Full Day Golden Lion Tamarin Trail Tour
in the Poco Das Antas Biological Reserve
In the nearby hills, away from the bustle of Rio de Janeiro, high-pitched whistles pierce the air. Small islands of forest grow in an ocean of pasture land. Up in the trees a brilliant orange-gold flash leaps from one branch to another. Trapped in a narrow strip of forest alongside the interstate highway, the calls of the Golden Lion Tamarin can be heard. Few animals are given a second chance. This program is doing just that for the Golden Lion Tamarins. Against all odds, the project set out in 1960s to save the species. The program began in the early 1970s as a collaboration between the United States National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, IBAMA, Brazilian Environment Bureau and the Centro de Primatologia do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Due to habitat fragmentation and deforestation, these squirrel-sized creatures saw their global population numbers plummet dangerously to fewer than 200 wild individuals in the 1970s. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of conservationists working in Brazil’s Poço das Antas Biological Reserve, and many partners supporting their efforts in the field and with fundraising, the golden lion tamarins are staging an encouraging comeback. There are nearly 1,600 individuals today and conservationists hope there will be 2,000 by 2025.
Among the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots, the Atlantic Forest is one of the most important conservation priorities in the world for its wealth of endemic species — found nowhere else on Earth — and ecosystem services. The forest contains more than 20,000 plant species, of which 8,000 are endemic, along with 850 bird species with an endemism rate above 22 percent. So, this place is special. The Atlantic Forest extends along the Brazilian coastline, from North to the extreme South. In the time of the early explorers, the Atlantic Forest alone covered more than 140,000 sq. miles (350,000 sq. km). Today, less than 5% of the original forest remains and less than 10% is protected in national parks, biological reserves, ecological stations, state parks or private reserves.
The Biological Reserve is a "strict nature reserve". (A strict nature reserve in Brazil is an area which is protected from all but light human use in order to preserve the geological and geomorphical features of the region and its biodiversity. These areas are often home to dense native ecosystems that are restricted from all human disturbance outside of scientific study, environmental monitoring and education. Because these areas are so strictly protected, they provide ideal pristine environments by which external human influence can be measured.) The purpose is to fully preserve the biology and other natural attributes without direct human interference. Besides protecting the coastal forest ecosystem and remaining native fauna and preserving endangered indigenous species, the reserve also has the function of creating laboratories to create and restock examples of flora and fauna.
The Poço das Antas Biological Reserve is a government institution (federal) and the project of the NGO Association Mico-Leão-Dourado (Golden Lion Tamarin - AMLD), operates within the administrative area of the Reserve.
Unlike National Parks, Biological Reserves have visit restrictions for golden lion tamarin sightings, limiting it to scientific research, but the AMLD Ecotourism program in partnership with landowners enables the experience with golden lion tamarins in the wild with tourists accompanying the monitoring technicians. Currently the sighting takes place on a countryside rural property in Imbaú and the Educational Center (Exhibition Hall and AMLD administrative headquarters, inside from the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve.)
The Golden Lion Tamarin Ecological Park is a unique park! Here, the main star is the golden lion tamarin, a symbol species of nature conservation in Brazil and worldwide. All attractions are related to its habitat, the Atlantic Forest, and conservation actions to save the species from the risk of extinction. There are several options of trails, viewpoints and opportunities for nature contemplation. You can see the strength of the forest, which is reborn where it used to be pasture, a pioneering vegetated viaduct in the country for animals to cross the highway safely and an agroforestry that allows food to be produced while keeping trees standing. It is also possible to have an unforgettable experience and see the tamarins in nature. By visiting the park you also help save the tamarin. All funds raised from the visitation are reinvested in the species conservation program. We're waiting for you!
Na trilha do Mico
On the Mico Trail Finding a family of tamarins in nature is an exciting experience! On this tour, the visitor will have the chance to observe the tamarins and their behavior in free life together with the researchers of AMLD. The activity can be carried out within the park or at a partner property, according to the technical planning.
