Cloud 9 Nature Journaling Retreat

Imagine spending 9 days this winter in a biodiverse Ecuadorian cloudforest surrounded by rare birds, plants, and other natural wonders. Your accommodations are in a luxurious lodge surrounded by acres of tropical nature with jungle vibes but mild temperatures. You will be part of a team of like-minded individuals that create a sense of camaraderie and a vibrant learning community. Daily art, birding, botany, and entomology activate your mind while fresh food, rare fruit, and quality cacao stimulate your senses. All you have to do is bring your curiosity and your nature journaling supplies!

Natural Attractions: World-renowned biodiversity hotspot with dozens of hummingbird species, rare toucans, butterfly life cycle tour, immersive cacao processing, orchids and bromeliads galore, moths, bats, amphibians, and more. Opportunities to see rarities such as the otherworldly umbrella bird, the plate-billed mountain toucan, the pinocchio lizard, and the extravagant lekking males of the cock of the rock.

Activities and Lessons: 

• Birds: In addition to being at a world class birding location, we will have trained help with bird ID, avian ecology, bird drawing, and use of birding apps, from Marley, Nancy and local guides.
• Neotropical Botany and Ecology: Plant walks and classes including basic taxonomy, fun facts, weird adaptations and more with Marley. Learn about origins of biodiversity, the role of the Andes mountains, and the evolutionary arms race of plant defense chemicals in sit-down presentations and during walks.
• Entomology: Learn about insect ecology, evolution, identification, fun facts, and photography tips with our very own entomologist, co-leader, and Ecuador expert, Nancy. Nightly moth light activities, visit to butterfly garden. Night walks, classes, and everyday tips from Nancy will fill you with the incredible world of invertebrate behavior, evolution of flight, and maybe even her famous bug sex presentation.
• Sketching and Nature Journaling: Learn watercolor techniques, quick bird sketching tricks, and how to make no-fuss botanical illustrations. Marley has been practicing nature journaling and sketching extensively in the neotropics for the last ten years. In addition to sit-down classes he can also offer one-on-one help and advice meeting you where you are at with your skills. 
• Culture and Food: Learn the history of cacao and how chocolate is made in a hands-on workshop. Other activities will involve rare tropical fruit, the diversity of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, and roadside tropical agroecology. 

Amenities/Rest and Relaxation: In addition to the scheduled lessons and natural wonders there is time for you to do your own thing. Jacuzzi and heated pool with a view, cozy areas for studying and drawing, covered areas for watching birds from the hotel. Delicious highland coffee, fresh fruit juice, local cuisine, rare tropical fruit, and lots of chocolate. Schedule a massage, read by the fireplace, or stroll the private trails looking for your own nature discoveries with a jungle vibe but mild clime.

Everything about this trip is designed to create an immersive nature experience that allows you to relax, appreciate, learn, and get quality nature journaling in. 

If you are the kind of person that needs alone time don’t worry. The days are designed to allow for participants to have personal time to observe nature alone, develop their creative work, or just relax watching colorful birds dart through the trees.