Brazil: Jaguars &

Birds – Pantanal &

Amazonia

14-day birding & wildlife tour

Tour starts & finishes: Sao Paulo International

airport, Brazil

Scheduled departure & return dates:

• 23 Aug – 5 Sep 2021

Brazil is the second most endemic-rich country in the world,

with the rainforests of the Amazon holding a significant num-

ber of such specialities. This tour covers the Amazon rainfor-

est and Pantanal wetlands, but also spends time in the vastly

different dry cerrado, which adds a whole swathe of species.

From watching birds at the feeders in the gardens of our

comfortable lodges, to birding in the local mountains and

lowlands, this popular tour will enable us to see a superb

range of endemics as well as many other Neotropical species.

We will have the chance to see some of the most highly-

sought-after birds and mammals on the planet including the

endangered Hyacinth Macaw, the largest parrot on Earth.

Against a backdrop of the immense Pantanal and spectacular

Chapada savannah we will look for a variety of waterbirds, rap-

tors, parrots and passerines together with animals including Yel-

low-throated Caiman, Giant River Otters, Capybaras and maybe

even the rare Tapir. Special boat trips are included to search for

Jaguar, which, due to intimate local knowledge and a good com-

munication network, we expect to see. The megadiverse Ama-

zon region is one of the must-visit places on Earth for any bird

or nature enthusiast. The Amazon offers many varied experi-

ences, from birding by canoe for flooded forest species, to

searching for toucans, parrots, and raptors from canopy towers,

to walking forest trails in search of army ant swarms, and their

attendant birds. By combining these very different areas we will

experience some of the best the region has to offer.

Bellbird Tours Pty Ltd Australia-wide: Berri, SA –

Stockton, NSW – Mildura, Vic Ph. 1800-BIRDING

Ph. +61402 738855 www.bellbirdtours.com

birds@bellbirdtours.com

Unique and unforgettable nature experiences!

Leader: Peter Waanders plus local guide

Trip reports and photos of previous tours:

http://www.bellbirdtours.com/reports

Questions? Contact BELLBIRD BIRDING TOURS :

• Freecall 1800-BIRDING

• email birds@bellbirdtours.com

READ ON FOR:

• Further tour details

• Daily itinerary

• Booking information

Brazil Birds & Jaguars tour

Tour details

Tour starts & finishes: Cuiabá airport (see itinerary for details of transfers)

Scheduled departure and return dates: Tour commences at Cuiabá airport on 23 August 2021

and finishes in Cuiabá in the afternoon of 5 Sep 2021. See daily itinerary for further details.

Leader: Peter Waanders plus local guide plus dedicated driver.

Difficulty: Low/Medium/High/Excellent level of fitness required. The tour has a relaxed pace and

walks are on mostly flat, often paved, surfaces, but may include some very short climbs. We gen-

erally walk slowly, with lots of stops. You can opt out of any challenging walks. One day we will

be tracking the gorillas where reasonable fitness is required (see itinerary for details).

What to bring: Please travel light. Binoculars, camera, mobile phone, chargers, power adaptors

(2-pin european style), strong insect repellent, sunscreen, personal medications (including ma-

laria prevention), travel umbrella, hat, water bottle, hand sanitizer. Scopes, super-telephoto lenses

with tripods, and very heavy hard-cased suitcases are discouraged.

Accommodation: Private en-suite rooms in hotels or lodges. Standards of the lodgings are gen-

erally very comfortable. Expect slow, if any, wi-fi access.

Clothing: Sturdy footwear recommended. Lightweight long pants, t-shirt and long-sleeved shirt,

over the top of which you can wear layers that can be taken off as necessary, including a rain-

proof jacket. Neat casual attire for dinners. Shorts and sandals or thongs (flip-flops) are accepta-

ble for non-birding time.

Group size: Minimum 3, maximum 6 participants.

Cost: US$5,999 per person including accommodation and all meals, based on double or twin-

share occupancy. Single occupancy surcharge of US$800. Not included: return domestic flights

Sao Paulo – Cuiabá, drinks, tips, personal expenses. Earlybird discount of $99 for bookings re-

ceived up to 6 months before departure date. Return-client discount may apply.

