PHOTO TOUR SOUTHERN SÃO PAULO
This itinerary is designed to maximize the best photographic opportunities for birds and mammals in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil.
The tour combines some of the region’s best locations for photographing tanagers, toucans, woodpeckers, and parakeets at feeders, with exceptional opportunities for hummingbird photography.
Also includes some of the best destinations in the region for observing and photographing threatened Atlantic Forest primates.
DAY 1: São Paulo to Espinheiro Negro
Meet at the airport or your hotel in São Paulo and transfer to Sítio Espinheiro Negro, where we begin photographing at the feeders.
Possible species include Red-necked Tanager, Green-headed Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, and Brassy-breasted Tanager. On particularly cold mornings, Spot-billed Toucanets have also been known to visit the banana feeders.
Overnight at Espinheiro Negro.
DAY 2: Espinheiro Negro to Peruíbe
After an early morning session around Espinheiro Negro, we transfer to Peruíbe.
In the afternoon, we dedicate our time to the feeders, photographing tanagers and hummingbirds. The main targets include Black-backed Tanager, Azure Jay, and Chestnut-bellied Euphonia.
Overnight at a comfortable hotel in town.
DAY 3: Itanhaém and Trilha dos Tucanos
We begin with early morning birding in the neighboring city of Itanhaém, looking for Red-tailed Parrots emerging from their night roost. Other targets include Spot-billed Toucanet, Buff-bellied Puffbird, and the Atlantic Forest form of Channel-billed Toucan.
After lunch, we transfer to Trilha dos Tucanos. Overnight at Trilha dos Tucanos.
DAYS 4 & 5: Trilha dos Tucanos
Two full days dedicated to the feeders and trails of Trilha dos Tucanos.
Possible species include Saffron Toucanet, Red-bellied Toucan, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Magpie Tanager, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, and Plain Parakeet, among others. Moth traps may attract a good selection of antbirds and woodcreepers, including White-throated Woodcreeper, Tufted Antshrike, and White-shouldered Fire-eye.
DAY 6: Trilha dos Tucanos to Duco Lodge
Another full morning photographing and exploring the trails and feeders at Trilha dos Tucanos.
After lunch, we transfer to Duco Lodge for check-in.
DAY 7: Duco Lodge
A full day exploring the grounds and feeders at Duco Lodge.
Possible species include Red-necked Tanager, Green-headed Tanager, and Green-barred Woodpecker. Hummingbird multi-flash photography sessions may produce excellent opportunities to photograph Festive Coquette, Saw-billed Hermit, and Black-eared Fairy, among others.
Other possibilities in the region include Tawny-browed Owl, Bare-throated Bellbird, and Ornate Hawk-Eagle, including nesting birds.
DAY 8: Duco Lodge to Carlos Botelho State Park
We spend the morning exploring Duco Lodge.
After lunch, we transfer to Carlos Botelho State Park. An evening walk may be arranged to search for endemic frogs and snakes.
Overnight near the state park.
DAY 9: Woolly Spider Monkey and Black Lion Tamarin
We begin early, searching for groups of Woolly Spider Monkeys inside the park with our local trackers.
Around 10 a.m., we drive towards the city of Buri. In the afternoon, we explore trails in search of the critically endangered Black Lion Tamarin.
Overnight at Fazenda Garibaldi.
DAY 10: Black Lion Tamarin and Return to São Paulo
Morning tracking of the Black Lion Tamarins.
After lunch, we transfer back to the São Paulo area.
End of services.
Highlights:
• Spend three nights surrounded by pristine Atlantic Forest and active feeders at Trilha dos Tucanos.
- Spend two nights at Duco Lodge, one of the region’s best destinations for Festive Coquette and multi-flash hummingbird photography.
- Guaranteed opportunities to observe two of the most endangered primate species on Earth: the Woolly Spider Monkey and the Black Lion Tamarin.
Recommended Stay: 10 days
Group: 2-7pax
Best Season: All over the year