Join us for a NEW! Naturalist Journeys tour that dives into a world of vibrant color as we explore nature and culture along the Atlantic Coast of Brazil. From Rio de Janeiro, we focus on the famed Atlantic Forest of Brazil, one of the most biodiverse and bird-rich areas on the planet. With 7% of the world’s plant species and 5% of the vertebrates, this is a very special place, unlike any other. With habitats ranging from humid tropical lowland forest to high cloud forest, there is no wonder this area is home to so much life. In the last few decades, over 30 mammals, 9 bird species, and over 100 frogs have been newly identified in the Atlantic Forest. Not only are species still being discovered, but many of the species here are endemic.

We start in the bustling, trendy city of Rio de Janeiro, where we spend the first full day exploring fascinating areas of the city, including one of the most popular botanical gardens in the world. Leaving the city, we hit the coast for some brief birding and scenic wonder before heading into the mountains of the Atlantic Forest and the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu, a private reserve with fascinating birds including the Brazilian Laniisoma, Black-and-white Cotinga, and Diademed Tanager. After two nights in this remarkable reserve, we head to the Serra dos Órgãos mountains for one night and then make our way to the world renowned Itatiaia National Park. With over 350 bird species recorded, there is so much to explore here in the various altitudinal habitats. An amazing array of colorful birds are found here, including Red-breasted Toucan, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, and many dazzling tanagers. From the porch of our lodge you can observe and photograph dozens of species!

Our next stop is back down to sea level and the coastal city of Paraty. Rich in history and culture, Paraty also has easy access to the Atlantic Forest. We spend two nights here, not only birding and searching out mammals such as Agouti and Coatimundi, but also learning about the fascinating, long history of this port city. We also take to the water and enjoy a boat ride through the only tropical fjord in the world! We end the tour further south in the beautiful coastal town of Ubatuba, which gives us great access to Serra do Mar State Park. Our lovely resort here is located on the river and close to the beautiful white sand beaches that Brazil is famous for.

Tour Highlights

• Explore different areas of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most biodiverse areas in the world
• See the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro and visit the famous botanical gardens
• Spend two nights in the mountains at the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu
• Visit the famous Itatiaia National Park and its incredible diversity of habitats
• Drive through an elevational gradient of habitats, from sheltering Aracaria forests to windswept mountain grasslands
• Observe and photograph numerous, vividly colored tanagers with ease
• Enjoy a boat tour of the only tropical fjord in the world
• Learn about the fascinating history of Paraty, one of Brazil’s oldest communities known for colonial architecture set in a stunning natural background
• Explore Serra do Mar State Park, one of the largest remaining areas of contiguous Atlantic Forest
• Enjoy Brazilian culture and cuisine

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Fri., Sept. 19    Arrivals in Rio de Janeiro

Welcome to Brazil! Arrive today in Rio de Janeiro at your leisure, but preferably in time to settle in and join us for the welcome dinner. This is one of the most popular cities in the Southern Hemisphere, and for good reason with its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and spectacular scenery as it lies on an alluvial plain between the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic mountains. 

Many flights arrive in the morning and you have the day to rest up before we gather for a welcome dinner to meet our fellow travelers and guides. Some may wish to arrive early to explore a bit on your own. 
Accommodations at Mercure Rio Boutique Copacabana (D)

Sat., Sept. 20      Explore Rio | Botanical Gardens

We have a full day to explore Rio de Janeiro, known for carnival, the samba, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue that overlooks the vibrant city. Known as Cidade Maravilhosa (translated to ‘Marvelous City’), Rio is surrounded by amazing landscapes and cloud forest mountains. We visit iconic places like Sugar Loaf to get a bird’s eye view of the city and this famous statue.

We spend time at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens, which covers 350 acres and is home to over 6,000 plants. The wide variety of plants include orchids, carnivorous plants, and the impressive Avenue of Royal Palms that contains 134 palm trees reaching heights of over 100 feet. Founded in the early 1800s, this UNESCO World Heritage site is sure to impress. Birds may include spectacular hummingbirds such as Violet-capped Woodnymph, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, and Black Jacobin, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Toco Toucan, Green-headed and Red-necked Tanagers, Violaceous Euphonia, and both Crested and Yellow-headed Caracaras. In the water features we may find Purple Gallinule or the elegant Whistling Heron. Accommodations at Mercure Rio Boutique Copacabana (B,L,D)

Sun., Sept. 21        Arraial do Cabo | Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA)

This morning, we say goodbye to the bustling city of Rio and head east to Arraial do Cabo, a coastal town approximately 3 hours away, known for its beautiful white sand beaches. Here, we bird in the restinga, a type of coastal tropical forest in eastern Brazil. The Serra Antwren, once split from the Restinga Antwren (which the Brazilian Classification Committee still recognizes as separate) is a specialty bird in this area. We also hope to see the brilliant red Brazilian Tanager, the endemic Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, and Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike.

