Birding trip Brazil

Pantanal and the Atlantic Rainforest

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Birdwatching tour Brazil

Brazil: the land of carnival, samba, and capoeira, but also of immense biodiversity and the vast Pantanal. Brazil is one of the most diverse countries a birder can visit. Due to its enormous size (the 5th largest country in the world), geographical location, and diversity of habitats, Brazil is home to more than 1,850 bird species (about 17% of all species in the world). On this trip, we will visit three very different ecosystems. We will explore the Pantanal with its rivers and wetlands, and the birds that rely on the remaining waterholes during the dry season. We will visit the savanna-like cerrado of Chapada dos Guimarães, interspersed with gallery forests, waterfalls, and rugged rock cliffs. We will start the trip in the Atlantic Rainforest, a unique and species-rich area with many specialties. The Atlantic Rainforest has long been isolated from the Amazon by a broad, dry plateau, causing many plant and animal species to evolve into species found nowhere else in the world. This has resulted in an astonishing number of 223 endemic bird species—the highest number of endemics of any habitat in the world!

Chapada dos Guimaraes - South-American savanna

After our visit in REGUA we will have an domestic flight to Cuiaba for the second part of this amazing trip. Cuiaba is the capital of Mato Grosse do Sul. From here, we visit Chapada dos Guimarães, located about 70 km from Cuiabá. The vegetation here is often no more than one meter high. This area, the cerrado, is characteristic of much of Brazil and is a South American form of savanna. Where rivers cross the land, we find riverine forests. Here, we have a chance to see various species of macaws (Blue-winged and Red-and-green Macaw), as well as several species of tanagers and antbirds. We then travel from Cuiabá to the Northern Pantanal, where we will spend the coming days. Many people imagine the Pantanal as a vast expanse of water. In the dry season, however, nothing could be further from the truth. Gradually, the area dries up, leaving behind pools where the birds gather.

Typical bird species of the Pantanal

From the Transpantaneira, the road that runs from north to south through the Pantanal, many pools are clearly visible. Here, the Pantanal’s icon, the Jabiru, can be seen foraging. Other species we expect to find here include the snail-eating Limpkin, Roseate Spoonbill, Southern Screamer, and Sunbittern. The pools also offer excellent opportunities to see Capybaras, while Caimans crowd the water’s edge. Almost all species can be easily and closely observed—a paradise for photographers!
The drier areas with low vegetation, as well as surprisingly beautiful open forests, are home to many other birds. The striking Toco Toucans and White Woodpeckers can be found in more open areas. We will also specifically search for the magnificent, one-meter-long Hyacinth Macaw, which occurs in low densities in the Pantanal. Boat trips on the river give us the chance to see Jaguars, Giant Otters, and also rare species such as the Agami Heron, Boat-billed Heron, and Sungrebe. After exploring the Pantanal, our amazing tour will come to and end and you will fly home.

Regua - Atlantic Rainforest

After arriving in Rio de Janeiro, we drive to the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu, part of the Atlantic Rainforest. We will stay in REGUA, located just 80 km north of the city. The beautiful lodge is set in the heart of this bird-rich area, and with day excursions we will explore the variety of species and habitats it offers. The area’s bird list is simply impressive, with a large number of special species that will capture the imagination of many birders. Highlights include White-necked and Mantled Hawks, Giant Snipe, Blue-bellied Parrot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Tufted Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Pin-tailed Manakin, and Eastern Striped Manakin. And this is just a small selection of the possible species—there will be no shortage of excitement here!

Wat is inbegrepen

Includes

Domestic flight
Airport taxes
All accommodations
All meals
Local transportation
Jaguar boat excursions
English-speaking tour leader
Local guides

Excludes

International flights
Meals on the airport or during flights
Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Booking fees and contribution to the guarantee fund EUR 20,00 for the first person; thereafter EUR 15,00 p.p.

Extra

Single room supplement EUR 750,- (2026 subject to change)

Dag 1 London – Rio de Janeiro - Regua

We meet at Rio de Janeiro (GRU???). We have a transfer to REGUA and for or the next few nights, we will stay at the same accommodation and take part in various excursions.

