Amazon Adventures

Brazil Tours and Travel

Brazil Birding Tour

The Atlantic Forest of Brazil is one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots. Having evolved in geographical isolation from other forest regions such as the Amazon, the Atlantic Forest is a unique ecosystem with high biodiversity and extremely high levels of endemism. In all some 682 species of birds are found in the Atlantic Forest biome and 199 (29%) of these are endemic to the Atlantic Forest. This tour will allow you to enjoy some of the best birding sites and support conservation efforts.

Due to the fact of being located between the savanna to the south and the low-lying Amazonian forest to the north, the Meridional Amazon Forest, at somewhat higher elevation, is considered to be among the richest areas of the whole Amazon basin, presenting an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, and some of the highest rainforest canopies in the world. In Alta Floresta region there is a great amount of endemism related to birds. "The geographic location of the Alta Floresta area in the headwaters of the Tapajós contributes greatly to its ornithological importance because the river separates different populations of many forest birds" (Bret Whitney : Cotinga Magazine- April 1997).

Pantanal the world’s largest freshwater wetland, is a single biome composed of 11 biogeographic units. Pantanal is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it was declared as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site). With untouched beautiful wilderness, this region has a variety of ecological sub-regions, like river corridors, gallery forest, perennial and seasonally wetlands and lakes. Since the flood covers up 2/3 of Pantanal area, a diverse aquatic animal life is found, making Pantanal a sanctuary for birdwatchers that will be enlightened with over 600 species of birds. It’s the most important breeding spot for typical wetland birds. An estimate of three thousand hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), the world’s largest parrot and in risk of extinction, can be found in this region home to over 26 species of parrots.

Chapada dos Guimarães , in the geodesic centre of South America, is home to a beautiful cerrado (Brazilian savanna) landscape. The rich hydrography with many waterfalls, steep hill with reddish sandstone formations of Chapada dos Guimarães is home to a number of species not found in the Pantanal such as Blue-winged Macaw, White-collared and Biscutate Swift, Cinnamon-throated Hermit, White-banded Tamager, Blue Finch and many more.

DAY 1 – Arrive City of Rio de Janeiro Transfer to Guapi Assu Bird Lodge at REGUA(Reserva Ecologica Guapi Assu) – 2 hours drive. Walking around the wetland , this recently created habitat of 12 hectares , home to caimans , capivaras you will be able to see innumerous birds.
Key species: Least Grebe, Capped, Cocoi and Striated Herons, White-faced Whisting-Duck, Masked Duck, Snail Kite, Aplomado Falcon, Limpkin, Ash-throated Crake, Giant Snipe ( early morning species) , Orange-winged Parrot, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Biscutate Swift, Ringed, Amazon and Green Kingfishers, White Woodpecker, Tail-banded Hornero, Common Thornbird, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Sooty Tyrannulet, Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Tyrant, Yellowish Pipit, Long-billed Wren, Brazilian Tanager, White-bellied Seedeater and Chestnut-capped Blackbird.

Day 2 - Either a day walk or a morning walk on the REGUA green trail to the waterfall. This starts in the 60 year old lowland Atlantic Rainforest that has grown over the scars of past progress. We shall take you to the primevil forest at the waterfall so that you can see for yourself the principles of forest dynamics. Over 80 species recorded so far on this trail and you will be able to see inumerpous speceis.
Key Species: Saw-billed Hermit, Black Jacobin, Brazilian Ruby, Spot-billed Toucanet, Pale-browed Treehunter, Black-capped Foliage-Gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Star-throated Antwren, Unicolored Antwren, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Slaty Bristlefront, Sharpbill, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, Southern Antpipit, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Elegant Mourner and Golden-chevroned Tanager.