Attractions of the Park
Vegetated Viaduct Lookout - A beautiful trail, which alternates stretches of mature forest with stretches restored in recent years by AMLD, and arrives at the Vegetado Viaduct Lookout. From there, it is possible to have a privileged view of the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve and the vegetated viaduct! The structure demonstrates the importance (and challenge) of the connectivity of natural areas and illustrates the fundamental role of this which is the first vegetated viaduct on federal highways in Brazil! Difficulty level: easy Sun exposure: very low Distance: 1 km (round trip)
Restoration Tower - One of the main trails of the park, this route begins at the foot of the lake and arrives at the base of the Restoration Tower! With 15 meters high, 54 steps parade the visitor from an unforgettable view! From above, it is possible to observe much of the area that was previously pasture and was restored by the AMLD. The look also includes beautiful mountains, such as Morro do São João. Difficulty level: moderate Sun exposure: low Distance: 1 km (round trip).
Golden Lion Tamarin Circuit - The circuit for those who want to know the entire Ecological Park Mico-Leão-Dourado at once! The route crosses the main attractions of the park in a special walk that passes through the lake, the Lookout of the Vegetated Viaduct and the Restoration Tower. The hike, considered moderate, is an incredible opportunity to contemplate the forest and observe its animals. Difficulty level: moderate Sun exposure: medium Distance: 3.5 km
Permanent exhibition "Mico Está Aqui" - the history of the conservation of the Golden Lion Tamarin" In this exhibition, which features interactive panels and videos, the visitor will be able to learn more about the golden lion tamarin, its habitat, efforts and challenges to ensure the conservation of the species and the Atlantic Forest in the region. The show also includes an outside, which invites the visitor to interact and play with the facilities.
There are other trails for visit too:
Circuito do Lago, Trilha dos Vinháticos, Trilha do Jequitibá, Mico Safari (visit on jeep that will be available once a week for elderly people and visitors with locomotion problems).
The Poço das Antas Biological Reserve is a government institution (federal) and the project of the NGO Association Mico-Leão-Dourado (Golden Lion Tamarin - AMLD), operates within the administrative area of the Reserve.
Unlike National Parks, Biological Reserves have visit restrictions for golden lion tamarin sightings, limiting it to scientific research, but the AMLD Ecotourism program in partnership with landowners enables the experience with golden lion tamarins in the wild with tourists accompanying the monitoring technicians. Currently the sighting takes place on a countryside rural property in Imbaú and the Educational Center (Exhibition Hall and AMLD administrative headquarters, inside from the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve.)
The Golden Lion Tamarin Ecological Park is a unique park! Here, the main star is the golden lion tamarin, a symbol species of nature conservation in Brazil and worldwide. All attractions are related to its habitat, the Atlantic Forest, and conservation actions to save the species from the risk of extinction. There are several options of trails, viewpoints and opportunities for nature contemplation. You can see the strength of the forest, which is reborn where it used to be pasture, a pioneering vegetated viaduct in the country for animals to cross the highway safely and an agroforestry that allows food to be produced while keeping trees standing. It is also possible to have an unforgettable experience and see the tamarins in nature. By visiting the park you also help save the tamarin. All funds raised from the visitation are reinvested in the species conservation program. We're waiting for you!
Na trilha do Mico
On the Mico Trail Finding a family of tamarins in nature is an exciting experience! On this tour, the visitor will have the chance to observe the tamarins and their behavior in free life together with the researchers of AMLD. The activity can be carried out within the park or at a partner property, according to the technical planning.
Attractions of the Park
Vegetated Viaduct Lookout - A beautiful trail, which alternates stretches of mature forest with stretches restored in recent years by AMLD, and arrives at the Vegetado Viaduct Lookout. From there, it is possible to have a privileged view of the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve and the vegetated viaduct! The structure demonstrates the importance (and challenge) of the connectivity of natural areas and illustrates the fundamental role of this which is the first vegetated viaduct on federal highways in Brazil! Difficulty level: easy Sun exposure: very low Distance: 1 km (round trip)
Restoration Tower - One of the main trails of the park, this route begins at the foot of the lake and arrives at the base of the Restoration Tower! With 15 meters high, 54 steps parade the visitor from an unforgettable view! From above, it is possible to observe much of the area that was previously pasture and was restored by the AMLD. The look also includes beautiful mountains, such as Morro do São João. Difficulty level: moderate Sun exposure: low Distance: 1 km (round trip).