Dag 2 Regua - Atlantic Rainforest

REGUA was established to protect the locally threatened Atlantic Rainforest and consists of forest areas that have been purchased over time, each of different ages—a wonderful local conservation initiative! Over the coming days, we will visit various locations and take several excursions from our accommodation. The order of the days will be arranged on site and may differ from the outline below. At the feeders around the lodge, several hummingbird species can be seen, including Black Jacobin, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, and the beautiful Violet-capped Woodnymph. We will also visit a wetland area where we will try to locate the Ash-throated Crake and hope to see species such as Southern Yellowthroat, Wing-banded Hornero, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, and both Pantanal and Giant Snipe.

Dag 3 Regua - Atlantic Rainforest

On our second morning in the Atlantic Forest, we will head to higher elevations in the Macaé de Cima area. The forest here is noticeably cooler, and the set of species is completely different. Bare-throated Bellbird, Green-crowned Plovercrest, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Bertoni's Antbird, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, and Brassy-breasted Tanager are just some of the exciting species we can expect. After lunch, we will climb further and visit an area rich in bamboo. Birding here can be challenging, but the species are truly spectacular, with possibilities including White-bearded Antshrike, Spotted Bamboowren, Rufous-tailed Antbird, and Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant.

Dag 4 Regua - Atlantic Rainforest

A slightly longer excursion will take us to the dry coastal forest near Arraial do Cabo. This forest is home to the micro-endemic Restinga Antwren. We will also search for Lemon-chested Greenlet, Black-backed Tanager, South American Tern, Brown Booby, and American Oystercatcher. On the way back to the lodge, we will make birding stops along the route, including at a small mangrove area where, alongside a few waders, we also have a chance of spotting Mangrove Rail.

Dag 5 Regua - Atlantic Rainforest

In the rain shadow of the Serra dos Órgãos lies a relatively dry forest area with several special species not found in the REGUA area. Here, we will search for Velvety Black-Tyrant, Blackish Rail, Chestnut-capped Blackbird, Rio de Janeiro Antbird, and Campo Troupial. Another patch of dry forest nearby is considered the best place in the world to see both Serra Antwren and Three-toed Jacamar. We will also try for Striped Cuckoo, and our local guide knows a reliable spot for Ash-throated Crake.

Dag 6 Regua - Atlantic Rainforest

Today, we will visit what may well be the most beautiful section of forest in REGUA, along the Green Trail. Here, the forest is still primary, with towering trees dominating the landscape. The birdlife in this part of the forest is once again different from that around the lodge. We will take a long walk through the hilly terrain, searching for Spot-backed Antshrike, Saw-billed Hermit, Gray-hooded Attila, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, and Least Pygmy-Owl. In the afternoon, we will visit another trail, the Waldenoor Trail, targeting species such as Frilled Coquette, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Sooty Swift, White-thighed Swallow, and White-shouldered Fire-eye.

Dag 7 Regua - Rio de Janeiro – Cuiaba - Chapada dos Guimaraes

Today, we drive back to Rio de Janeiro and take a domestic flight to Cuiabá, the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul, where the second part of this wonderful journey begins. Upon arrival in Cuiabá, we head towards Chapada dos Guimarães, located 70 km away. This area, the cerrado, is characteristic of much of Brazil and is a South American form of savanna. Over the coming days, we will search for the specialties of this region, including White-eared Puffbird, Blue-winged Macaw, Red-and-green Macaw, White-banded and White-rumped Tanager, Chapada Flycatcher, Rusty-backed Antwren, Rufous-winged Antshrike, and Horned Sungem.

Dag 8 Chapada dos Guimaraes

Today, we will explore the cerrado. We start birding early, as activity in this habitat type drops off quickly. Species we expect to see this morning include White-banded and White-rumped Tanager, Chapada Flycatcher, Black-faced and Cinnamon Tanager, and Rusty-winged Antshrike. One of the great features of the cerrado is the presence of riverine gallery forest, where bird activity continues for longer. Here, we hope to see species such as Lettered Aracari, Channel-billed Toucan, Pale-crested, Yellow-tufted, and Little Woodpecker, as well as Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Other morning targets include Amethyst Woodstar, Forest Elaenia, White-lined and White-shouldered Tanager, and Chestnut-bellied Seedfinch. In the afternoon, we will visit a canyon called Cicade da Petra, where we will search for Collared Crescentchest, King Vulture, Red-and-green Macaw, Crested Black Tyrant, and Burrowing Owl.