After time for birding on the coast, we head inland to the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA), our home for the next three nights. Located in the Atlantic Forest, this private reserve is over 22,000 acres and ranges in elevation from 100 feet up to 6,000 feet, creating a variety of altitudinal habitats including lowland rainforest, wetlands, and cloud forests. These areas support nearly 500 bird species, including 63 endemic to Brazil, and 60 different species of mammals.

We check into our comfortable accommodations in the afternoon, located right in the reserve. The lodge has just 10 ensuite rooms all equipped with air conditioning; chef cooked meals with locally sourced ingredients make this a truly special place to stay. The gardens right outside the lodge attract a variety of bird species and are great for photography, right from the verandah.

As time permits we get our first taste of birding in this diverse forest. Specialties here include the rare Brazilian Laniisoma (known in Brazil as the Shrike-like Cotinga), Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Black-legged Dacnis, the shy Blue-bellied Parrot, Masked Duck, and the world’s largest snipe, aptly named Giant Snipe. 

In the evening, we search out night birds such as Tawny-browed Owl and the rare Long-tailed Potoo. 
Accommodations at Regua Reserve Lodge (B,L,D)

Mon., Sept. 22         Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA)

This morning, after a delicious breakfast while watching the activity at the feeders, we bird the lowland areas of the reserve in search of Sayaca Tanager, Black Jacobin, Reddish Hermit, Brazilian Tanager, Black-goggled Tanager, Burnished-buff Tanager, Toco Toucan, and many others.

This extraordinary private reserve was established in 2001 to carry on the conservation work of the family that had owned the land since the early 1900s, first as an agricultural operation but increasingly more as a place to restore and protect Atlantic Rainforest habitat. It has a mission to conserve, restore and protect the Rio Guapiaçu watershed. There are close to 500 species of birds on the property today! Rare mammals such as Brazilian Tapir have also been the focus of conservation here, and a number of scientific studies are underway. With partners that include the World Wildlife Fund, REGUA has done impressive work involving environmental education with the local community. Our visit supports their mission. 

Some of the species the reserve lists as their specialties include Shrike-like Cotinga, Russet-winged Spadebill, Black-legged Dacnis, Blue-bellied Parrot and Black-banded Owl. After a full day in the field gazing at so many beautiful birds, we return to the lodge for a delicious meal. Accommodations at Regua Reserve Lodge (B,L,D)

Tues., Sept. 23         Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu | Serra dos Órgãos

This morning, we spend time birding at the reserve for any of the Atlantic Rainforest endemics or other specialties we may have missed before packing up. We then drive toward Nova Friburgo, located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro State. We head to Pico da Caledônia, in Serra dos Órgãos. Located at 7,300 feet, it is one of the highest mountains in the state. We search here for the Gray-winged Cotinga, a very range-restricted bird found only in cloud forests near Rio de Janeiro. To get to the location, we have a moderate hike along a road with approximately 600 feet in elevation gain. The beautiful, endemic Black-and-gold Cotinga can also be found here along with the unmistakable Diademed Tanager, the tiny Serra do Mar Bristle-Tyrant, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, and White-browed Woodpecker.

In the afternoon, we arrive at our cozy lodge in the mountains at an elevation of 3,900 feet where cool temperatures are inviting and perfect for sleeping. The lodge describes itself as having an idyllic, privileged and quiet location, tucked into a secluded valley. The unmistakable Saffron Toucanet is found here and we keep an eye out for it. We settle in and watch the busy action at the feeders on the porch, surrounded by pristine rainforest before a dinner of fresh, local foods. 
Accommodations at Itororo Lodge (B,L,D)

Wed., Sept. 24         Itatiaia National Park

We enjoy breakfast at the lodge while keeping an eye on the action at the feeders. After breakfast, we depart for Itatiaia National Park, one of the most famous birding destinations in southeast Brazil and the first national park to be created in the country in 1937. At just under 70,000 acres and spanning over 7,000 feet in elevation from the tropical forest to the cloud forest, the park has recorded over 350 bird species. 

