SOUTHERN SÃO PAULO

Located on Brazil’s southeastern coast, the state of São Paulo is home to the country’s largest international flight hub and protects some of the largest remaining areas of the threatened Atlantic Forest.

Recognized as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots for its exceptional endemism, the Atlantic Forest has lost more than 90% of its original cover. Some of its largest continuous remnants are found in southern São Paulo, particularly within the Great Atlantic Forest Reserve, which protects approximately 2.7 million hectares of natural habitats.

Just a few hours from São Paulo, the region offers exceptional opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. 

Below, we present some of the destinations where we organize customized itineraries to explore the extraordinary biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest.

Approximately three hours from São Paulo’s airport lies this private reserve, located within the well-preserved Atlantic Forest. Its fruit feeders are famous for attracting a great diversity of birds, including Saffron Toucanet, Red-bellied Toucan, Blond-crested Woodpecker, and Yellow-fronted Woodpecker. At night, mammals such as Lowland Paca and South American Tapir may also be encountered.

For these reasons, it is considered one of the best destinations for wildlife photography in the Atlantic Forest.

At the southernmost end of the state, Intervales State Park is renowned as one of the leading birdwatching destinations in the biome. An extensive network of trails and roads, combined with specialized local guides, makes for an unforgettable experience, and the number of species recorded in a single day can exceed 130.

Rare species may include Black-legged Dacnis, Black-fronted Piping Guan, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, and Helmeted Woodpecker, among many others.

Located in Eldorado, near PETAR, famous for its caves, Duco Lodge has become one of the Atlantic Forest’s best destinations for hummingbird photography. Excellent opportunities include Festive Coquette and Saw-billed Hermit, among other endemic species.

The parks in the PETAR region protect some of the largest and best-preserved forests in the state. These forests are home to one of the last remaining populations of Jaguar in the Atlantic Forest, as well as hundreds of endemic and threatened species.

On the southern coast of the state, the city of Peruíbe has established itself as a must-visit destination for birdwatchers. In addition to providing access to a variety of coastal habitats, including restinga, mangroves, ocean beaches, and lowland forests, the region is home to a significant portion of the Red-tailed Parrot population in southeastern Brazil.

It is also the best location to find the rare Black-backed Tanager. Other possible rarities include Buff-bellied Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Mangrove Rail, and Little Wood Rail.

Recently opened to visitors, Legado das Águas is a 31,000-hectare private reserve surrounded by protected areas. From the visitor center, guests can explore the reserve’s extensive network of roads and trails independently.

Highlights include feeders that often provide excellent opportunities to photograph Burnished-buff Tanager, a specially designed elevated trail for birdwatching, and rarities such as Giant Antpitta, Ochre-breasted Tanager, and Serra do Mar Grassquit.

It is one of the best places to immerse yourself in the Atlantic Forest.

Located just 90 kilometers from the city of São Paulo, Espinheiro Negro offers excellent opportunities for birdwatchers and photographers. The property provides comfortable accommodations, good trails through secondary forest, and a feeder with high activity from tanagers and other birds, particularly during winter.

At times, it is possible to observe Red-necked Tanager, Green-headed Tanager, and Brassy-breasted Tanager simultaneously.

The Woolly Spider Monkey, the largest primate in the Americas, is highly threatened with extinction and endemic to the Atlantic Forest. In southern São Paulo, more specifically in Carlos Botelho State Park, it is considered one of the best places in the world to observe these animals in the wild, thanks to the dedicated work of local guides who monitor the various family groups.

Approximately two hours away, a small population of the extremely rare Black Lion Tamarin also survives. With an estimated population of only around 1,800 individuals remaining, it is one of the world’s most threatened primates and is endemic to the state of São Paulo.