Embark on an incredible birding journey through Brazil’s Southeast Atlantic Forest, one of the most diverse and endangered ecosystems on Earth. This tour covers an exceptional range of habitats, from lowland rainforest and wetlands to montane cloudforest, coastal forest, and pristine interior Atlantic Forest.
We begin in the rich lowland forests of REGUA, a fantastic introduction to Atlantic Forest birding with species like Red-breasted Toucan, Blond-crested Woodpecker, and Curl-crested Jay.
From there, we move into Itatiaia National Park, one of Brazil’s top birding sites, where elevation changes bring a whole new suite of species including Green-crowned Plovercrest, Itatiaia Spinetail, and Brassy-breasted Tanager.
We then explore the lush coastal forests of Ubatuba and Serra do Mar, known for their incredible diversity of hummingbirds, antbirds, and tanagers such as Red-necked Tanager and Black Jacobin.
The tour continues through Sítio Macuquinho and Peruíbe, adding wetlands, mangroves, and coastal habitats with species like Saffron Toucanet, Spot-billed Toucanet, and Rusty-barred Owl.
We finish in Intervales State Park, one of the best remaining tracts of Atlantic Forest, where we target secretive understory species and iconic birds like Helmeted Woodpecker and Black-fronted Piping-Guan.
Join us for an unforgettable Atlantic Forest birding experience packed with diversity, endemics, and incredible landscapes.
SE Atlantic Tour Map
Departures:
Aug 16-27, 2026
Price: $6,250 per person / double occupancy
Aug 19 – 30, 2027
Price: $6,350 per person / double occupancy
Single supplement: $575
*Based on double occupancy at lodgings with a minimum group size of 4 and a max of 8.
Note: If you have requested a roommate, we will try to find you one, but this is not a guarantee. If none is available, you will be charged the single supplement fee.
Type: Bird Watching & Wildlife Viewing
Length: 12 days / 11 nights
Starting city: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (GIG)
Ending city: São Paulo, Brazil (GRU)
Pace: Moderate
Physical difficulty: Easy to moderate
Focus: Birding, Atlantic Forest Endemics, Ecology, & Bird Photography
Max group size: 4–10 participants + leader + local guide(s)
This tour is an exceptional introduction to the birds of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and offers access to several of the most important birding sites in southeastern Brazil. With an exciting mix of lowland forest, montane habitats, coastal rainforest, wetlands, and interior primary forest, the route offers both excellent diversity and a strong lineup of endemic and range-restricted species. It is a carefully designed tour with a balanced pace, excellent accommodations, and unforgettable birding throughout.
We begin our journey with an early departure from Rio de Janeiro, traveling to REGUA (Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu), a premier lowland Atlantic Forest reserve located at the base of the Serra dos Órgãos. The reserve’s mix of wetlands, forest edge, secondary growth, and mature forest provides an excellent introduction to Atlantic Forest birding.
Afternoon birding focuses on accessible trails and open habitats where activity is often high, and visibility is good. Mixed-species flocks are common, and this site regularly produces a wide variety of colorful and charismatic birds.
Targets include Blond-crested Woodpecker, Curl-crested Jay, Brown Tinamou, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Campo Flicker, Red-breasted Toucan, Pavonine Cuckoo, Great Dusky Swift, Saw-billed Hermit, Festive Coquette, Blacksmith Thrush, White-shouldered Fire-eye, and Squamate Antbird.
Overnight: REGUA
We enjoy morning birding at REGUA before continuing inland to Itatiaia National Park, Brazil’s oldest national park and one of the most important birding sites in the Atlantic Forest. As we gain elevation, the avifauna shifts noticeably, introducing a new set of forest and montane species.
Overnight: Itatiaia National Park area
We spend two full days birding Itatiaia National Park, whose dramatic elevational range allows access to lower montane forest, cloud forest, bamboo thickets, and high-elevation grasslands. This diversity of habitats supports one of the richest bird communities in southeastern Brazil.
At higher elevations, we focus on rocky slopes and grasslands that support range-restricted species unique to this environment. Lower elevations offer dense forest and bamboo patches rich in understory specialists and mixed flocks.
Overnight: Itatiaia National Park area
We descend from the mountains to the lush coastal forests around Ubatuba, within the vast Serra do Mar State Park, which protects more than 300,000 hectares of Atlantic Forest. Although much of this forest is rugged and inaccessible, the areas we visit provide excellent access to pristine and species-rich habitats.
Birding here focuses on forested roads, foothill trails, and productive edge habitats with frequent mixed flocks. The region is especially well known for its understory birds and exceptional hummingbird diversity.
Overnight: Ubatuba
After morning birding in the Ubatuba region, we travel inland to Sítio Macuquinho, a well-known birding lodge surrounded by productive forest and edge habitats. Feeders and flowering plants around the lodge provide outstanding opportunities for close views of hummingbirds and forest birds.
Overnight: Sítio Macuquinho
Today we bird the diverse coastal and transitional habitats around Peruíbe, including wetlands, mangroves, forest edge, coastal forest, and secondary growth. This diversity produces an exceptionally broad species list, including waterbirds, raptors, forest species, and nocturnal birds.
Overnight: Peruíbe
We spend three nights birding Intervales State Park, one of the largest and most pristine remaining tracts of Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. Extensive primary forest, bamboo stands, and remote interior habitats make this an exceptional site for secretive understory birds, large canopy species, and nocturnal wildlife.
Birding here focuses on quiet forest trails, bamboo thickets, and interior habitats, with time allocated for both daytime and nighttime excursions. Intervales is also one of the best places on the tour for possible mammal encounters.
Overnight: Intervales State Park
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and depart Intervales for São Paulo, where the tour concludes at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).
Best to book flights out of Sao Paulo after 7 PM. Always fine to overnight in SP and depart the following day. Happy to assist with reservations and ensure transfers!
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