Bookings: Online at http://www.bellbirdtours.com/bookings or please complete the booking

form in the back of this brochure.

Brazil Birds & Jaguars tour ITINERARY

Day 1: (23 Aug). Arrival in Sao Paulo. Arrival in São Paulo (Guarulhos airport)

from the international flight. The tour leader will meet you at the disembarking

gate. Domestic flight to Cuiabá (not included in price) and transfer to Pantanal.

One hour and a half drive to get at the beginning of Transpantaneira Road, which

is the famous dirt road that we will be exploring during the next few days. Several

stops can be done along the route to photograph birds, reptiles and mammals.

There are good chances to find species such as Greater Rhea, Red-legged Seri-

ema, Hyacinth Macaw, Jabiru Stork, Maguari Stork, Whistling Heron, Roseate

Spoonbill, Chestnut-bellied Guan, Sunbittern, Plumbeus Ibis, Bare-faced Ibis,

Buff-necked Ibis, Chaco Chachalaca, Toco Toucan, Savanna Hawk, Large-billed

Tern, Monk Parakeet, Orange-backed Troupial, Snail Kite, Black-capped Donaco-

bius, Greater Thornbird, Unicolored Blackbird and many others. Dinner will be

served at Aymara Lodge. This location has a lot of forest and the lodge is located

in the middle of this habitat. A night birding effort after dinner to look for owls

and nightjars before your first overnight in this amazing place surrounded by

wildlife. The main targets are Black-banded Owl, Mottled Owl and Great Horned

Owl. Other species are also possible such as Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Tropical

Screech-Owl or Common Pauraque. Accommodation: Aymara Lodge (en-suite

private rooms; meals included: L, D).

Day 2: (24 Aug). Transpantaneira road In the early morning we will be explor-

ing the grounds of the lodge and all the trails in the forest. Forest birding is very

productive and we will spend the full morning looking for birds such as Undu-

lated Tinamou, Mato Grosso Antbird, White-lored Spinetail, Ashy-headed Green-

let, Pale-crested Woodpecker, Cream-colored Woodpecker, Crimson-crested

Woodpecker, White-wedged Piculet, Large-billed Antwren, Rufous Casiornis,

Blue-crowned Trogon, Flavescent Warbler, Red-billed Scythebill and many oth-

ers. Common species will also show up such as Chaco Chachalaca, Yellow-billed

Cardinal, Great Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Thrush-like Wren, Purplish Jay,

Pale-breasted Thrush and others. This site is also good to look for Black-and-

Gold Howler Monkeys and you should hear them while birding. Transfer to Pouso

Alegre Lodge after lunch to keep looking for wildlife along Transpantaneira Road.

The entrance road to this next lodge is one the best spots for mammals of the

entire itinerary and the possibilities include Lowland Tapir, Giant Anteater, Marsh

Deer, Brocket Deers, Crab-eating Fox, Brazilian Rabit and with a lot of luck maybe

a Giant Armadillo. Dinner at the lodge. Accomodation: Pouso Alegre Lodge

(en-suite private rooms; meals included: B, L, D).

Brazil Birds & Jaguars tour

Day 3: (25 Aug). Dirt roads & wide rivers. The sunrise is just stunning at this

remote area. While the sun comes out, we can hear hundreds of birds behaving

at the same time. American Woodstork, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue

Heron, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Bare-faced Ibis, Monk Parakeet, Black-collared

Hawk, Southern Lapwing, Snail Kite and Chaco Chachalaca keep calling and

moving around in the middle of the crowd. We will wake up early to try all the

main targets before breakfast. At this location we will be looking for Great

Rufous Woodcreeper, Spotted Rail, Chestnut-bellied Guan, Bare-faced Curas-

sow, Great Potoo, Pale-crested Woodpecker, Blue-crowned Parakeet, Greater

Rhea, Toco Toucan, Chestnut-eared Araçari, Red-crested Cardinal, Turquoise-

fronted Amazon and others. Lunch will be served at the lodge. P.m. transfer to

Mato Grosso Hotel. Getting back to the Transpantaneira Road we will keep driv-

ing southwards along this impressive dirt road. The next lodge is located by

Pixaim river which divides the road in two different sections. After the first 50

km we will stop to explore this river by boat and to bird the riverine forest as

well. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Accomodation: Mato Grosso Hotel

(en-suite private rooms; meals included: B, L, D).

