SOUTHEASTERN : BEST OF THE ATLANTIC

OCTOBER 21-NOVEMBER 5, 2018* © 2017

*Dates differ from those that appear in our 2018 catalog.

South America’s largest country is also one of its richest for . Nowhere is this more apparent than in southeastern Brazil, where habitats range from coastal rain forest and wet pampas to montane cloud forest and plateau grassland. Long isolated from Amazonia by the dry brushlands of central Brazil (left in the wake of receding glaciers during the last ice age), the avifauna of southeast Brazil has radiated in a myriad of directions. Today there are more than 170 of regional endemics that are confined to the and found nowhere else in the world. This truly is a must destination for birders.

A real crippler is this endemic adult male Pin-tailed showing off its spectacular colors © Andrew Whittaker

Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 2 This tour centers on what we consider to be the heart of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, and more specifically, the heart of the famed Serra do Mar. Our itinerary will spend time in both coastal lowlands and montane forest, as we seek a wide range of Atlantic Forest endemics, among them some of the rarest and most localized of Brazilian specialties. Although we will move around a fair bit, we’ll enjoy extended stays of four to five nights at each of two primary locales, and there will be no internal flights to contend with. In the process, we’ll spend extended time at what we consider to be the two finest locales for birding the Atlantic Forest, and, indeed, two of the very best birding areas in all of —Intervales State Park and Itatiaia . This tour also includes time at Ubatuba, an area where VENT pioneered birding tours in the early 1990s, as well as a visit to nearby Pereque. Along the way, we should see an impressive number of regional endemics, among them such prizes as Mantled and White-necked hawks; Rusty-barred and Tawny-browed owls; Long-trained ; Saw-billed Hermit; Festive (endemic nominate ) and Frilled coquettes; both species of Plovercrest; Crescent-chested Puffbird; Black-billed Scythebill; Orange-eyed and Orange-breasted thornbirds; Itatiaia Spinetail (Thistletail); Giant, Tufted, Large-tailed, Spot-backed and White- bearded antshrikes; Black-hooded and Unicolored antwrens; Black-cheeked ; Slaty Bristlefront; Spotted Bamboowren; Buff-throated Purpletuft; Black-and-gold ; Black-capped Piprites; Fork-tailed Tody-Tyrant; Half-collared Sparrow; and more , tyrannulets and than you can shake a stick at! We’ll also have excellent chances of finding some of the least predictable and hardest-to-find specialties of the region, including Black-fronted Piping-Guan, Blue- bellied Parrot, Helmeted , Salvadori’s Antwren, Russet-winged Spadebill, Swallow-tailed Cotinga and Black-legged Dacnis.

Always a trip favorite is any stunning male Frilled Coquette - often found on our hotel grounds at the Ypé in Itatiaia. © Andrew Whittaker Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 3

The neat endemic Crescent-chested Puffbird is often mobbed by smaller ; maybe it has a sweet tooth for eggs? © Andrew Whittaker

A variety of habitats encompassing some spectacular scenery; a pleasant, largely temperate climate; good food and accommodations throughout; and one of the world’s most unique and endangered avifaunas combine to make southeastern Brazil an unforgettable birding experience.

October 21-22, Days 1-2: Travel to São Paulo; Drive to Intervales State Park. There are direct overnight flights from Los Angeles, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Miami, and other cities which will depart on October 21 and arrive in São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (airport code GRU) on the morning of October 22. Participants arriving on this day will clear immigrations and customs, whereupon they will be met by representatives of our ground agent outside of baggage claim. Participants should select flights scheduled to arrive no later than 12:00 p.m. in order to coordinate with the group transfer to Intervales. Participants wishing to avoid the risk of misconnecting should strongly consider arriving in São Paulo on or before October 21, and spending the night at an airport-area hotel. Upon request, VENT will be happy to assist with these arrangements.

Once the entire group has convened on October 22, we will allow a brief time for restroom breaks, money exchange, etc., before beginning our four-hour drive to Intervales, where we’ll enjoy with luck some dusk birding for on our way in before dinner after our evening arrival. Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 4 NIGHT (October 22): Intervales State Park

Intervales State Park’s Pica–Pau House © Andrew Whittaker

October 23-26, Days 3-6: Intervales State Park. We will have four full days to enjoy the avian riches of Intervales State Park. Our daily schedule will remain completely flexible, in order to take full advantage of current conditions on the ground, as well as to allow additional opportunities for finding some of the tougher target species. We will offer optional night birding excursions on two or more nights. Foremost among the nocturnal possibilities is the spectacular Long-trained Nightjar, whose tail has to be seen to be believed. Other night possibilities include the rarely seen Silky-tailed Nightjar, Ocellated Poorwill, Rusty-barred Owl, Mottled Owl, and Variable (Black- capped) and Tropical screech-owls.