Brazil is a big country, so this drive is approximately 6 hours, but we break it up and we make stops along the way. Part of our drive is within the national park. We have lunch along the way, and in the afternoon check into our rooms and then enjoy the stunning vista with an array of feeders and birds in the foreground. For birders and photographers alike, this is just such a treat to see so many of the colorful birds of this park, and so close: Red-breasted Toucan, Dusky-legged Guan, Green Honeycreeper, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Green-headed and other tanagers, Crested Oropendola, and Red-rumped Cacique.
Accommodations at Hotel Donati or similar (B,L,D)

Thurs., Sept. 25         Itatiaia National Park 

Today we enjoy a full day exploring Itatiaia National Park. We spend time looking for the Itatiaia Spinetail, a range restricted species often found in bamboo thickets in higher elevations. On our way, we look for Rufous-tailed Antbird, Mouse-colored Tapaculo, Great Pampa Finch, Magpie Tanager, the adorable Green-crowned Plovercrest, and Bay-chested Warbling Finch. 

One of the fascinating aspects of birding along this road is seeing the different plant communities and species in different elevation zones as we drive. We bird in Araucaria forest, a unique, high-elevation conifer of the park; the tundra-like plants found in the shrubby lands at the top of the park; and lower elevation cloud forest, complete with salvias, bromeliads, and orchids. Lower elevations have intermittent forests embedded with grasslands and streams. All these habitats provide ample opportunity to experience this well-known and diversity-rich part of Brazil.

We enjoy a picnic lunch in the field to maximize our time in this beautiful national parks of Brazil.
Accommodations at Hotel Donati or similar (B,L,D)

Fri., Sept. 26        Itatiaia National Park | Paraty

After breakfast, we head down the mountain and spend time birding in the lower elevations of Itatiaia National Park. In these humid forested areas, we search for the brightly colored Gilt-edged and Brassy-breasted Tanagers, Ochre-rumped Antbird, the acrobatic White-collared Foliage-gleaner, and Surucua Trogon and the very pretty Frilled Coquette. 

In the afternoon, we make our way to Paraty, a coastal area south of Rio de Janeiro. The drive is about 4 hours as we descend back to sea level. Paraty is a gorgeous city, famous for its colonial architecture, some of which dates to the 18th Century. The city is rich in history as it used to be the terminus of the Camino de Oro (the Route of Gold) that was used to transport gold to the seaport from the mines. Paraty is also known for its beautiful beaches and scenery with the Serra do Mar (translated to mountains of the sea) as a backdrop. Stretching over 900 miles along Brazil’s coastline, the Serra do Mar create a rugged coastline and act as a barrier between the Brazilian plateau and the Atlantic Ocean.

We spend time birding this area in the afternoon. The very range-restricted and endangered Black-hooded Antwren is found in this area and we search for it along with other birds including Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Orange-eyed Thornbird, and the brilliant looking Green-headed Tanager. 

We check into our charming hotel located in the old town of the city, home for the next two nights. 
Accommodations at Pousada Literaria (B,L,D)

Sat., Sept. 27           Paraty | Saco de Mamangua

We have a full day to enjoy Paraty to search for beautiful birds and also learn about this city, which is one of the oldest in Brazil. The Guaianás indigenous people originally inhabited this area, well before it was discovered by the Portuguese in the 16th Century. They gave Paraty its name, which means ‘rivers of fish’ in their language, Tupi. Besides being a major port for gold, the town was also used to ship sugar cane and coffee to Europe before an economic crash caused it to become little more than a ghost town. Today, Paraty is full of culture and biodiversity and renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

In the afternoon, we enjoy searching for birds and gazing at the amazing scenery by boat! We head to the Saco de Mamangua, the world’s only tropical fjord. While fjords are common in northern parts of the world like Norway and Alaska, a tropical fjord is truly remarkable. Surrounded by the mountains of the Atlantic Forest, the Saco de Mamangua extends nearly 5 miles to the ocean. We keep our eyes peeled for turtles, dolphins, kingfishers, and many other bird species.  

This evening, we enjoy a delicious dinner in the city and perhaps try some of the caic?ara cuisine that Paraty is known for, which is a blend of Native, Portuguese, and African food. 
Accommodations at Pousada Literaria (B,L,D)

Sun., Sept. 28         Paraty | Ubatuba

We spend time birding in Paraty this morning before heading a little over an hour south to Ubatuba, an incredibly scenic area in the northernmost coastal municipality of Sao Paulo. This area is dominated by Atlantic Forest and is very rich in biodiversity. Most of the area is protected by Serra do Mar State Park, which covers over 800,000 acres and is one of the largest remaining areas of contiguous Atlantic Forest.