Golden Lion Tamarin Circuit - The circuit for those who want to know the entire Ecological Park Mico-Leão-Dourado at once! The route crosses the main attractions of the park in a special walk that passes through the lake, the Lookout of the Vegetated Viaduct and the Restoration Tower. The hike, considered moderate, is an incredible opportunity to contemplate the forest and observe its animals. Difficulty level: moderate Sun exposure: medium Distance: 3.5 km
Permanent exhibition "Mico Está Aqui" - the history of the conservation of the Golden Lion Tamarin" In this exhibition, which features interactive panels and videos, the visitor will be able to learn more about the golden lion tamarin, its habitat, efforts and challenges to ensure the conservation of the species and the Atlantic Forest in the region. The show also includes an outside, which invites the visitor to interact and play with the facilities.
There are other trails for visit too:
Circuito do Lago, Trilha dos Vinháticos, Trilha do Jequitibá, Mico Safari (visit on jeep that will be available once a week for elderly people and visitors with locomotion problems).
A Suggested Full Day Golden Lion Tamarin Trail Tour with Lunch
On the Mico Trail + Ecological Park Meeting point:
06:00 am – pick up at the hotel and transfer to Silva Jardim.
8:00 am – Meet the staff at the meeting point (Silva Jardim/RJ interchange, BR-101, km 237)
8:30 am - Start of activity on our partner farm for sighting of the Golden Lion Tamarin.
10:00 am - Departure from the farm towards the Mico Leão-Dourado Ecological Park.
10:30 am - Already at the park headquarters with a brief opening and considerations
10:40 am - Start of the trails of Torre da Restauração and Mirante do Viaduto vegetado (depending on the profile of the visitors we can do the Circuito do Mico of 3.5km roundtrip)
12:30 pm Visit to our permanent exhibition "The Tamarin is here" History of the Conservation of the Golden Lion Tamarin.
12:50 pm end of the visit and leave the Park towards Fazenda dos Cordeiros Farm, where we´ll stop for lunch
03:00 pm – start the return to Rio
05:30 pm – arrival in Rio and drop of at the hotel.
06:00 am – pick up at the hotel and transfer to Silva Jardim.
8:00 am – Meet the staff at the meeting point (Silva Jardim/RJ interchange, BR-101, km 237)
8:30 am - Start of activity on our partner farm for sighting of the Golden Lion Tamarin.
10:00 am - Departure from the farm towards the Mico Leão-Dourado Ecological Park.
10:30 am - Already at the park headquarters with a brief opening and considerations
10:40 am - Start of the trails of Torre da Restauração and Mirante do Viaduto vegetado (depending on the profile of the visitors we can do the Circuito do Mico of 3.5km roundtrip)
12:30 pm Visit to our permanent exhibition "The Tamarin is here" History of the Conservation of the Golden Lion Tamarin.
12:50 pm end of the visit and leave the Park towards Fazenda dos Cordeiros Farm, where we´ll stop for lunch
03:00 pm – start the return to Rio
05:30 pm – arrival in Rio and drop of at the hotel.
The Full Day Golden Lion Tamarin Trail operates: Regular Basis: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Any other days of the week on request and subject to application of exclusivity fee. Normally no visits are allowed on 2 consecutive days. Important about the visit to the Golden Lion Tamarin Reserve: Guests need to show proof of the yellow fever vaccine, proof of minimum two shots of the Covid vaccine (or booster), wear masks on the trail when they get closer to the observation of the monkeys. In the rest of the preservation area is not necessary to wear masks. 2020 Regular Tour Price per person in US$: $605 with 1 person, $330 with 2 people, $250 with 3 people or $205 with 4-6 Payment and Cancellation Conditions (Valid for Regular and Private Tour): Pre-payment required; Cancellation within 7 (seven) days prior the tour: 100% reimbursement (except for credit card processing fees) Cancellation from 6 (six) to 2 (two) days prior the tour: 50% reimbursement; (except for credit card processing fees) Cancellation less than 2 (two) days prior the tour: no reimbursement. |
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