Red-necked - one of the many classy endemic tanagers we expect to see © Andrew Whittaker Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 5 Mornings will find us working a variety of jeep tracks through lush, foothill Atlantic Forest. These tracks are ideal for groups—wide enough to comfortably accommodate everyone, yet narrow enough to be part of the surrounding forest. Constantly moving mixed-species flocks of colorful tanagers (including Brassy-breasted, Chestnut-backed, Red-necked, Green-headed, Diademed and Azure-shouldered) and challenging woodcreepers, foliage-gleaners and tyrannulets will compete for our attention with the myriad of understory species, many of which will require special efforts to see. We will be especially alert to the presence of fruiting trees, which could serve as magnets for Black-fronted Piping-Guans or Blue-bellied and Pileated (Red-capped) parrots. The forest here is particularly rich in bamboo, whole stands of which periodically go to seed, attracting numbers of nomadic bamboo-specialists such as Temminck’s, Buffy-fronted, and Blackish-blue seedeaters; and Uniform Finch. In between seeding events, these species can be essentially missing in action, sometimes going several consecutive years without being seen at any given site.

The commonest of the spectacular endemic tanagers is this wonderful Green-headed Tanager © Andrew Whittaker

Special targets will include a search for the rarely seen Helmeted Woodpecker, one of the rarest and most localized of all Atlantic Forest endemics, but one which seems to be more often found at Intervales than elsewhere. We will plan to visit leks of two endemic hummingbirds, the Dusky-throated Hermit and the Purple-crested Plovercrest. Intervales is a particularly good spot for several of the more localized Atlantic Forest endemics, among them White-bearded Antshrike, Squamate , Slaty Bristlefront (southern vocal type, soon to be described as a new species), Spotted Bamboowren, “Atlantic” Royal-Flycatcher, Oustalet’s Tyrannulet, Bay-ringed Tyrannulet, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, and Half-collared Sparrow. Likewise, the spectacular Swallow-tailed Cotinga and poorly known Black-legged Dacnis are perhaps better found here than anywhere else in their ranges and both species often nest near the clearing surrounding the dining hall. Southeast Brazil is known for harboring some spectacular large antshrikes—the so-called “Big Five” (Giant, Large-tailed, Tufted, Spot-backed and White-bearded)—and Intervales is an excellent spot for finding all five. All of our birding is likely to be conducted with the far-carrying and distinctive songs of Bare-throated Bellbirds, Rufous-tailed Attilas and Hooded Berryeaters as a vocal backdrop.

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The dazzling Purple-crowned Plovercrest is found on a well-known lek in the park © Andrew Whittaker

In between “target birds,” we’ll likely be up to our ears in the more common and widespread Atlantic Forest species. Intervales may provide the best cross-section of Atlantic Forest birds to be found in a single locale!

NIGHTS: Intervales State Park

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New species of Bristlefront - Intervales Oct 2017 © Andrew Whittaker

October 27, Day 7: Intervales to Ubatuba: Afternoon birding in Serra Do Mar National Park. Today will be devoted mostly to travel with an early start, as we have a long drive from Intervales to Ubatuba, via São Paulo. We’ll break up the drive with a stop at some marshes near Biritiba-Mirim, where we will search for the recently described endemic São Paulo Antwren. This marsh-dwelling antwren is closely related to the Marsh Antwren of Paraná and Santa Catarina, and is currently known from only a couple of marshes in São Paulo state. Other bird possibilities from these marshes include Red-and-white Crake, Blackish Rail, Orange-breasted Thornbird, Spix’s Spinetail, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Bran-colored Flycatcher, Masked and Brazilian Tanager.