Upon arrival we check into the modern 5-star Itamambuca Eco Resort, located near the beach in a beautiful, forested setting in a private reserve that borders the Serra do Mar State Park. The resort offers a pool and other resort amenities such as a spa and gym in a lovely location. Our rooms have a terrace for admiring the forest view.  

Over 350 species occur right on the resort property, so in between outings we may get views of Gray-cowled Wood Rail, Green-backed Trogon, Blond-crested Woodpecker, and hummingbirds such as the Glittering-bellied Emerald.

In the afternoon, we head out to explore the area and look for some of the 450 bird species that can be found in Serra do Mar. We hope to see an array of colorful birds including the stunning Red-necked Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Spotted Bamboowren, Bertoni’s Antbird, and many others. 
Accommodations at Itabambuca Eco Resort (B,L,D)

Mon., Sept. 29           Serra do Mar State Park | Ubatuba

We have the whole day to explore this wonderful area and we make the most of it. We head to Serra do Mar State Park in the morning to search for a variety of Atlantic Forest birds including the tiny Serra do Mar Bristle-Tyrant, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Fork-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant, and the odd looking Slaty Bristlefront. In addition to great bird diversity, a variety of mammals can be found in Serra do Mar including Coatimundi, Crab-eating Fox, Agouti, and even Puma.

We visit the Ninho da Cambacica, a family run lodge situated deep in the forest. They have many feeders that offer great photo opportunities. Many different hummingbirds are active at the feeders and we could see the endemic Saw-billed Hermit, the distinctive Brazilian Ruby, and the beautiful Festive Coquette. 

Enjoy a festive farewell dinner here, with time to share highlights of our journey and favorite wildlife sightings. 
Accommodations at Itabambuca Eco Resort (B,L,D)

Tues., Sept. 30       Departures

This morning, we have time for some birding around the lodge before we head to the Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo.

The airport is approximately 3 hours away and we arrive in the afternoon for flights out 6:00 PM. (B,L)

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the journey is per person based on occupancy: $5590 DBL / $6080 SGL, from Rio de Janeiro, departing Sao Paulo. This cost includes: Accommodations for 11 nights, meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), land transportation during the journeys, airport transfers, and all tips with the exception of your main guide.

This price does NOT include: Airfare to Rio de Janeiro and from Sao Paulo, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, porterage, telephone charges, or alcoholic beverages. Gratuities for your main naturalist guide are not included; we will give you guidance for an appropriate amount.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival Airport: Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro

Arrival Details: Please plan to arrive at your leisure on September 19, 2025. If you wish to join the group for dinner, please plan to arrive by 5:00 PM.

Departure Airport: Guarulhos–Governor André Franco Montoro International (GRU) in Sao Paulo

Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart on September 30, 2025, after 6:00 PM. 

Travel Tips: If you plan to arrive early to rest up from travels or explore the city, we can book you an early night at our first night hotel, the Mercure Rio Boutique Copacabana. The hotel is located in the trendy Copacabana area right on a beautiful beach. There is also a Peruvian restaurant, bar, and spa located inside the hotel.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

• Carlos Sanchez
  

  Guide and client-favorite Carlos Sanchez has deep experience guiding in Central and South America (and in Spain!) for Naturalist Journeys. Carlos has also birded Thailand many times and he guides for us there as well. Before joining us, he was a resident guide in both Brazil and in Ecuador. A Miami native and Northern Virginia resident, he leads the new-and-notable Homestead, FL, Christmas Bird Count, is active in the Tropical Audubon Society and contributes to the blog 10,000 Birds.
  
  

  Other trips with Carlos Sanchez

  • Thailand Birding & Nature
    FULL - Check out Vibrant Vietnam!
    February 18 - March 8, 2025
  • Spain: Birding & Nature
    April 18 - May 1, 2025
  • Southeast Arizona
    May 6 - 15, 2025
  • Japan in Spring: From the Ryukyu Islands to Hokkaido
    A private tour for friends of Carlos Sanchez.
    May 29 - June 12, 2025
  • Brazil’s Pantanal: Jaguars! And More…
    FULL - Check out Jewels of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest in September!
    July 3 - 13, 2025, w/Amazônia extension
  • Indonesia's Best Birding
    September 10 - 28, 2025, w/Komodo Dragons & Endemic Birds Flores Island extension
  • Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye
    Only one space left!
    October 4 - 16, 2025

Pace & Protocols +

• Incredible Ecuador: Chocó Galore
  October 2 - 11, 2025
• Peru: Cusco to Manú National Park
  October 17 - November 1, 2025, w/Machu Picchu extension
• Birding from Bogota
  A Short & Sweet Colombia Tour
  December 6 - 12, 2025