The Best of Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest trip with Naturetrek was the perfect length for us and was based on only two eco-lodges which cut down on endless repacking and too much travel during the trip. The leader was first rate and he gave %110 throughout which we really appreciated. All in all it was a trip we'd thoroughly recommend if you enjoy forest birding and the necessary demands of waiting patiently and motionless for the birds to be called in.
A.M. Fife
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Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - November 2024
- Tour report - January 2024
- Tour report - November 2023
- Tour report - January 2023
- Tour report - November 2022
- Tour report - March 2022
- Tour report - January 2020
- Tour report - November 2019
- Tour report - January 2019
- Tour report - October 2018
- Tour report - January 2018
- Tour report - December 2017
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - February 2016
- Tour report - November 2015
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The Best of Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest
Tour Code: BRA05A relaxed 10-day birdwatching tour of Brazil's endemic-rich Atlantic rainforests, enjoyed from the comfort of two comfortable eco-lodges.
£4,095
£3,395
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - November 2024
- Tour report - January 2024
- Tour report - November 2023
- Tour report - January 2023
- Tour report - November 2022
- Tour report - March 2022
- Tour report - November 2019
- Tour report - January 2020
- Tour report - October 2018
- Tour report - January 2019
- Tour report - January 2018
- Tour report - December 2017
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - February 2016
- Tour report - November 2015
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Summary
On this tour we will be staying in two comfortable lodges, both within protected areas of Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest. Half of the 103 bird species designated as ‘endangered’ in Brazil occur in the Atlantic forests and many other rare species are known only from this area. Our first base, Eco-lodge Itororo, is situated at an altitude of 1,200 metres within the Tres Picos State Park. We will spend the first four days going in search of this area’s dazzling array of bird species before transferring to our second base, the Guapi Assu Bird Lodge which overlooks the Reserva Ecologica de Guapi Assu (REGUA). The reserve provides an excellent contrast in habitats and species from Tres Picos and we’ll explore the wetlands as well as lowland Atlantic forest, together with Serra dos Orgaos National Park in search of owls such as Tawny-browed Owl, cotingas including Shrike-like Cotinga, a dazzling array of hummingbirds and many more species.
- Explore the stunning Atlantic rainforest
- Enjoy a host of exotic species, from Toucans to Hummingbirds
- Over 60 species of endemic birds possible
- Comfortable lodges, with a flexible programme
- Unique Atlantic rainforest
- Expertly guided by Andy Foster
Grading
Grade A/B. Most walks on this tour are undemanding, however, the High Altitude excursion at Pico de Caledonia and the Green Trail at Regua require a little experience in walking in montane and uneven terrain.The Atlantic rainforests of south-eastern Brazil offer the visiting birder a wealth of species that include a large number of endemics. Less than 7% of the original forest cover now remains in the state of Rio de Janeiro but, thankfully, the majority of this is now protected. Half of the 103 bird species designated as ‘endangered’ in Brazil occur in the Atlantic forests and many other rare species are known only from this area. This rare habitat provides a wonderful base for this new tour, our time here being split between two very comfortable lodges, both situated in protected areas.
Eco-lodge Itororo, located in the Tres Picos State Park, is situated at an altitude of 1200 metres and offers the perfect location from which to observe a whole host of endemic birds. Over 150 species of bird have been recorded in the lodge’s grounds alone and the feeders here offer a quite remarkable opportunity to photograph a stunning mixture of colourful tanagers, parakeets and toucanets. Using the lodge as a base, we will access the higher altitude areas for the first four days of the tour, where we can expect to see a dazzling array of species, with highlights likely to include Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanets, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga and the stunning Plovercrest.
The Guapi Assu Bird Lodge is beautifully situated on a small hill overlooking the restored wetland area of the Reserva Ecologica de Guapi Assu (REGUA). The wetlands, together with the surrounding lowland forests, provide the perfect contrast to the higher areas explored earlier in the tour and here we are likely to encounter an exciting variety of new species. Exploring the lowland areas of the Atlantic forest, together with the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, new birds are likely to include Rufous-sided Crake, Giant Snipe, Rufous-capped Motmot, Channel-billed Toucan, Tawny-browed Owl, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird and Shrike-like Cotinga.