The rarely seen, cute Buff-fronted Owl on our Oct 2017 trip. © Andrew Whittaker

Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 8 By early evening we will have arrived at the Serra do Mar National Park where we will have a few hours birding epiphytic rich forest for specialties such as Speckle-breasted Antpitta and Blackish-blue Seedeater. At dusk we will begin our search for the rarely seen Buff-fronted Owl we nailed so well on our 2017 trip. After enjoying some home cooking and fresh fruit juices, we will descend into our lovely beach resort of Ubatuba, situated in the northern coastal lowlands of São Paulo state. Here, the forested slopes of the Serra do Mar descend precipitously to the convoluted coastline, with its series of deep blue bays fringed by white sand beaches and sprinkled with forested near-shore islands.

NIGHT: Recanto das Palmeiras, Ubatuba

Another crowd pleaser is common - the boldly colored Blue (Swallow-tailed) Manakin © Andrew Whittaker

October 28-29, Days 8-9: Ubatuba Area. Although our exact schedule will remain somewhat flexible for these two days, one morning will be devoted to exploring the rich of Fazenda Angelim and possibly the adjacent Fazenda Capricornio. These are excellent spots for seeing the endemic Buff-throated Purpletuft, the tiniest member of the Iodopleura , a group formerly placed with the , but now considered to be of uncertain taxonomic affinities. Other possibilities here include Mantled and White-necked hawks, Spot-billed Toucanet, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Pale-browed Treehunter (subspecies C. l. holti , a likely split from more northern nominate leucophrus ), Squamate Antbird, Salvadori’s Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Fork-tailed Tody-Tyrant and Black-legged Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 9 Dacnis. Afternoon plans are certain to include a visit to Folha Seca, another privately owned property that boasts one of the most spectacular shows that we have ever seen. Among the 10-15 species (and hundreds of individuals) that we can expect to see are the spectacular Saw-billed Hermit and Festive Coquette (the endemic nominate subspecies)—in fact, this is arguably the best place in the world to see both of these species.

NIGHTS: Recanto das Palmeiras, Ubatuba

A much sought after, mostly bamboo specialist is the odd-looking Fork-tailed Pygmy (Tody) Tyrant © Andrew Whittaker

The stunning Spot-billed Toucanet male © Andrew Whittaker Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 10 October 30, Day 10: Ubatuba to Paraty and Pereque. We’ll probably spend most of this morning birding the Ubatuba area, likely concentrating our efforts along the Folha Seca Road. The sandy soil here supports a somewhat stunted forest with a slightly different mix of birds from that found on the slopes of the nearby Serra do Mar. Among the possibilities are Orange-eyed Thornbird, Tawny-throated and Rufous-breasted leaftossers, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, Spot-backed Antshrike, Unicolored Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Spotted Bamboowren, Slaty Bristlefront (northern vocal type), Bay-ringed Tyrannulet, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant and Long- billed Wren.

Depending on birding conditions, we may depart in the morning for Paraty (about one hour north of Ubatuba), which could yield Buff-bellied Puffbird, Salvadori’s Antwren and/or Fork-tailed Tody-Tyrant. From Paraty, we will continue north for another hour to the town of Pereque. Our timing should allow for us to get in some afternoon birding including, perhaps, a first try for the rare and beautiful Black-hooded Antwren.

NIGHT: Hotel do Bosque, Pereque

The best in the genus without a doubt is this crippling endemic Black-hooded Antwren - a lovely male here and only recently rediscovered! © Andrew Whittaker

October 31, Day 11: Pereque to Itatiaia National Park. This morning will be spent birding second-growth woodlands and overgrown plantations in the incredibly productive lowlands near Pereque. Our primary target will be the endangered and striking Black-hooded Antwren, a species long known from only ca. twenty 19 th century specimens, and then unrecorded for more than 100 years until its rediscovery in 1987. Besides being a great place for the antwren, this area is excellent for Crescent-chested Puffbird, Blond-crested and Yellow-eared , Orange-eyed Thornbird, Pale-browed Treehunter, Scaled and Squamate , Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Unicolored Antwren, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Fork-tailed Tody-Tyrant, Half-collared Sparrow and numerous species of tanagers. Most of our afternoon will be spent driving to Itatiaia (about 4 hours). Upon arrival at the park, we will wind our way up to near the top of the main park road. Our lovely hotel, to which we have been bringing groups since the 1980s, is family-owned and operated. Situated at about 3,500 ft. and surrounded by forest, with an expansive view of both the upper and lower slopes, it is an idyllic base for birders. We’ll be quartered in roomy, Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 11 private chalets, each with its own balcony and fireplace. The balcony outside of the dining room is lined with feeders that attract a number of hummingbirds, tanagers, chlorophonias, euphonias and even a resident family of spectacular Saffron Toucanets. We may fall asleep to the eerie calls of Tawny-browed Owls, and awaken to the pre-dawn wing- rattling of Dusky-legged Guans! This is truly a magical spot.

