Birdwatching in Brazil 7 days

Toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) at Iguassu © Bruno Maia

In Brazil, new species are being described each year and, as more birders and ornithologists explore this bird-rich country, species previously thought extinct are being rediscovered. With different habitat zones, encounters with new bird species will be provided daily as well as some of the most common species, thus allowing ample opportunity to become well acquainted with the area´s splendid birdlife. This tour, with its diversity and its emphasis on endemics and threatened species, holds a special attraction for birders interested in the Neotropics. Our time will be spent enjoying the immeasurable array of birdlife.  

Itatiaia is home to the oldest national park in Brazil, Itatiaia National Park, established in 1937 and it is located on Serra das Mantiqueiras Mountain Range in the border of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais State. The park is divided in two areas: high and low. The low area of the park is an important pocket of protected Atlantic Rainforest. Birdwatchers will be relish to see dozens of hummingbirds, cotingas, woodpeckers, tapaculos, toucans, owls, saíras, guachos, macucos, and even hawks that call the park home.

Iguassu National Park is home 270 waterfalls distributed along 2.7km (1.67mi.). The flora of the area is richly cultivated by the clouds of spray produced by the falls. Many trails in picturesque subtropical forest lead to walkways and observation areas of the falls where tranquility, clean air and lots of bio-energy can be enjoyed. Inside the park is a world to be discovered, with avifauna of 200 species such as parrots, toucans, parakeet, hawks and hummingbirds.

Program Summary

Day 1 -  RIO DE JANEIRO – ITATIAIA
Arrival at Rio International Airport. Meet guide assistance and transfer to Itatiaia National Park (3h road trip). Check into Ype Hotel.

Overnight: Ype Hotel

Day 2 – ITATIAIA
After breakfast, our specialist guide will take you to a birdwatching tour in the park. Lunch at the hotel’s restaurant

Overnight: Ype Hotel

Day 3 – ITATIAIA
Breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant. Birdwatching tour according to your specialist guide. Lunch at the hotel’s restaurant and departure to another birdwatching tour

Overnight: Ype Hotel

Day 4 – ITATIAIA – RIO DE JANEIRO
After breakfast at the hotel´s restaurant, proceed with checking out, and departure back to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival around 1pm, check into Ipanema Plaza Hotel.
After refreshing a little, departure on a tour to get to know the city of Rio, and have a nice late lunch at Marius Crustaceos Restaurant to end up the day.

Overnight: Ipanema Plaza Hotel (4*)

Day 5 – RIO DE JANEIRO – IGUASSU FALLS
After breakfast, check out and departure to airport.

Flight option: TAM JJ3153 ETD 10:40h / ETA 12:50h

Meet guide assistance upon arrival. Transfer to Tropical Hotel. After check in, departure for a walking tour at the Brazilian side of the falls. Then, stop at local restaurant for late lunch.

Overnight: Tropical das Cataratas Hotel.

Day 6 – IGUASSU FALLS
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Meet assistance and departure for touring on the Argentinean side of the falls. At lunch time, stop at a local barbecue restaurant.
In the afternoon, free time to enjoy the nature around the hotel.

Overnight: Tropical das Cataratas Hotel

Day 7 – IGUASSU FALLS – OUTBOUND
Light breakfast at the daybreak. Check out with guide assistance and departure to Iguassu Airport.

General Information

Capacity:	Mininum of 10 and maximum of 12
Guide Language:	English. Other languages upon request
Level:	Easy to Moderate Program
Included:	Bilingual guide, transfers on air-conditioned vehicles, daily tours as mentioned above, overnights with breakfast in Itatiaia, Iguassu and Rio de Janeiro
Not Included:	Airfares in/outbound Brazil & domestic flights, beverages, meals not mentioned above, any medical expenses and insurance.
Personal Gear:	Raincoat, light clothing, sweater, hiking boots, swimming suits, sunblock, sunglasses and mosquito repellent
Optional Gear:	Cameras, film and binoculars.