Based in two very comfortable lodges, with a plethora of birds on their doorsteps, excellent photographic opportunities, and a flexible itinerary that allows you to opt in and out of the daily excursions, this tour is designed for those of you that enjoy birdwatching, but do not want to be tied in to a rigidly fixed programme.
Outline Itinerary
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What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: All accommodation is provided at Ecolodge Itororo lodge and REGUA lodge. Twin rooms have en suite facilities. There is a natural swimming pool at the lodge.
- Food: All food is provided. Some of the lunches will be in picnic form.
Reviews
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I joined a Naturetrek Group going to the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil and had a fantastic trip. We stayed at two lodges during the week, only about an hour apart, covering high and low altitude forest, open country, and wetlands. We saw over 250 bird species during our week's trip, not to mention Capybaras, Agoutis, Caymans and numerous moths and insects on the illuminated 'moth wall'. The lodges were set in spectacular surroundings, food was nourishing and on time, and the bus was comfortable and very well driven, sometimes up vertiginous tracks. I can't think of any way the holiday could have been bettered.
D.C. Kent -
I enjoyed a bird watching holiday at two lodges in the Atlantic rainforests. The trip was very well organised. Our guide from the UK, Andy, was brilliant and the local guides were great. We saw many new species of birds and most of the target endemics. The lodges were very good. I enjoyed the food and the staff were very friendly and efficient.
T.H.J. West Sussex -
Andy Foster is brilliant, not only expert at calls and identification, he has the patience of Job and a great acerbic sense of humour. Very good group mix that worked well throughout.
G.C. Moray & Nairn -
Andy Foster is an outstanding leader. and bird guide. His ability, patience and willingness to ensure that all saw each bird in the difficult environment of the rainforest was commendable. Tour leader, accommodation and of course the birds made this an outstanding trip.
P.S. Lincolnshire -
Two lovely eco-lodges, was nice being based at just two places instead of moving location everyday. Andy was an excellent guide, working very hard to find the endemic birds. The staff at both lodges were very helpful and made us very welcome.
S.B. Pembrokeshire -
Andy is a great birder and we enjoyed his company and humour. The contrast in the 2 areas and the small lodges, of which we had almost exclusive use, good group of people - we all got on well.
Mr & Mrs C. Cornwall -
The professional guiding by Andy, so knowledgeable in every aspect. The Lodges especially the locations, the friendliness of the staff and managers, excellent food. A very full on tour.
S.C. Oxfordshire
Dates & Prices
2025
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Tour Leader: Andy Foster
Andy fell in love with Brazil during his first visit there in 1995. After numerous visits over the following years Andy set up Serra dos Tucanos Lodge together with his wife Cristina, basically to be able to continue birding within this endemic rich area! Serra dos Tucanos Lodge remained open for the next 14 years until they moved the whole operation up to their new base Itororo Lodge.
Andy previously worked at a nature reserve on the south coast of England, he was based in the field for the majority of his work and was responsible for bird and botanical surveys, which is how he developed his passion for birding. He was responsible for helping with the establishment of a local wetland reserve and conservation NGO based in the State of Rio de Janeiro. From there he went on to establish Serra dos Tucanos lodge and begun to guide birding tours within the local area.
Having now spent over 20 years birding within the Tres Picos State Park in the state of Rio de Janeiro Andy knows the local area extremely well, and has spent numerous hours in the field guiding birding trips and sharing his knowledge of the local birds with many guests!
Tour Reports
- Tour report - November 2024
- Tour report - January 2024
- Tour report - November 2023
- Tour report - January 2023
- Tour report - November 2022
- Tour report - March 2022
- Tour report - January 2020
- Tour report - November 2019
- Tour report - January 2019
- Tour report - October 2018
- Tour report - January 2018
- Tour report - December 2017
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - February 2016
- Tour report - November 2015
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Why Naturetrek?
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