sized monkeys and floating forests! It’s the second largest reserve of the national parks in Ecuador, protecting 5,900 kilometers of pristine Amazon tributaries. 

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We'll be visiting Waita Lodge and it is truly in the heart of the Amazon. Located three hours upriver by boat, you’ll be greeted by dolphins, toucans, and dragonflies as you make your way up the narrowing Amazon rivers. The tranquil lodge has a balanced mix of water activities including paddle boating and canoe rides, and land based activities. Learn about medicinal plants, follow leaf cutter ant trails, and learn about the people and cultures that live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

The Cloud Forest

The Cloud forest sits between 4,000 & 8,000ft above sea level and is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world!  Hummingbirds that can only be found here flit through the trees and glittering insects wander around the elephant-sized leaves. Oh - and don't forget to look for the orchids. The cloud forest is protected thanks to community efforts.

Volcanic Paramo & Hot Springs

Quito, Ecuador's capital, is surrounded by nature and shrouded in history. The high altitude Paramo ecosystem is where you land when first arriving in Ecuador. Several towering volcanos rise from the outskirts of the city, deserts cover the expansive wastes of the north, while cobblestone roads and golden churches litter the central streets.  Above the city skyline is the volcano Pichincha - a beautiful natural refuge housing dozens of unique plants and bird species. And that's just in Quito! Ecuador is littered with Volcanoes which you'll see almost at every vantage point we'll be visiting in Ecuador. 

We'll end our trip soaking in the thermal waters heated by the neighboring Antisana Volcano. Halfway between the high paramo and the cloud forest, the grounds snake through the Coca Cayambe National Park giving an interesting perspective on this unique transition zone. 

 PRE-REGISTRATION:   Join the waitlist to hold your spot by clicking the Book Now button! You'll get an official invite from me before booking goes live to the public. Booking officially opens publicly November 6, 2024.  

Registration Closes January 10th, 2025.

First come first serve!

Spots are limited to 15 participants! 

Trip Dates:

June 30-July 10, 2025  

Cost: 

3,600 USD per person All-inclusive tour package!

(Payment plan available)

Upgrades to single accommodations are available 

We will be a small group of travelers. The group will be capped at 15 people to ensure an intimate experience with the instructors, local guides, and nature. Learning will happen on and off the trails, both formally and informally from your instructors, guides, and most likely each other! 

 Think of this trip like summer camp but with way better food! The cabins are simple but comfortable and the hot water for the shower is solar heated. But we'll finish off the trip with a bit of luxury at the Papallacta hot springs.

You'll probably get wet! It is the *RAIN*forest after all. You can decide your preferred method of staying dry ... or accepting your fate. By that token, it can also be sunny and hot, so make sure to bring a lot of water and comfortable clothes.  There is no laundry service in the Amazon Rainforest. Please pack accordingly.

Weather in Ecuador: The weather in Ecuador varies considerably depending on location and time of year. Click here to see what the local weather patterns will generally be for the area & time you’re visiting. Generally, the rainy season is very humid and has frequent downpours. Even in the dry season, you can expect at least a couple of rainy days during your trip.

Temperature: Temperature varies by altitude. In the mountainous regions, it’s not uncommon to find temperatures drop in the 50’s (4⁰C) at night and rise up to the 80’s (30⁰C) during the day. If there are clouds, it’ll feel cooler. Temperatures are much colder as you increase altitude. There’s snow at the top of Cotopaxi and sometimes in the Papallacta region!! The coast and Amazon are very hot and humid (80’s-90’s) (30-35⁰C) but can get chilly on rainy nights. Nothing will dry in the Amazon. The Cloud Forest ranges from 50’s-70’s (4⁰C-23⁰C).

Generally, there is no heating or air-conditioning in Ecuador. Depending on the establishment, you may be given warm water bottles to put under your covers or a small space heater. 

TRAVEL

We will have two long travel days. The first will be entering the Amazon where we'll leave Quito in the early morning and fly to Coca. We'll then have a 2 hour bus ride to  the pickup point and then a 3 hour canoe ride to the lodge. We'll leave Quito around 7:30am and get to the lodge around 5pm. When we leave the lodge, we'll overnight in Coca. After lunch we'll have our 3hr canoe ride to the pickup point and the 2 hour bus ride to Coca. If you get carsick please anticipate these long bus rides and take the necessary precautions to ensure you have a pleasant voyage. I know it's a trek - but if you want to see amazing animals, you have to go to where they live! 

MOST OF ALL YOU CAN EXPECT TO HAVE FUN!! 

The Altitude

Quito sits right about 9,000 ft (2,800 m). It's not uncommon for you to feel more tired than usual and you might find a flight of stairs takes your breath away. This is normal - so don't worry! Just take it easy and drink a lot of water!

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Other Normal Symptoms

• Waking up in the middle of the night

• Getting dehydrated quickly

• Tingly fingers / lips. 

• Headaches

• Nausea 

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**Please note that alcohol may affect you differently than normal at altitude. 