Day 4: (26 Aug). Pixaim river. Early boat ride to explore a new habitat. The

riverine forest of Pixaim river is full of specialties and the main target birds from

this location are Helmeted Manakin, Band-tailed Antbird, Green-and-rufous

Kingfisher, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Golden-collared Macaw, Sungrebe,

Sunbittern, Blue-throated Piping-Guan, Boat-billed Heron, Zigzag Heron,

Agami Heron, Mato Grosso Antbird and many others. After breakfast we will

explore the grounds of the hotel to look for other species such as Rusty-backed

Spinetail, Vermilion Flycatcher, Rufous-fronted Thornbird, Black-backed Water-

tyrant and many others. Lunch will be served at the hotel and we leave right

after to drive 80 km more along the Transpantaneira Road. Birding in route.

Other target birds to look for in the afternoon are Scarlet-headed Blackbird,

Southern Screamer, Chotoy Spinetail, Cinereous-breasted Spinetail, Scaly-

headed Parrot, White-headed Marsh- tyrant, Nacunda Nighthawk, Band-tailed

Nighthawk, Great Horned Owl and many others. Arrival at the end of Transpan-

taneira Road. Dinner will be served at the next hotel. Accomodation: Hotel

Pantanal Norte (en-suite private rooms; meals included: B, L, D).

Day 5: (27 Aug). On the prowl for Jaguars. We have arrived at one of the

most exciting sites in the world to photograph wildlife. Cuiabá river is known by

the jaguars. People all over the world come to see those impressive big cats

behaving right in front of you. The boat trip starts early in the morning straight

after a 5 a.m. breakfast. Here begins the search for Jaguars! We will spend the

whole morning on the boat just scanning the river bank. Jaguars can be found

Brazil Birds & Jaguars tour

resting on the bank or swimming across the river. The sand banks along Cuiabá

River are excellent for shore birds as Yellow-billed Tern, Black Skimmers, Jabiru

Storks, Pied Plover (or Lesser Lapwing), Collared Plover, and Southern

Screamer. At noon we will be back to have lunch at the hotel. You will have

some time to have a siesta but prepare yourself for another try for jaguars in

the afternoon. At this time of the day jaguars usually behave a lot and the

chances of seeing one of them stalking a prey are pretty high. Other mammals

are also possible such as a Giant Otter, Lowland Tapir, Black-and-Gold Howler

Monkey, Capybara, White-lipped Pecary, Black-tailed Marmoset and some

more species. We will head back to the hotel at dusk. Dinner will be served at

the hotel. Accomodation: Hotel Pantanal Norte (en-suite private rooms;

meals included: B, L, D).

Day 6: (28 Aug). Across the Pantanal. Early breakfast and transfer to Piuval

Lodge. We will be birding during the whole day on the way back to the begin-

ning of Transpantaneira Road to try uncommon birds such as Subtropical Do-

radito, White-napped Xenopsaris, White-bellied Tyrannulet, Southern Scrub

Flycatcher, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Little Cuckoo, Fawn-breasted Wren,

Band-tailed Manakin, White-eyed (= Dull-capped) Attila, Pale-crested Wood-

pecker, Red-winged Tinamou, Great Rufous Woodcreeper and others. Lunch

will be served in the middle of the long drive and dinner at the final stop. Ac-

commodation Piuval Lodge (en-suite rooms, meals included: B, L, D).

Day 7: (29 Aug). Piuval Lake. Early boat ride for crakes and waterfowl at

Piuval lake. Late breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. and we will keep birding

all morning long. Main target birds from this location are Yellow-breasted

Crake, Gray-breasted Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Azure Gallinule, Purple Gal-

linule, Least Bittern, White-fronted Woodpecker, Helmeted Manakin, White-

eyed Attila and Flavescent Wabler. This lodge is located inside a huge farm

where the landowners raise cattle but they also keep a lot of good habitat.