For those choosing a morning walk, the afternoon is used to see some more wetland species. If its dry, a drive to Casa Anibal is a must.
Key species: Mantled Hawk, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Channel-billed Toucan, Bare-throated Bellbird, Long-tailed Tyrant, Black-tailed Tityra, Long-billed Wren, White-necked Thrush, Brazilian Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Crescent chested Puffbird, Eastern striped Manakin and Yellow-green Grosbeak. In the evening, REGUA produces a slide show explaining the history of the REGUA project, its mission and its accomplishments to date. Owls are heard and the garden has its enigmatic visior, the Tawny browed owl

Day 3 - We leave REGUA early morning for Macaé de Cima which lies near the city of Nova Friburgo and comprises an area of montane forest reaching an altitude of c.1,400 m. On this excursion we visit several areas at different altitudes, with most of our time spent at a private orchid reserve at the top of the mountain, owned by renowned orchid expert David Miller. The forest here offers some of the easiest access to high altitude Atlantic Forest specialties, with most of the birding done from the dirt road. David Miller's Orchid Reserve also has hummingbird feeders that provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Key species: Black Hawk-Eagle, Barred Forest-Falcon, Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Amethyst Woodstar, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Bertonis, Ochre-rumped and Dusky-tailed Antbirds, Rufous Gnateater, Rufous-tailed (Brazilian) Antthrush, Rufous-capped and Pallid Spinetails, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-browed Foliage-gleaners, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrant, Sharpbill, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Greenish Schiffornis, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, Chestnut-headed and Azure-shouldered Tanagers, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch, Green-winged Saltator and White-browed Warbler.

Day 4 - In the morning we would offer you a walk to Waldenoor, with mid elevation montane forests with over 80 bird species present including.
Key species: Saffron Toucanet, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Frilled coquette
The afternoon can be used for either the Casa Anibal trail or the wetland trail and walking short trails around the lodge. The nursery where over 50 000 trees have been grown for planting is a must!!

Day 5 - Once again we shall leave REGUA for another full day excursion for Pico da Caledonia is one of the highest peaks in the Serra dos Orgãos mountains reaching 2,219 m above sea level. On a clear day the views from the top are truly spectacular. The montane forest here is one of only two known sites (and by far the most accessible and reliable) where the extremely rare and elusive Grey-winged Cotinga may be found. This site is also known for it's isolated population of Itatiaia Thistletail as well as the high altitude.
Key species: Red-legged Seriema, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed and Dusky-tailed Antbirds, Rufous Gnateater, Mouse-coloured Tapaculo, Itatiaia Thistletail, Pallid Spinetail, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Highland Elaenia, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, Diademed and Brassy-breasted Tanagers, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch, Green-winged Saltator and White-browed Warbler.

Day 6 – Transfer to Rio. Jeep Tour of Corcovado and Tijuca Forest
Key species: Channel-billed toucan, Slaty-breasted woodrail, Flame-crested tanager, Red-necked tanager, Red-shouldered macaw among others.

Day 7 - breakfast, transfer to the airport to fly to Cuiaba, then connect with flight to Alta Floresta. Afternoon - Arrival in Alta Floresta, welcome drink at the Hotel Floresta Amazônica. Transfer to the Cristalino Jungle lodge. Accommodation, dinner, slide show of the local fauna and flora. Library and maps available.

Day 8 - Early wake up to observe the awakening of the forest in our 50 m canopy tower. Breakfast. Motor boat up river, walking the Brazil Nut Trail, with a stop over at the "Limão" rapids. Float down river with boat engine switched off or canoeing and wildlife viewing. Swimming along the river, by the floating deck or by the rapids, before lunch.
Late lunch. Opportunity to choose between walking the "Rocky" trail to the Tree House, or participate in supervised activities at the ropes and rapel (including course). Dinner by campfire. Night caiman spotting by the floating deck or in motor boats. Observation of nocturnal life in the forest.

Day 9 - After breakfast, walk the "Caja" Trail. Swimming before lunch. Lunch. Motor boat up river, hiking the Sierra trail and observing the sunset. Optional : Tree house late afternoon to look for nocturnal mammals.

Day 10 - After breakfast walk the "Cacao" trail . Return down river with boat engines switched off or canoeing. Wildlife viewing. Swimming along the river, by the floating deck or by the rapids, before lunch.Lunch. Boat down to "Ariosto" island on the Teles Pires River. Walk the island's trails and watch the magnificent sunset. Transfer to the city of Alta Floresta. Overnight at Hotel Floresta Amazônica. Relaxing in the beautiful gardens and swimming pool. Dinner.

