2012 SE Brazil Atlantic Forest Tour

TOUR OVERVIEW

Southeastern Brazil is the most populous part of the country, causing serious reduction and degradation of the unique SE Atlantic Forest biome. The remaining remnant forests are home to many endemic, endangered, and very localized bird and plant species. Our SE Brazil tour is designed to see as many of these endemic birds as possible. We should see over 60 endemic and near-endemic species during the tour. The tour is scheduled for austral spring when bird activity is at its best. We'll spend 3 full days at Itatiaia National Park in the coastal highlands, 4 days at Intervales State Park, one of the best birding sites in SE Brazil, followed by 2 days around Ubatuba on the coast north of Sao Paulo,and 5 days around Guapi Assu reserve north of Rio de Janeiro. Accommodations vary from basic but comfortable to superb depending on locale.

PHOTOS OF SOME POSSIBLE SPECIES ON TOUR

TOUR ITINERARY

DATE	ACTIVITY	MEALS	ACCOMMODATIONS
1-Fri 10/26	Overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro.	None	None
2-Sat 10/27	Transfer to Itatiaia NP. Afternoon bird Itatiaia.	BLD	Hotel do Ype
3-Sun 10/28	Bird Itatiaia lower section.	BLD	Hotel do Ype
4-Mon 10/29	Bird Itatiaia Highlands	BLD	Hotel do Ype
5-Tue 10/30	Early AM bird Itatiai. After breakfast transfer to Intervales State Park, birding en route.	BLD	Fazenda Intervales
6-Wed 10/31	Bird Intervales State Park.	BLD	Fazenda Intervales
7-Thu 11/01	Bird Intervales State Park.	BLD	Fazenda Intervales
8-Fri 11/02	Bird Intervales State Park.	BLD	Fazenda Intervales
9-Sat 11/03	Transfer to Ubatuba, birding en route.	BLD	Hotel Solar das Aguas Cantantes
10-Sun 11/04	Bird Ubatuba area.	BLD	Hotel Solar das Aguas Cantantes
11-Mon 11/05	Bird Ubatuba and Pereque sites. Transfer to Guapi Assu.	BLD	Guapi Assu Bird Lodge
12-Tue 11/06	Bird Guapi Assu Reserve.	BLD	Guapi Assu Bird Lodge
13-Wed 11/07	Bird Guapi Assu Reserve.	BLD	Guapi Assu Bird Lodge
14-Thu 11/08	Bird Pico da Caledonia.	BLD	Guapi Assu Bird Lodge
15-Fri 11/09	Bird Macae de Cima Reserve.	BLD	Guapi Assu Bird Lodge
16-Sat 11/10	All day bird coastal restingas. Arrive Rio de Janeiro airport by dinner.	BLD	Overnight flight.
17-Sun 11/11	Travel day home.	None	None

TOUR MAP

TOUR DESCRIPTION

DAY 1 - TRAVEL DAY

Night flight to Rio de Janeiro (not included in tour price).

DAY 2 - TRANSFER TO ITATIAIA NATIONAL PARK

Meet everyone at Galeao International Airport upon arrival in the morning. Land transfer to Itatiaia National Park, arriving mid day. Afternoon relax and bird around lodge in the park. Night at Hotel do Ype.

 

DAY 3 - ITATIAIA NATIONAL PARK

Morning bird the Tres Picos Trail, best trail in the park, which provides access to the forest interior where we're most likely to see birds not visible from the road such as the endemic Brown Tanager, an uncommon species restricted to coastal forests of SE Brazil. It's also the best place to look for Slaty Bristlefront, an always difficult to see tapaculo, and Such's Antthrush, a secretive bird of the forest understory. At mid-day view hummingbirds visiting feeders looking for Frilled Coquette and other species. Afternoon bird forest edges along park roads. The roads are lightly traveled and offer easy as well as excellent birding. Night at Hotel do Ype.   Show Possible Species

DAY 4 - ITATIAIA NATIONAL PARK

Depart very early for all day excursion to the highlands on the back side of the park. The highlands are reached by driving out the main park entrance and circling around. The road up Pico das Algulhas Negras does an altitudinal transect that features higher elevation specialties we can't see in the main section of the park. Night at Hotel do Ype.   Show Key Species

DAY 5 - ITATIAIA & TRANSFER

Morning bird roadsides in the park looking for any birds missed earlier. Mid-morning check-out and departure for Intervales State Park, one of the best birding sites in southeastern Brazil. Arrive at Intervales State Park by late afternoon. Optional birding around the lodge before dark as time permits. Night at Fazenda Intervales.