There are several forest patches to explore where we can find birds such as

White-fronted Woodpecker, Great Horned Owl, Saffron-billed Sparrow,

Planalto Slaty Antshrike, Sooty-fronted Spinetail, Black-bellied Antwren, Col-

lared Forest Falcon and many others. Transfer to Chapada dos Guimarães right

after lunch. The transfer takes about 3 hours and we expect to get there in the

late afternoon. Accommodation: Pousada Vento Sul (en-suite rooms, meals

included: B, L, D).

Day 8: (30 Aug). Mountains & Macaws Early breakfast to enjoy Chapada dos

Guimarães which is an impressive table mountain located in Mato Grosso State,

covered by the Brazilian Savanna and full of birds. Lots of endemic birds of the

Cerrado vegetation are expected such as White-rumped Tanager, Shrike-

like Tanager, Collared Crescentchest, Chapada Flycatcher, Rufous-winged Ant-

Brazil Birds & Jaguars tour

shrike, Coal-crested Finch, Curl-crested Jay, Checkered Woodpecker, Plain-

crested Elaenia and many others. We will also visit the main waterfall of

Chapada dos Guimarães National Park where is possible to see Red-and-green

Macaw, Blue-winged Macaw, Scaled Pigeon and Bat Falcon from an impressive

lookout where you will take some shots of the main attraction of this conser-

vation area. This spot is actually the postcard of this National Park! . Accom-

modation: Pousada Vento Sul (en-suite rooms, meals included: B, L, D).

Day 9: (31 Aug). Savannah specialties. One more full day in Chapada dos

Guimarães National Park to try some more birds that are endemic to the Bra-

zilian Savanna. It is the last chance for them while birding in this habitat. The

area is huge and we will be exploring multiple sites to increase our bird list.

Some of the main targets are Blue Finch, Horned Sungem, Spot-backed Puff-

bird, Russet-crowned Crake, Band-tailed Manakin, Fiery-capped Manakin,

Blue-crowned Motmot, Black-faced Tanager, Burrowing Owl, Burnished-buff

Tanager, Black-throated Saltator, Pale-breasted Spinetail, Pheasant Cuckoo,

White-eared Puffbird and others. Some of those birds are not easy to get and

we will work hard to find them. Accommodation: Pousada Vento Sul (en-

suite rooms, meals included: B, L, D).

Day 10: (1 Sep). The Amazon! Transfer to São José do Rio Claro (4 hours).

Here begins the Amazonian part of the trip. Check-in at Pousada Jardim da

Amazônia. We will spend three full days exploring the Southern part of the

Amazonian Forest around one of the richest bird areas in Brazil. Over 600 bird

species are expected to this region of Northern Mato Grosso State, including

Harpy Eagle, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Bare-eyed Antbird, Black-spotted

Bare-eye, Scarlet Macaw, Red-fan Parrot, Cryptic Forest-Falcon, Yellow-

browed Antbird, Black-girdled Barbet, Madeira Parakeet, Dot-backed Antbird,

Razor-billed Curassow, Red-throated Piping-Guan, Red-headed Manakin,

Snow-capped Manakin, Fiery-capped Manakin, Gray Tinamou, Brown-banded

Puffbird, Spotted Puffbird, Eastern Striolated Puffbird, White-necked Puffbird,

Blue-cheecked Jacamar, Bronzy Jacamar, Paradise Jacamar, Great Jacamar,

Brown Jacamar, Curl-creasted Aracari, Red-necked Aracari, Lettered Aracari,

Gould’s Toucanet, White-throated Toucan, Channel-billed Toucan, Red-

necked Woodpecker, Ringed Woodpecker, Chestnut Woodpecker, Long-

billed Woodcreeper, Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Tooth-billed Wren, White-

fronted Nunbird, Spangled Cotinga, Screaming Piha, Broad-billed Motmot,

Black-throated Antwren, Grayish Mourner, Paradise Tanager, Bay-headed Tan-

ager, Turquoise Tanager and many others. Accommodation: Jardim da

Amazônia Lodge (en-suite rooms, meals included: B, L, D).

