Meet your hosts
With experience and passion, we ensure your stay in Ecuador’s cloud forest is unforgettable.
Sandra Morocho Yuxi
Naturalist Guide
Born in the Quijos Valley, Sandra is a passionate naturalist with a deep love for birds, mountains, and conservation. A certified national guide with a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, she has built her career managing eco-lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
With a master’s degree in Rural Development, Sandra has focused on sustainable practices that support rural communities. She collaborates as an associate researcher at FLACSO the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (Ecuador) and the Friedrich Alexander University (Germany).
Committed to the Rights of Nature advocacy, she leads the Quijos Valley Reforestation Project, dedicated to preserving the cloud forest. She has represented the Quijos Valley at major international tourism fairs, including ITB Berlin, FITUR Madrid, and the Global Birdfair in the UK.
Marcela Morocho Yuxi
Local Cuisine Specialist
Marcela grew up learning traditional Ecuadorian recipes from her mother, developing a deep appreciation for local flavors and sustainable cooking. She is passionate about preserving Ecuador’s culinary heritage by using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
With experience in catering and quality control, Marce is committed to food security and sustainability. She carefully selects native ingredients from local farms and our very own native garden. The herbal teas we serve, for example, come from aromatic plants harvested right outside our kitchen.
Her creations will delight your palate while nourishing both body and soul. Blending tradition with innovation she has successfully competed in traditional food contests.
Timo Kornfeld
Operations & Tech Manager
Timo ensures everything runs smoothly, making sure no detail is overlooked. Precise and organized, he keeps track of schedules and logistics with German efficiency—yet his heart belongs to Ecuador. He fell in love with the country, its culture, and its flavours, with chicha de maíz as his favorite drink.
A passionate birdwatcher, Timo records all his sightings on eBird a platform for citizen science. With his expertise in software development, he currently leads the creation of a monitoring system for our reforestation project. This software will track trees from seed to maturity, helping us learn from the process and amplify its impact across the region.