DAYS 6-8 - INTERVALES STATE PARK

Three full days birding Intervalues State Park, situated on the 3300 ft high de Paranapiacaba escarpment SW of Sao Paulo. Several trails, roads, and jeep tracks provide access to the sections of the park open to the public. Much of the park is covered with pristine SE Atlantic Forest. Over 400 species have been recorded, including many endemics. The local guide knows the key birding sites in the park and will help us find our target species. Primary target birds are the rare and endangered Black-fronted Piping-Guan, the globally vulnerable Helmeted Woodpecker, and the endemic Serra do Mar Tyrannulet.

We'll spend much of one day birding the Carmo Road, which offers arguably the best birding in the park. The first 9 km of the road is drivable without 4-wheel-drive. Thereafter, the road deteriorates and is best birded on foot. This road descends through montane forest laden with excellent habitat for a nice variety of species. We'll spend another day going farther afield to Barra Grande, reached by driving 10 km along a good dirt road outside the park. A 4-wheel-drive track off this dirt road leads into this higher elevation area and offers excellent birding, especially along the first couple miles. We'll have much of the day to bird this area. Barra Grande offers our best chance of seeing the rare Black-fronted Piping-Guan. We'll also bird several short trails around the lodge into secondary forest and do some night birding. Nights at Fazenda Intervales.   Show Possible Species

DAY 9 - TRANSFER TO UBATUBA

Early birding before breakfast. Then drive from Intervales to the beach and resort town of Ubatuba on the Atlantic coast northeast of Sao Paulo, birding en route. Stop at a marsh near Biritiba-Miram area northeast of Sao Paulo to look for a new, as yet undescribed species of antwren ("Sao Paulo Antwren"). Night at Hotel Solar das Aguas Cantantes near Ubatuba.

DAY 10 - UBATUBA

Early morning bird part of the trail toward Pico do Cordoba through a remnant tract of SE Atlantic Forest. The trail starts out gradually uphill but eventually becomes steep. We won't be going up the steep section. Later bird another jeep track near Folha Seca that traverses a nice patch of remnant forest. This track is easy walking and offers superb birding. During mid-day visit a small private fazenda where the owner maintains several hummingbird feeders and welcomes birders to his property. Late afternoon bird a separate forest tract on private land outside town. Birding will be along roadsides and dirt tracks on the fazenda. Night at Hotel Solar das Aguas Cantantes near Ubatuba.   Show Possible Species

DAY 11 - UBATUBA & PEREQUE

Following early breakfast depart for Itatiaia National Park National Park, making several birding stops en route. First stop will be Fazenda Angelim on the north side of Ubatuba, which protects a lowland remnant forest tract where we'll look for several new species not likely the previous day. Late morning drive north along the coast toward Parati and the nearby small town of Pereque. A small patch of remnant forest adjacent to a creek outside town is where the endangered Black-hooded Antwren was re-discovered a few years ago. We'll concentrate on seeing this species but will also do some roadside birding nearby. Following lunch continue north to Guapi Assu, located about 2 hours drive north of Rio de Janeiro. Arrive before dark. Night at Guapi Assu Bird Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 12 - GUAPI ASSU RESERVE

After early breakfast drive the short distance to the Small Wetland located at the start of the 4X4 track up to Casa Anibal. Bird the wetland area looking for more secretive marsh species. Rest of morning birding up the track through secondary forest to Casa Anibal, an easy to moderate hike gradually uphill about 1¾ miles. This trail is the only known site where Eastern Striped Manakin is regularly seen at REGUA. Box lunch at top of hill. Then bird Lost Trail through primary forest back down toward the research station buildings in the afternoon. Night at Guapi Assu Bird Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 13 - GUAPI ASSU RESERVE

Most of day birding Waterfall Trail. The trail is fairly easy the first 2½ miles to the waterfall and then becomes steeper and more difficult the next 2 miles. We'll probably only walk as far as the waterfall. This is one of the birdiest trails in the reserve and can keep us busy all day. The first section of trail goes through secondary forest and is a good place to find White-rumped Tanager, a likely split from Turquoise Tanager. The bamboo section of the trail beginning about ½ mile from the start is the traditional place to find the endemic Slaty Bristlefront. The section between posts 1350m and 1400m (about ¾ miles) is the best place to find the prized Shrike-like Cotinga. We'll continue up the trail as far as the waterfall, where it gets much steeper, before turning around and birding our way back down. Night at Guapi Assu Bird Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 14 - PICO DA CALEDONIA