Brazil Birds & Jaguars tour

Day 11: (2 Sep). Amazing Amazonia Full day exploring different habitats at

Jardim da Amazônia lodge. Early boat expedition to look for one of the rarest

birds in Brazil: Cone-billed Tanager – recently rediscovered after having been

considered extinct for many decades. This is one of the locations where the

species still occurs. During this expedition it is possible to find so many other

species such as Flame- crowned Manakin, Bare-necked Fruitcrow, Glossy Ant-

shrike, Silvered Antbird, Ringed Woodpecker, Red-shoudered Macaw, Scaled

Pigeon, Bat Falcon, Pompadour Cotinga, Dwarf Tyrant-manakin, White-eyed

Antwren, White-bellied Parrot and others. In the late afternoon we will head to

the roost of Blue-and-yellow Macaws to photograph this stunning bird with an

incredible light. Accommodation: Jardim da Amazônia Lodge (en-suite

rooms, meals included: B, L, D).

Day 12: (3 Sep). Amazonia continued. One more full day at Jardim da

Amazônia Lodge to look for some species we have missed during the first days.

In this kind of habitat we never know which birds we will see during the day

because there are so many possibilities and all of them are welcome. Accom-

modation: Jardim da Amazônia Lodge (en-suite rooms, meals included: B, L,

D).

Day 13: (4 Sep). Grand finale. Final full day at Jardim da Amazônia Lodge.

Last day in Amazon Forest. Enjoy your time looking for Amazonian specialties

and trying all the main target birds mentioned above. Accommodation:

Jardim da Amazônia Lodge (en-suite rooms, meals included: B, L, D).

Day 14: (5 Sep). Back to Sao Paulo…. Transfer back to Cuiabá to take a

domestic flight to São Paulo (Guarulhos airport). We aim to arrive back in Cu-

iabá around lunch time. Meals: B, L. (domestic flight at your own cost)

Trip report of our previous Brazil tours:

http://www.bellbirdtours.com/reports

Photo gallery of our Brazil tours:

http://www.bellbirdtours.com/gallery/brazil-gallery/

Bookings:

Complete the booking form on the last few pages or the online form here:

https://www.bellbirdtours.com/bookings/

Brazil Birds & Jaguars tour

Important information for your tour:

• Recommended reading: the authoritative Field guide to the Birds of Brazil by Ber van Perlo.

There is a wide range of mammal books available.

• Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour and you will be required to provide evidence of

such.

• Arranging flights to and from Sao Paulo and then onto Cuiabá (Guarulhos airport) are your

own responsibility and are not included in the tour price.

• Visas: American, Canadian, British, Japanese and Australian Citizens do not need a Visa to

enter Brazil. Check the expiration date of your passport. It is recommend to use an passport

valid for, at least, six months.

• Please make your own enquiries regarding visas, inoculations and travel health issues.

• Please let us know your flight details and arrival and departure times.

Pre- and post tour options:

If you wish to arrive earlier in Brazil, please make your own way to your accommodation for Day 0, in

time for dinner and introductions. We can book you into our hotel for any number of nights leading

up to, or after, the tour, please enquire. We can also arrange your international and domestic flights,

hotel bookings, travel insurance and other travel arrangements for you through our partnership with

HelloWorld. Please tick the relevant boxes on the booking form and we’ll contact you to discuss.

Price inclusions and exlusions:

Currency: Please remember that the tour price is set in US$.

Included: All meals commencing with Dinner on Day 0 and finishing with Lunch on Day 14, some

snacks, some fruit, some drinks, unlimited drinking water refills. Accommodation in private en-suite

rooms, transport using comfortable and reliable vehicle, expert Australian guiding accompanied by a

local guide, airport transfers, any entry fees during the tour, taxes.

Excluded: Travel to the meeting point if you’re already in Brazil; domestic flights; onward travel ar-

rangements, Pre- & post trip accommodation, Meals before the first dinner, and after the last lunch,

drinks except where provided, personal expenses, tips, insurance, visa / passport fees, anything else

not specifically included.