Dag 9 Chapada dos Guimaraes

This morning, we will take a walk specifically in search of tinamous. Hearing them is often easy, but getting them in the scope is quite another challenge. Other target species for the morning include Red-chested Finch, Spot-backed Puffbird, Black-throated Saltator, and Planalto Slaty-Antshrike. How we spend the rest of the morning will largely depend on any species we may have missed earlier. In the afternoon, we will drive a considerable distance to visit a ranch, where our main target will be the Yellow-faced Parrot.

Dag 10 Chapada dos Guimaraes - Pantanal

This morning, we will go birding one last time in the Chapada, where the specialties are widely scattered. We will therefore visit a viewpoint at the edge of the plateau, offering stunning views over the lowlands, while searching for Blue Finch, Helmeted Manakin, Sooty-fronted Spinetail, and Large-billed Antwren. In the afternoon, we will continue to the Pantanal, starting with some birding at the welcome sign. The Transpantaneira, the long dirt road running straight through the wetlands, is world-famous. The first species we are likely to see include various ibises, Wood Stork, Jabiru, and Bare-faced Curassow. Today, our focus will be on birding along the road, concentrating on the spectacular waterbirds. Capped Heron, Boat-billed Heron, and Roseate Spoonbill will be among the highlights, along with hundreds of Yacare Caiman and Capybaras. In the evening, we will go birding after dark, hoping to find Great Potoo and several species of nightjars.

Dag 11 Pantanal

The Pantanal is a very different habitat from the Chapada, and despite the heat, it is never quiet. Loudly cackling chachalacas, noisy parrots, and screamers remain active even in the midday heat, and there is rarely a dull moment. During our stay in the Pantanal, we will stay at several different accommodations to make the most of our time here. We will also take multiple boat trips in search of one of the most spectacular mammals in the world—the Jaguar!

Dag 12 Pantanal

We start the morning at the lodge, near a lagoon, where we can spot Brazilian Teal and Purple Gallinule. We will encounter the spectacular nests of Rufous-fronted Thornbird and search for Southern Scrub-Flycatcher and Large Elaenia. There is also a good chance of seeing Sungrebe, a frequent visitor around the lodge. After breakfast, we head south into the wetter part of the Pantanal, where there are fewer ranches. Along the way, we will make stops and may add some North American waders to our list. In the afternoon, we will travel by boat to our accommodation for the next few days, from where we will take multiple boat trips in search of the Jaguar. On the way, we have chances to see Black Skimmer, Yellow-billed Tern, Pied Lapwing, and Collared Plover.

Dag 13 Pantanal

Over the next few days, we will take multiple boat trips, with our main target being the jaguar. We will be staying at the best place in the world to see this magnificent animal. Of course, we will also keep our eyes open for birds, and it’s not unusual to record over 80 species during a single boat trip—Buff-bellied Hermit, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, and Green-barred Woodpecker, to name just a few. We also have an excellent chance of encountering Giant Otter and Neotropical River Otter. On one of the evenings, we will visit a lodge near the Piquiri River, where we have a good chance of seeing Hyacinth Macaw, as well as many guans, curassows, and chachalacas.

Dag 14 Pantanal

We will once again take boat trips in search of jaguars, and with some luck, we may even witness adult cats hunting—a truly spectacular sight! We will also visit the northern Pantanal, an area with more developed forest and yet another different set of species. Targets here include Olivaceous and Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Gray-headed Tanager, and Saffron-billed Sparrow. The list of woodcreepers in this area is likely to grow, with highlights such as the impressive Great Rufous Woodcreeper and Buff-throated Woodcreeper, and not to forget the striking Red-billed Scythebill. We will take a walk through the tropical forest, where we may also encounter Cream-colored Woodpecker, Band-tailed Antbird, and Rusty-backed Spinetail.

Dag 15 Pantanal - Cuiaba - London

Depending on the flight schedule, we will do some final birding in the morning around the lodge, but then it will be time to drive back to Cuiabá. From Cuiabá, we will take our international flight via one of Brazil’s major cities back to London, sadly marking the end of this fantastic journey!

Dag 16 Arrival London

Arrival in London

NB: het bovenstaande programma kan ter plaatse wijzigen bijvoorbeeld als gevolg van weersomstandigheden, recente informatie over bepaalde vogelsoorten of organisatorische redenen.

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