Pico da Caledonia is the highest peak in the Serra dos Orgaos mountains. We want to bird the mountain on a clear day, so weather conditions will govern which day we do this excursion. A road goes most of the way up the mountain. We'll drive up as far as we can and walk the last section to the top, where a gated Petrobas facility is located. Everyone needs to carry their passports this day to get through the gate. Mist usually rolls in mid-morning so we'll want to reach the mountain top as early as possible. Our primary target bird is the extremely rare Gray-winged Cotinga, often visible in the tops of the Elfin forest trees around the top of the mountain. A small population of the endemic Itatiaia Spinetail is present on the mountain top. Plenty of other birds will keep us busy all day. Night at Guapi Assu Bird Lodge.   Show Key Species

DAY 15 - MACAE DE CIMA RESERVE

Macae de Cima Reserve is a higher elevation site north of Nova Friburgo owned by the orchid expert David Miller. Birders staying at Guapi Assu can visit the site thanks to a special arrangement with David. The reserve is a 1½ hour drive, so we'll leave early to arrive during prime birding time. The reserve protects some of the best forest in the region. All morning birding the reserve and mid-day viewing hummingbirds coming to the feeders. Return to Guapi Assu by mid-afternoon, allowing time to visit the restored wetland, best place to find the somewhat secretive Brazilian Teal. Night at Guapi Assu Bird Lodge.   Show Key Species

DAY 16 - COASTAL RESPINGAS & TRANSFER

Depart early for the coast to look for the critically endangered Restinga Antwren, which is restricted to dense coastal scrub. Visit Praia Seca to look for Hangnest Tody-Tyrant. Bird coastal lagoons and wetlands. Transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport by dark. International flights home overnight (not included in tour price).   Show Possible Species

DAY 17 - TRAVEL DAY

Morning arrival in Miami, followed by connecting flights home (not included in tour price).

Guapi Assu north of Rio de Janeiro. Arrive late afternoon. Night at Guapi Assu Bird Lodge.

{HEADING}253TOUR INFORMATION

The below information is provided to inform people of what to expect if they participate in this tour and to advise participants on how to prepare for the tour. We try to provide accurate information but conditions and travel requirements can change over time.

Entering Brazil

Persons entering Brazil require a valid passport with an expiration date more than 6 months after their planned departure from the country. Immigration officials may deny a person entry if their passport is not in good condition. US citizens require a visa to enter Brazil. The visa is good for 10 years, but make sure the embassy has properly stamped the visa. In 2010 Brazil stopped requiring entry into Brazil within 90 days of the visa issue date. As of 2011, some Brazilian embassies stopped issuing visas directly and started relying on third-party visa services. Contact the embassy handling the region where you live for the latest information. A good visa service is CIBT. Non-US citizens should check with the Ecuador embassy to find out about entry requirements.

Leaving Brazil

A departure tax of $36 is assessed when leaving Brazil. This tax is often included in the price of international airfare.

Time Zone

Eastern Brazil is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Western Brazil is on Eastern Standard Time.

Immunizations & Health

Please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding health issues and immunization requirements when traveling in Brazil. See your travel doctor for specific recommendations at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure. The CDC recommends malaria preventatives in the Pantanal and the Amazon, although the risk of malaria is reportedly low. The CDC also recommends vaccinations/boosters for hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus-diptheria, and measles.

Medical Facilities

Good medical care is available in most populated areas.

Insurance

We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will reimburse you for any non-refundable payments you would otherwise lose if you must cancel your participation in the tour for some unforeseen reason. Trip cancellation insurance must normally be purchased within a short time after you register for the tour. Travel medical insurance is advisable, especially for those with chronic or known medical conditions.

Altitude

Sites we visit in Brazil are at low elevations.

Climate

Seasons in Brazil are the opposite to North America. Extreme southeastern Brazil can be quite cold, reaching 30 F at night, during July-September. Dry season in the Pantanal is July-September. Dry season in the Amazon is approximately July-November. The weather can be hot and humid in the Amazon.

Pace

Birding tours are conducted at an easy to moderate pace. Birding in the Amazon is often by boat, although we may walk some trails as well. The trails are generally fairly level but may be muddy.

Birding is best in early morning and late afternoon, so days begin shortly after first light around 6:00-6:30 am depending on latitude. Breakfasts are typically early, around 5:00-6:00 am. Because we awake early, participants typically retire to their rooms immediately after we complete dinner and checklists for the day.