Day 11 - Breakfast at the Floresta Amazônica Hotel in Alta Floresta. Possibility of viewing local crafts before departure or walking the trails at the back of the Hotel in the private forest reserve; lunch and transfer to the airport. Fly back to Cuiaba where you will be met and transferred to Cuiaba. Arrival at Cuiabá/Várzea Grande Airport, reception and transfer to Poconé (105 Km), following on the Transpantaneira up to Araras Eco Lodge (32 Km). Bird watching along the way to the lodge. Welcome drink and accommodation. Afternoon trekking on the Rondon path. Dinner and overnight at Araras Eco Lodge.

Day 12 - Early morning birding at the “arapacu” trial, (white-eyed parakeet, monk parakeet, rufous hornero, yellowbrowned
tyrant, purplish jay, sayaca tanager, saffron finch, red-crested cardinal, etc.). Lunch at Araras followed by a visit to the observation tower with possibilities of spotting herons, sun bittern, little blue heron, whistling heron, bare-faced ibis, snail kite, purple gallinule, yellow-billed tern, Amazon kingfisher, pygmy kingfisher, barred ant shrike, etc. Return to Araras Lodge in adapted vehicle for bird watching with possibilities to see black-crowned night-heron, nacunda nightjar, pauraquee, great horned owl, common potoo, etc. Dinner and overnight at Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 13 - After early breakfast, departure towards Pixaim River (34 Km) in an open car. Birding along the Transpantaneira (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus, Amblyramphus holosericeus, southern screamer, lesser yellow-headed vulture, savanna hawk, black-colored hawk, roadside hawk, laughing falcon, greater rhea, Jabiru stork, American wood stork, etc.). Lunch at local lodge then hiking thru the forest with possibilities of spotting species such as Heliornis fulica, the rare Agamia agami, Chloroceryle aenea and others, after trekking motor boat trekking at Pixaim river. Dinner at local lodge then return doing a nocturnal birding along the Transpantaneira road (Bubo virginianus, Cochlearius cochlearius, Nyctibius griseus, Nyctidromus albicollis and others) return to the lodge and overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 14 - Early morning birding at the lodge ground, (white-eyed parakeet, monk parakeet, rufous hornero, yellowbrowned tyrant, purplish jay, sayaca tanager, saffron finch, red-crested cardinal, Sturnella superciliaris, Polistictus pectoralis, Psarocolius decumanus, etc.). After breakfast trip to the “Sentinela-camp” by the margins of Clarinho river for further birding in kayaks and paths (herons, sun bittern, little blue heron, whistling heron, bare-faced ibis, snail kite, purple gallinule, yellow-billed tern, Amazon kingfisher, pygmy kingfisher, barred ant shrike, etc.). Lunch by the campfire. Further birding on the savannah on the way back to the lodge. Dinner. Night tour to look for the night birds (black-crowned night-heron, nacunda nightjar, pauraquee, great horned owl, common potoo, etc.); return and overnight at Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 15 - Early morning birding at the lodge ground. After breakfast departure to Chapada dos Guimarães (170 Km). (Melanopareia torquata, Nystalus chacuru, Thamnophilus torquatus, Schistchlamys ruficapillus and others). Lunch at local restaurante in front of a beautiful high waterfall. Birding in its surroundings and on the Hummingbird trail, followed by the transfer to Chapada City. Stop at the Hell’s Gate and walk its trail. Overnight at Lodge. Dinner.

Day 16 - Early morning birding at the lodge ground. After breakfast departure through Água Fria road sppoting birds as Melanopareia torquata, Nystalus chacuru, Thamnophilus torquatus, Schistchlamys ruficapillus and others. Lunch at Morro dos Ventos restaurant followed by a visit to the look out view and geodesic centre. In the afternoon a visit to Vale da Benção. Return to the lodge for dinner and departure to observe nocturnal habits birds. Overnight at Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 17 - Breakfast and departure to Cuiabá airport.