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Espírito Santo/Minas Gerais Tour - September
15
days |
September 15 to September 29, 2028
Fifteen days up and down mountain ranges, from the Atlantic coast of Espírito Santo to the high grasslands of Minas Gerais, chasing three of the rarest birds on Earth. We begin in the coastal lowland forests of Linhares and Sooretama, last stronghold of the Red-billed Curassow, the world's rarest cracid. Climbing into the mountains of Santa Teresa, hummingbird feeders blur with Frilled Coquettes and Brazilian Rubies, before Vargem Alta brings the holy grail: the Cherry-throated Tanager, a bird down to perhaps twenty individuals on the planet. From the montane forests of Caparaó and Caraça to the campo rupestre of Serra do Cipó, we ride an altitudinal gradient from sea level to nearly 2,800 metres, finishing in the cerrado grasslands of Serra da Canastra, home of the Brazilian Merganser, one of the rarest waterfowl alive. A journey of gradients, endemism, and birds the world is fighting to keep.
Difficulty level
Easy-moderate
An easy tour for the most part, with light daily walking of 2 to 4 km on firm ground at your own pace, and comfortable lodging throughout. The one real demand is a steep hike in the campo rupestre of Serra do Cipó; otherwise the birding is gentle, much of it from roads. Days are warm in the lowlands (28 to 34°C), cooler in the mountains, with a relaxed morning-and-afternoon rhythm. One long road transfer. Suitable for birders of almost any fitness level.
Highlights
▫ Red-billed Curassow
▫ Hummingbird Feeders in Santa Teresa
▫ Cherry-throated Tanager
▫ Caraça Sanctuary and the Maned Wolf
▫ Brazilian Merganser
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Included
✓ All accommodations in double room
✓ All meals, including beverages (one per meal)
✓ All transportation (car, boats, 4x4, etc)
✓ Tour leader and local guides
✓ Entrance fees
✓ Mineral water and snacks during the entire tour
Not Included
✗ Additional drinks
✗ Any flights not mentioned above
✗ Any personal items such as laundry and other personal expenses
I have travelled with BBE two times now and would highly recommend them for their commitment to provide a fantastic birding experience in Brazil. The service provided is genuine and personal and they make a real effort to show the desired species. The company has very good contacts will skilled local ornithologists and birders in Brazil which provide great opportunities to see some very hard to see species. Looking forward to travel with BBE again soon!
Georg Fredrik Rudzki
I loved the Espirito Santo/Minas Gerais tour. Our personable guide, Eduardo Franco, worked hard to ensure that each person felt that he was working to show them birds that they wanted. As a group, we managed to find over 400 species, and Eduardo helped us to see (or hear) them quite well. BBE worked well with us to explain what was needed before the trip and overall organization was excellent. When I had a few hiccups with my travel to the start of the tour, BBE easily accommodated them. Communication before, during and after the trip was very good.
Christopher Rustay
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