Bookings: Please book at: http://www.bellbirdtours.com/bookings or complete the booking form in

the back.

Brazil Birds & Jaguars tour

Possible species list (not exhaustive)

Brazil Birds & Jaguars tour

Nine Grasswren birding tour

Tour Booking Form

This form contains 3 pages. Please print out and complete each page, and sign where indicated. Scan and email, or send by postal mail, with payment (see last page) to the address above. You can also complete an on-line version of this form at https://www.bellbirdtours.com/booking

Tour details:

Name of tour Brazil: Pantanal & Amazonia tour 2021

Starting and Ending dates 23 Aug – 5 Sep- 2021

Your details:

Name and address of the registrant(s) (only 1 form is needed for people residing at the same address)

Name(s)_______________________________________________________________________

Date of birth___________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________

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Identification document and number (passport for international visitors)___________________

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tick if you do not want to receive future updates, news and special offers from Bellbird Tours by email

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_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(continued on next page)

Bellbird Tours Pty Ltd Australia-wide: Berri, SA –

Stockton, NSW – Mildura, Vic Ph. 1800-BIRDING

Ph. +61402 738855 www.bellbirdtours.com

birds@bellbirdtours.com ABN 40 159 352 002

Accommodation requirements (please tick):

Single Room (surcharge applies)

Double Room (2 people, 1 bed, usually queen-size, but this cannot always be guaranteed)

Twin Share (2 people, 2 beds) (If you are a solo traveller and want to share a room: we will try to team you

up with another solo traveller, however this cannot be guaranteed. Single surcharge applies for single occupancy)

Medical conditions and dietary requirements:

Do you have any medical conditions (eg. disabilities, illnesses or allergies) that might restrict your full involvement in any aspect of the tour?

No / Yes If Yes, please provide details: ____________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

If you have other special requirements (eg dietary requirements), please advise. While we can-not guarantee to accommodate them, we will make every attempt to do so.

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Optional extras:

Please indicate if you would like us to arrange any of the following (we’ll contact you to dis-cuss):

- Domestic flights - International flights - Pre and/or post tour hotel bookings

Travel insurance:

I understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise that could force me to cancel my book-ing. I understand Bellbird’s cancellation policy and have made the following arrangements:

- I will arrange, or have arranged, my own travel insurance - I do not intend to take out travel insurance and accept the associated financial risk - I would like you to arrange travel insurance for me - Other, please specify:_____________________________________________________

(continued on next page)

Terms and Conditions: Please read the terms and conditions and the release of liability waiver (both can be found on http://www.bellbirdtours.com/terms-and-conditions), then sign below.

I/we agree to book this tour. I/we have read and understood, and accept the terms and condi-tions. I/we accept the release and waiver from liability.

Signature 1: ________________________________ Signature 2: _________________________ Print Name 1: ______________________________ Name 2: ____________________________ Date:______________________________________Date: _______________________________ To secure a seat, a deposit of 20% of the tour price is required at the time of booking. Full payment is due 75 days prior to the departure date. Until full payment has been received, Bellbird Tours reserves the right to change the tour price (eg due to changing fuel prices). Please tick which of the following payment options you will be using to pay the deposit:

PayPal & credit cards through PayPal: They charge us a fee of between 2.6-3.9% to receive your money, which unfortunately we have to pass on to you. Do not send money without notice - please contact us if you want to use this option, and we’ll email you a secure PayPal invoice.

electronic funds transfer: please send funds in US Dollars (+ bank charges at your end) to the following bank account:

• Account Name: TransferWise FBO Peter Ivar Waanders

• Account number: 8310209261

• Wire Routing Number: 026073008

• ACH Routing Number: 026073150

• If possible, please use your surname as the reference.

• Address: TransferWise, 19 W 24th Street, New York 10010 United States.

• Please note that you, the sender, will need to cover any fees your bank may charge you (which we aren't aware of or can't control).

• Many of our clients use an online service like TransferWise or CurrencyFair to send funds: it’s cheaper and faster than traditional banks.