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Always communicate how you're feeling with your guide. If you need to take a breather just say so! 

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Vegans and vegetarians may find that they have trouble at altitude. Talk to your travel doctor about taking iron supplements before and during your trip. 

Insects & Tropical Diseases

The Highlands:

The Andean mountains in the "Sierra" region are devoid of insect vectored diseases. Right now - above 7,000 ft (2,100 m) is completely safe. 

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The Cloud Forest:

Sitting between 4,000 - 8,000 ft (1,200 m - 2,000 m) the cloud forest is relatively safe. There have NOT been reported cases of malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, or Chagas. Rumored cases of leishmaniasis have been mentioned but nothing yet confirmed. Black flies definitely like your ankles - so rubber boots are recommended. 

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The Amazon

Outbreaks of chikungunya and dengue fever have been reported however it is not a common occurrence. 

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Malaria: In the area of the Amazon in which we are visiting -  cases of Malaria have not been reported in the past ten years. 

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Yellow Fever: Recent cases of yellow fever have not been reported. You can  be vaccinated against yellow fever. If you are visiting other countries (ex. Costa Rica) after Ecuador you may be required to show proof of your vaccination against Yellow Fever. This vaccination is not required to enter Ecuador. 

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Zika: Only a handful of cases have been reported in Ecuador and only on the coast.

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Chiggers: The larval stage of mites. They do not carry any diseases, but having had them myself, are definitely no fun and EASILY preventable. When you get back from the field, take your clothes off and take a shower BEFORE lying in your bed. We'll give you a "chigger prevention chat" at the lodge. 

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It's always recommended to be cautious!

Visit your doctor to see the latest CDC recommendations. Be up to date on all of your vaccines. Wear protective clothing (long sleeves / long pants) and insect repellent.  

Please check HERE for the SciBugs Cancellation policy

You get to the Quito Airport and we've got the rest! Included you have your  lodging for your first night in Quito and transport from the airport to our hotel. 

Please note this a generalized itinerary and it is subject to change due to availability or weather. In case of changes, similar accommodations and activities will be substituted. 

We'll visit an archeological site focused on the people of Ancient Quito, before the Incans arrived. Look into the eyes of the past while learning about the plants people were using during that time.

Then it's up to the sky at 13,000 ft atop the cable car. Overlook the expanses of Quito, admire the bizarre paramo plants, and if we're lucky, the friendly caracara will make his appearance! 

Then it's off to dinner to watch Quito light up after the sun goes down. 

 
Please note this a generalized itinerary and it is subject to change due to availability or weather. In case of changes, similar accommodations and activities will be substituted.  

Living jewels hide among the trees shrouded in mist. Glass frogs, tourmaline hummingbirds, and opalescent weevils are waiting to meet your acquaintance. 

 
Please note this a generalized itinerary and it is subject to change due to availability or weather. In case of changes, similar accommodations and activities will be substituted.  

A plane, to a bus, to a canoe, and finally we'll be in the heart of the Amazon rainforest just in time for dinner.

 
Please note this a generalized itinerary and it is subject to change due to availability or weather. In case of changes, similar accommodations and activities will be substituted.  

Activities will be conducted depending on the current day's weather.  As it tends to rain in the Amazon at least once a day, we will schedule the outdoor activities around the rain and around the times the animals tend to be most active.  

Scheduled Activities

-Nature journaling classes / activities 

- Nature hikes

- Night hikes

- Canoe safaris

- Paddle canoe safaris

- Observation tower

Free Time Activities

- Free nature journaling time

- Paddle boarding

- Piraña Fishing

- Cooking classes

- Natural history presentations

General Schedule

6:00 am: Birding canoe safari

8:00 am: Breakfast

10:00 am: Scheduled nature journaling class / activity

1:30 pm: Lunch

2:30 pm: Free time

7:00 pm: Scheduled nature journaling class / activity

8:00 pm: Dinner

9:00 pm: Night walk

Please see this video about what to expect at Waita lodge

 
Please note this a generalized itinerary and it is subject to change due to availability or weather. In case of changes, similar accommodations and activities will be substituted.  

It's time to say goodbye to our home away from home! We'll leave right after lunch and arrive to the small Amazon town of Coca for dinner. 

 
Please note this a generalized itinerary and it is subject to change due to availability or weather. In case of changes, similar accommodations and activities will be substituted.  

We'll end our adventure at the Papallacta hot springs. 

Papallacta is a beautiful area right in the transition between the high paramo and the cloud forest.  An interesting mixture of insects, plants, and birds can be found here!  On site is a beautiful trail that winds itself through the Coca-Cayambe national park.  

The hot springs are heated by the neighboring Antisana Volcano. Relax away in the bubbling paradise to escape the chilly nights. 

Massages can be added on for an additional cost. 

 
Please note this a generalized itinerary and it is subject to change due to availability or weather. In case of changes, similar accommodations and activities will be substituted.