Eight Days of Atlantic Forest Birding at Itororó Lodge
Stay at Itororó Lodge for eight days of Atlantic Forest birding, combining feeders and forest trails with Pico da Caledonia, REGUA wetlands and a search for Three-toed Jacamar.
About this tour
Unpack once at Itororó Lodge and spend eight days exploring the Atlantic Forest around Nova Friburgo. The lodge stands in a private valley inside Três Picos State Park, with its own network of trails and feeding stations. Day excursions connect the higher Serra do Mar slopes with lower-elevation forest and wetlands, giving the week a wide range of birding settings while keeping the same base each night.
The feeders offer time to watch hummingbirds, tanagers and toucanets at close range. Brazilian Ruby, Green-crowned Plovercrest, Saffron Toucanet and Spot-billed Toucanet are among the birds sought across the lodge and surrounding sites. Forest walks provide a different kind of search, concentrating on understory species and birds associated with bamboo. Two evening outings in the lodge grounds add opportunities for owls and nightjars when conditions permit.
Pico da Caledonia is the most demanding excursion: a steep road climbs into short mountain vegetation and habitat for high-elevation specialties. Other days follow lodge trails, visit the wetlands and lowland forest at REGUA, explore Cedae and Theodoro trails, and bird the forested Macaé de Cima track. A separate outing uses a series of stops through varied countryside to search for Three-toed Jacamar.
Most days involve relatively short drives from the lodge, followed by time on trails of varying terrain. The mountain day requires more effort; the minibus remains at the starting point for anyone who turns back. Full-board accommodation and packed lunches support days in the field. Expect changing temperatures between the lowlands and mountains, and bring suitable layers and rain protection. The November eight-day program accommodates up to eight participants; alternative dates and private arrangements can be requested.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Brazil.
Itinerary
Day 1
Rio arrival and Itororó feeders
Meet the group transfer at Rio de Janeiro International Airport and travel approximately two and a half hours into the mountains. Settle into the lodge, which remains the base for the week. Use the remaining daylight to explore the grounds, trails and feeding stations.
Day 2
Mountain birding at Pico da Caledonia
Drive for about an hour to the mountain excursion. Walk uphill along a steep road, moving through bamboo and low vegetation toward habitat for high-elevation endemics. Descend on foot to the waiting minibus and return to the lodge. Participants may turn back during the climb.
Day 3
A full day on the lodge trails
Explore the Blue Circular and Orchid Garden trails, working through bamboo and forest of different ages. This is a day to concentrate on understory birds and Atlantic Forest specialties without a road transfer. Return to the lodge for a cooked lunch before continuing the search.
Day 4
Wetlands and lowland forest at REGUA
Travel to Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu for contrasting habitats. Scan the wetland for waterbirds, then spend time in the surrounding lowland forest. The combination adds birds unlikely to be encountered around the higher lodge trails.
Day 5
The Three-toed Jacamar route
Follow an approximately 140-kilometre excursion with repeated stops in different habitats. Three-toed Jacamar is the central target, but roadside and open-country birding adds further possibilities. Search patiently at several sites before returning to the lodge.
Day 6
Cedae and Theodoro forest trails
Begin on the Cedae Trail at about 600 metres, searching the forest during the morning. Make a short transfer for a packed lunch before exploring Theodoro Trail, whose starting elevation is around 1,100 metres. The change in elevation brings a different mix of forest birds.
Day 7
Macaé de Cima forest track
Drive roughly 45 minutes to the track and spend the day making birding stops through primary and secondary forest. Carry a packed lunch so the group can remain in the field. Start the return journey to Itororó in mid-afternoon.
Day 8
Final lodge birding and departure
Look around the lodge grounds for any remaining birds if the flight schedule allows. Leave Itororó for the transfer back to GIG. For the November program, departure from the lodge is planned for 10:00, reaching Rio at approximately 13:00.
Locations & map
- Itororó Lodge - Brazil
- Pico da Caledonia - Brazil
- REGUA - Brazil
- Three-toed Jacamar excursion - Brazil
- Cedae and Theodoro trails - Brazil
- Macaé de Cima - Brazil
Availability & pricing
Price: Price on request
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Guided birding excursions
- One group airport transfer in each direction and ground transport
- En-suite accommodation on a twin or double sharing basis
- Meals from arrival-day lunch through departure-day breakfast, including packed lunches
- Park and reserve admission fees
- Mineral water and lodge Wi-Fi
Not included
- International and domestic flights; applicable airport taxes
- Beverages and meals outside the stated meal period
- Personal travel and medical insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
Transport & stays
- Group road transport Return group transfers between Rio de Janeiro International Airport and Itororó Lodge, plus transport for daily excursions. | Meet: Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG)
Accommodations
- Eco Lodge Itororó (days 1-7) En-suite twin or double rooms and full board. Superior rooms and cabins carry a supplement; some rooms are a short walk from the main building.
Policies & FAQ
How demanding is the walking?
Most days use local trails with varying terrain. Pico da Caledonia involves a strenuous uphill road walk, with the option to turn back to the minibus.
Can I travel on other dates?
Trips are available year round, including private arrangements. Request dates and a current quotation for your party.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.