Photo tour in South Mata Atlantica

Departure from Sao Paolo to our first observation areas; the southern Brazilian Atlantic forests. The most important endemic hotspot of the country. During the next few days we will be walking through different reserves and lodges of ornithological importance that will allow us to maximize our photographic captures without being too tiring. The Intervales Park protects a large part of these lush forests where an extraordinary number of endemic species live. We will start this first afternoon by exploring the main road and the areas around our lodge, both by day and by night. We will spend two nights in a charming lodge.

Dinner and overnight stay in a standard lodge.

The Intervales Park, located in the Serra de Paranapiacaba mountain range, is famous for its excellent forest, multitude of trails and sightseeing sites and the presence of a large number of bird species. Accompanied by a local guide, we will search for rare gems at the various sites of interest, including the numerous feeding stations and hides. Inside the park, even the most closed areas are suitable for wildlife and bird photography. The various trails are wide enough to let in a decent amount of light, allowing us to photograph many of the birds in optimal conditions. Night birding is also promising and we will spend some time each evening doing this.

Dinner and overnight in a standard lodge.

Early in the morning, we will head to a new observation area for a photographic session of some of the rare undergrowth species that come to the feeders on a regular basis; tanagers, toucans, treecreepers, antpittas, etc. During the rest of the day we will complete our observations and photography in complementary areas in order not to miss any of the diversit. We will also try some aquatic species around the lagoon. Last night out around our lodge before dinner.

Dinner and overnight at the same lodge

Early breakfast to finalize our last shots on the highest trails of the reserve before heading north to our new destination, the private reserve Trilha dos Tucanos. After a three hour drive, we arrive at the lodge where we will quickly settle in to enjoy the various facilities installed for birders and photographers. The different feeders for fruit, seeds and nectar attract a wide range of colourful species, some of which are endemic and much sought after by photographers. Here you can see callistas, aracaris, tanagers, woodpeckers, toucanets, as well as a large number of hummingbirds and some mammals.

Dinner and overnight in a standard Eco-Lodge.

The 70 hectare private reserve of Trilha dos Tucanos Lodge is historically an important conservation area. It is home to a similar but complementary fauna to that of our previous lodge. We will plan this day according to the species missing from our photographic record. We will spend time on the trails of the reserve but also in the special hide to target some of the undergrowth birds. At night we will be meeting some  new species of owls.

All meals and overnight at the same lodge.

Last day in the Brazilian Atlantic forests,where we will culminate our portfolio of the local endemic fauna of this region of Brazil. Depending on the climate and the group's wishes, we will decide on the pace of the day, between trails, lookouts, main roads, hides or feeders, we will have the whole day to complete or improve our shots of Brazilian birdlife.

All meals and overnight at the same lodge.

At dawn this morning we will be able to complete our observations around the lodge before heading back to São Paulo to the international airport for our return flight.