Brazilian Amazon Tour
Endemism Haven South
Location
São Paulo, Brazil
Duration
12 Days
Group Size
6
Endemism areas
Atlantic Forest
What to Expect
The southern part of São Paulo State presents an incredible journey through the stunning landscapes of the Atlantic Forest, where nature flourishes in its most vibrant form. Your adventure begins on the beautiful island of Ilhabela, famous for its unspoiled beaches and lush forests, home to many endemic species.
From there, travel along the breathtaking BR 101 highway, where the dense rainforest meets the coastline, offering endless opportunities to spot native flora and fauna. As you venture further South, Peruíbe welcomes you with its picturesque natural reserves and waterfalls.
The Vale do Ribeira, a true biodiversity hotspot, is next, with the Legado das Águas reserve standing out as a sanctuary for endangered and endemic species of the Atlantic Forest. From the towering Serra do Mar peaks to the peaceful, hidden corners of the rainforest, this region is a must-see for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, providing an unforgettable connection to one of the world’s most important ecosystems.
Our team of bilingual ornithologist guides is highly trained and certified, with extensive knowledge of the region's birdlife. They will be responsible for guiding you through this incredible adventure during your stay in Brazil.
The languages spoken during the tours will be English and Brazilian Portuguese. For other languages, translation apps can be used, or a local translator may be arranged upon prior request.
The meals during your trip will be of high quality. While in the city, you will enjoy dining at excellent restaurants. At the lodges, you will savor fresh food prepared with traditional regional recipes, featuring a wide variety of local fish. During birdwatching days, we will provide fruits, beverages such as water, regional fruit juices, and isotonic drinks to ensure you stay hydrated.
Additionally, coolers and thermal bags will be available so that each traveler can bring extra snacks of their choice for added comfort.
It is important to inform us of any food intolerances or dietary restrictions prior to the tour.
We understand the importance of being well-rested and ready for the next day. Therefore, the accommodations during your tour will be of excellent quality. Hotels in the city will be at least 4-star standard, ensuring comfort and convenience.
In jungle lodges, while some may offer simpler structures, we guarantee that all will meet a minimum standard of quality and service, ensuring your experience is always pleasant and aligned with expectations.
Itinerary
Arrival at Guarulhos International Airport: our team will be waiting for you at the airport to welcome you and guide you to your IlhaBela city transfer, ensuring comfort and peace of mind upon your arrival.
Lista de pássaros da região
Today, we’ll enjoy our first full day of birding in a truly breathtaking location: Ilhabela. Situated off the coast of São Paulo, this tropical paradise is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush Atlantic Forest, and vibrant biodiversity. Ilhabela offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, with exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Its charming village, rich Caiçara culture, and delectable cuisine make it an unmissable destination for nature enthusiasts.
A few Tour highlights
- Mealy Parrot - Amazona farinosa
- Violet-capped Woodnymph - Thalurania glaucopis
- Little Blue Heron - Egretta caerulea
- Tawny-browed Owl - Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana
- Common Potoo - Nyctibius griseus
Lista de pássaros da região
Today is a special adventure! We’ll set out on a boat to explore the Atlantic Ocean in search of its open-sea treasures. Keep an eye out for majestic seabirds soaring overhead as we journey through these stunning waters. Joining us for the day will be a specialized open-ocean birding guide, a local expert from Ilhabela, who will lead us to offshore islands where our chances of spotting our target species are significantly higher. It promises to be an unforgettable experience on the open sea!
A few Tour highlights
- South American Tern -Sterna hirundinacea
- Yellow-nosed Albatross - Thalassarche chlororhynchos
- Magellanic Penguin - Spheniscus magellanicus
- Magnificent Frigatebird - Fregata magnificens
- Great Shearwater - Ardenna gravis
Lista de pássaros da região
Today, we’ll embark on a scenic journey along São Paulo’s breathtaking coastline, traveling a winding road where mountains meet the ocean. As we transition from the north coast to the south coast of São Paulo State, our destination is Peruíbe. Along the way, we’ll make a special stop to admire the stunning scarlet ibis. While not endemic, this vibrant bird is one of the most striking species on our coast. This unforgettable route promises to captivate you at every turn.
