Northern Circuit of Sao Paulo
Serra do Mar State Park
and Itatiaia National Park
- Birding Expedition -
The Atlantic Forest, one of the richest and most diverse biomes in Brazil, is home to an immense variety of flora and fauna. Between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, there are some of the most promising areas for birdwatching, such as Salesópolis, Ubatuba and Itatiaia National Park. Over seven days, this tour will take you to explore these regions, offering a unique opportunity for nature lovers and birdwatchers to appreciate the exuberance and biodiversity of this forest.
This birdwatching tour offers an immersive and educational experience, revealing the incredible biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest. From the dense forests of Ubatuba and Salesópolis to the highlands of Itatiaia National Park, participants will have the chance to observe and photograph a wide range of birds and other animals in their natural habitats.
From the Coast to the Mountain
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Explore the vast biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest, with around 500 different species occurring in the cities we will visit.
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Have the chance to see and photograph endemic and rare birds that are not easily found elsewhere.
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Enjoy a deep connection with nature, observing the transition of flora and fauna as you ascend and descend different altitudes, a wide variety of ecosystems, from dense forests to high-altitude grasslands, all in one trip.
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Take advantage of excellent opportunities to capture stunning images of wildlife and diverse landscapes during the tour.
Why book this tour
Itinerary
Day 1 - Departure from São Paulo airport (GRU) in the morning, meet the guide and transfer to Salesópolis. Explore the lodge's garden in Salesópolis, where a rich diversity of hummingbirds and tanagers awaits your observation.
Day 2 - Discover the wonders of Ubatuba, from Fazenda Angelim to lush trails, teeming with endemic Atlantic Forest birds.
Day 3 - At Mr. Jonas's property, observe a variety of hummingbirds and tanagers, and head to the Folha Seca trails to find rare birds.
Day 4 - Explore trails with century-old trees and active birds in the Atlantic Forest before heading to your hotel in Itatiaia, in the heart of the preserved forest.
Day 5 - Spend the day exploring the upper part of Itatiaia National Park, searching for rare and endemic birds in a high-altitude environment.
Day 6 - Explore the lower part of Itatiaia National Park, returning to the lodge for lunch and searching for owls and other nocturnal birds in the evening.
Day 7 - Search for any remaining birds in the National Park before heading to the airport, with a possible stop to observe birds in rice fields if time allows.
Highlights
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Departure from: The tour starts from São Paulo International Airport (GRU), but it’s possible to organize it in the opposite direction, starting from Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG).
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Best time: From May to November
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Duration: 7 days and 6 nights
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When to book: At least 2 months in advance
This tour includes
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Private transportation
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Private English speaking Birding guide
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Accommodation in double occupancy (single room available)
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Meals
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Park entrance fees
Tour Extension: Golden Lion Tamarin
1-day tour extension to see the Golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia), one of the world's most endangered mammals, with a population of about 3,500 individuals. The conservation status is EN= Endangered. Their distribution range of this magnificent small monkey is very limited and confined to a small area at less than 300m altitude, in the Atlantic Forest of the Rio de Janeiro state. During this tour extension you can observe and photograph these wonderful animals in a protected forest and visit the centre of conservation and reintroduction program. From Itatiaia we will drive for about 4 hours to a lodge close to the area, during the night you can take advantage for an owling exit. The next day, the tour begins at 8:30 in the morning with an introduction, at 9:00am we’ll enter in the forest and meet the tamarins. At 11:30 visit to the educational center where you can learn more about the conservation project. After this tour extension we suggest to depart to the airport of Rio de Janeiro.