Accommodations

We stay in comfortable accommodations, which vary depending on the tour destination. Please refer to the Accommodations link on the sidebar for specific information.

Food

Food in Brazil is generally very good.

Transportation

We travel by comfortable, air-conditioned mini-bus or van when in southeastern Brazil. We travel by motorized boat and locally in large dug-out canoes in the Amazon. Bottled water will always be available. Bathroom stops will be made as soon as possible upon request during transfers.

Registration & Payment

Registration can be done by mailing us a completed registration form, which can be printed from the TOUR INFO menu above. Please note that our Brazil tours require a deposit of $600 upon registration. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Please refer to our Registration procedure accessible from the TOUR INFO menu above for payment procedures and refund policies. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended as refunds are only possible to the extent we are refunded deposits required by lodges in Ecuador.

Additional Information

General information about the tour, including where to meet the group and contact information, will be sent by email or US mail prior to departure. Checklists will be provided at the beginning of the tour. Additional information about our policies can be found on the Tour Info menu above. Please feel free to call us at 877-247-3371 or email us with any questions you may have.

Information last updated April, 2012.

ACCOMMODATIONS DURING TOUR

FAZENDA INTERVALES LODGE

Fazenda Intervales Lodge is situated on the higher section of Intervales State Park. The fazenda was formerly a farm until it was converted into a state park. It provides basic accommodations in 4 separate buildings. Rooms for visitors to the park have twin or double beds and private bath. Meals are served buffet style by an independent contractor hired by the park service.

HOTEL SOLAR DAS AGUAS CANTANTES

Hotel Solar das Aguas Cantantes is located 12 miles south of central Ubatuba about a block from the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is built in the Portuguese colonial style and offers quiet and comfort. The hotel restaurant has won numerous awards for the quality of its food. Specialties include seafood and local cuisine. There are 20 comfortable apartments of varying sizes that feature double or twin beds, TV, air conditioning, and small refrigerator. All rooms face onto the garden in the inner courtyard.

HOTEL DO YPE

Hotel do Ype is a first-rate hotel located at the end of the road in Itatiaia National Park between Rio de Janeiero and Sao Paulo. The hotel features beautiful grounds surrounded by forest, swimming pool, sauna, and an excellent restaurant. Excellent forest birding is within walking distance of the hotel. Meals are served buffet style in the restaurant, and the food is excellent. Cabanas feature comfortable beds, private bath, and veranda.

GUAPI ASSU BIRD LODGE

Guapi Assu Bird Lodge is a small lodge located within Reserva Ecologica de Guapi Assu (REGUA) north of Rio de Janeiro. The lodge features a spacious and comfortable lounge, large dining area, small swimming pool, 24-hr electricity (110V), hot water, and free satellite internet access. Laundry service is available for a small charge. The verandas and lodge gardens offer excellent birding. Feeders attract a variety of hummingbirds and fruit-eating birds such as chlorophonias and euphonias. The lodge offers 6 double, 2 twin, and 2 single rooms. All rooms feature comfortable beds, air conditioning, screened windows, and private bath with hot-water showers.

JIM WITTENBERGER

Jim Wittenberger developed a fascination for birding as a teenager, a passion that carried him through to a PhD in Zoology from the University of California. As a graduate student, he studied polygamous mating behavior, territorial behavior, gender differences in parental behavior, and avian song dialects of Bobolinks in eastern Oregon, leading to publication of several empirical and theoretical papers on the species. He published a variety of subsequent papers in leading scientific journals on song behavior, colonial behavior, territorial behavior, and mammalian social behavior. These culminated in publication of a far-reaching textbook he authored on the evolution of animal social behavior, which was widely received as a significant contribution to the field. He was an invited speaker at the British Animal Behavior Society meetings in Cambridge England, and his contribution became the closing chapter of the symposium proceedings. He was honored as an Elective Member of the American Ornithologists Union in 1981 and received the Harry R. Painton Award from the Cooper Ornithological Society for best paper of the year in 1983. Shortly thereafter, he decided to enter the then relatively new field of software engineering, a career he has pursued ever since. He has traveled extensively throughout the world, including to Hawaii, Alaska, the Pribilof Islands, Central America, South America, Europe, Australia, East Africa, and much of North America.

BIRDING GUIDE

We'll be hiring an expert birding guide to accompany this tour. We're in the process of making arrangments and will have the guide posted as soon as possible.