A few Tour highlights
- Channel-billed Toucan - Ramphastos vitellinus
- Blond-crested Woodpecker - Celeus flavescens
- Green-headed Tanager - Tangara seledon
- Ruby-crowned Tanager - Tachyphonus coronatus
- Vermilion Flycatcher - Pyrocephalus rubinus
Lista de pássaros da região
Our tour takes us to Peruíbe, located on the southern coast of São Paulo State. This charming destination is a haven for nature lovers, with idyllic beaches, stunning waterfalls, and lush natural reserves. Peruíbe is a true birdwatching paradise, inviting you to explore its treasures, from the peaceful trails of Parque Municipal do Restinga to the scenic Passarela do Balsa. The Guaraú area alone boasts over 430 bird species recorded on eBird, making it an unmissable destination to experience the incredible biodiversity of the region.
Lista de pássaros da região
As we spend another day in Peruíbe, our focus will be on vibrant colors. This morning, we’ll visit a spot renowned for its feeders, attracting a dazzling array of tanagers and hummingbirds with their stunning hues. In the afternoon, we’ll hit the trails for a mix of exploration and adventure, ensuring another fun and diverse birdwatching experience!
Lista de pássaros da região
In the morning, we’ll leave the coast and journey back to higher elevations, heading to "Legado das Águas"—the largest private Atlantic Forest reserve in Brazil. This remarkable sanctuary is a testament to the power of conservation and vision. Over the next five days, we’ll immerse ourselves in its beauty, exploring the trails, enjoying the feeders, and discovering the surrounding areas of this extraordinary haven.
A few Tour highlights
- Red-breasted Toucan - Ramphastos dicolorus
- Brazilian Ruby - Heliodoxa rubricauda
- Frilled Coquette - Lophornis magnificus
Lista de pássaros da região
Welcome to your first full day at Legado das Águas! Today, we’ll dive into its lush trails and immerse ourselves once again deep in the Atlantic forest, there is so much to explore. Be sure to share your specific goals or target species with your guide, and together, we’ll aim to check them all off your list. The trails at Legado das Águas lead to breathtaking waterfalls, serene rivers, and viewpoints that highlight the beauty and diversity of this incredible ecosystem. Every path offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Let’s make the most of this day and uncover the magic of this extraordinary place!
Lista de pássaros da região
Legado das Águas is a haven for countless endemic species of flora and fauna. As we explore its diverse trails, keep an eye out for colorful toucans, toucanets, puffbirds, wrens, anteaters, playful monkeys, and the vibrant flora that flourish in this pristine paradise. Each step unveils a new marvel, making this reserve a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Take a moment to appreciate the privilege of being here and cherish the beauty around you. As our journey approaches its final chapters, let’s savor every experience and make the most of this unforgettable adventure.
A few Tour highlights
- Buff-throated Purpletuft - Iodopleura pipra
- White-chinned Sapphire - Chlorestes cyanus
- Rufous-headed Tanager - Hemithraupis ruficapilla
Lista de pássaros da região
After two days of exploring trails, it’s time to relax a bit. Today, we’ll visit a renowned bird-feeding property near Legado das Águas, where birds approach from all directions, offering amazing photo opportunities and lasting memories. Take your time to observe their behavior and interactions up close. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Legado das Águas. After dinner, we’ll head out for a night exploration, searching for owls, nightjars, and other nocturnal wildlife.
Lista de pássaros da região
This is our final morning at Legado das Águas, a perfect time for one last birding adventure before saying goodbye to this incredible place. After lunch, we’ll begin our journey back to São Paulo, arriving at a hotel near Guarulhos Airport by evening. To wrap up the trip, Zyba will host a delicious farewell dinner near your hotel. For those with morning flights, it will be time to say goodbye. If you have a night flight, you’ll have the opportunity for one extra morning of birding at Cantareira State Park before departing.
Lista de pássaros da região
Congratulations on completing the Endemic Haven Tour! With over 138 endemic species to observe, hear, or photograph, you’ve made this journey truly unforgettable. It’s been our pleasure to guide you, and we hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have! Today is your bonus day. Close to the airport, a pristine State Park offers one last chance to experience the beauty of the Mata Atlântica. Thank you for joining us on this incredible adventure. Safe travels, and we hope to see you on your next journey!
Lista de pássaros da região
Inluded
- - Ground transportation (car with driver)
- - Boat transfer
- - Expert guide and local guide
- - Food and drinks in the lodges
- - Water and fruits during the days
- - All Accommodation
Not included
- - Laundry service
- - Extra expenses during the tour
- - Alcoholic drinks
- - Extra nights in São Paulo city if necessary
- - Photographic and observation equipment
- - Tips
- - Other Items not mentioned as included
