We sketch piranhas in a canoe while blue and yellow macaws fly overhead. Red howler monkeys roar and prehistoric-looking hoatzin birds watch us drift by. You already have three types of toucans and four species of shimmering kingfishers on today’s nature journal page. And this is just one of the locations we will visit.
Would you nature journal in the Amazon?
Spiny palm leaves scratch the side of the canoe and tree branches dangle orchids overhead as we pass through a tunnel-like canopy of the flooded forest. Was that splash in the water an arapaima or a pink river dolphin? Yellow-headed vultures and swallow-tailed kites circle far above. Greater Anis add their raucous tones and otherworldly faces to the tropical spectacle. Somewhere in the thick vegetation squirrel monkeys chirp in alarm. It’s the pre-breakfast canoe ride and nature journaling session deep in the Ecuadorean Amazon. This is one of the most biodiverse places on the entire planet. That’s why we are here with our nature journals.
Andes to Amazon Nature Journaling Adventure
This is a multi stage adventure. The whole trip is designed to take advantage of the spectacular diversity of Ecuadorean ecosystems from mountains down to the flooded forest of the Amazon basin. That’s where we are now. For three full days we will stay at a remote Amazonian lodge only reachable by a three hour canoe ride.
What it’s like to Nature Journal in the Amazon
First, you wake up before sunrise with the sound of weird birds. You stumble to the lodge with your nature journaling supplies and grab a mug of coffee. Next, you walk a few more yards to the waiting canoe and get in. Your fellow nature journalers are there too. Despite the early hour, emotions are high. Time for your senses to wake up while surrounded by the most biodiverse place on the planet!
The canoe slips out into the opaque water. A few startled bats fly by. Our guide helps get us to locations where we can comfortably sketch and journal about what we see. Everyday is different and there are surprises around each bend in the river.
Later, we might go for a short walk, paddle board, fish for piranhas, or climb an observation tower. After a delicious dinner it’s time for night time nature journaling. Are you ready?
Nocturnal Nature Journaling in the Amazon
Many tropical creatures are easier to see at night. This is often the best time to look for reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and many bugs. If you still have energy after an exciting day then I highly recommend a nocturnal nature journaling session. Once again, you never know what you will find. Even close to our lodge there are cool things. It might take you a while to get used to nocturnal nature journaling but I think it is worth it. One of the occupational hazards is you might breathe in a mosquito or two.
One piece of gear I recommend for night time nature journaling is this clip on reading light.
I also used this waterproof backpack. If you nature journal somewhere very wet then this could be a lifesaver. A bit expensive but I can fit my whole nature journal kit inside if I need to protect it from a sudden downpour.
The above are affiliate links so I get a small percentage if you buy using them.
Want to join me for a nature journal trip?
This year’s trip was a great success. I would love to have you join the trip next year. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter and check my calendar to stay up to date. Also, don’t forget that I will be leading a nature journaling trip in Costa Rica the first week of December. If nature journaling on the beach with your feet in the sand sounds like your style then check out that trip here.
Do you still need more help getting started with nature journaling?
Regardless of your experience, we got you right here. Below are links to some super resources for beginner nature journalers.