NIGHT: Hotel do Ypé, Itatiaia National Park

Wow! What colors on this male Blue-naped Chlorophonia! © Andrew Whittaker

November 1-3, Days 12-14: Itatiaia National Park. Established in 1937, Itatiaia was Brazil’s first national park. It protects more than 65,000 acres of montane Atlantic Forest in the Serra da Mantiqueira range, which straddles the border between the neighboring states of and . Three full days and part of a fourth morning here will give us a nice introduction to its avian riches and allow us to savor the park’s scenic beauty and pleasant climate. A combination of roads and trails will enable us to cover various elevational levels of the park, each with its own special birds. On one day we’ll ascend to the high paramo-like grasslands at over 6,500 ft. in search of the Green-crested Plovercrest (a spectacular little hummer with a “punk-rocker” crest), Velvety Black-Tyrant, the endemic Itatiaia Spinetail (Thistletail), and the lovely tiny endemic Gray-backed Tachuri found for the first time on our 2017 trip. Most of our time will be spent farther down in the lovely, bamboo-rich forest. The list of special birds here is long and should begin with the spectacular Black-and-gold Cotinga. Other possibilities include Tawny-browed Owl; Rufous-capped Motmot; Saffron Toucanet; White-browed Woodpecker; Buff-fronted, White-browed, and Buff-browed foliage-gleaners; Rufous-breasted Leaftosser; Large-tailed, Tufted, White-bearded and Giant antshrikes; Spot-breasted and Rufous-backed antvireos; Star-throated Antwren; Rufous-tailed, Ferruginous, Bertoni’s and Ochre-rumped antbirds; White-shouldered Fire-eye; Such’s (Cryptic) Antthrush; Speckle-breasted Antpitta; Rufous Gnateater; Slaty Bristlefront (northern vocal type); Mouse-colored ; Drab-breasted and Brown-breasted pygmy-tyrants (bamboo-tyrants); Fork-tailed Tody-Tyrant; Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant; Rufous-tailed Attila; Serra do Mar Tyrannulet; Olivaceous Elaenia; Brassy-breasted Tanager; Thick- billed Saltator; Bay-chested and Buff-throated warbling-finches; and many more. Rich marshes outside the park offer great birding with one mega bird we will seek, the Giant —having had luck on our past two trips! The marshes can also hold Pinnated Bittern, Ash-throated Crake, Burrowing Owl, Band-tailed Hornero, Firewood Gatherer, flocks of Yellow-rumped Marshbirds, spectacular Streamer-tailed Tyrants (their display has to be seen to be believed), Crested Black-Tyrant, White-rumped Monjita, Tawny-headed Swallow and in the scrub patches of forest, we will seek out Curl-crested Jay and Toco .

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Often visiting our hotel balcony is the striking Saffron Toucanet - here caught stretching © Andrew Whittaker

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Always fun to pull out into view is the Such’s (Cryptic) Antthrush © Andrew Whittaker

Even the grounds of our charming hotel are exceptionally productive for birds and nearby hummingbird feeders can produce a nearly non-stop show. Photographers will enjoy the opportunity to train their cameras at leisure on such jewels as Frilled Coquette, Black Jacobin, Violet-capped Woodnymph, and Brazilian Ruby.

NIGHTS: Hotel do Ypé, Itatiaia

One of SE Brazils many dazzling gems is this endemic male Brazilian Ruby © Andrew Whittaker

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The monster of all Antbirds - the fabulous male Giant Antshrike (the size of a Squirrel Cuckoo) - this is just one of the big five spectacular antshrikes we hope to see on this great tour © Andrew Whittaker

November 4-5, Days 15-16: Itatiaia to Rio de Janeiro; Departures for Home. After some final early-morning birding and lunch at Itatiaia, we will spend the afternoon of November 4 driving to Rio de Janeiro, where we will continue directly to Rio’s Gale ãao International Airport (airport code GIG) with plenty of time for participants to make their evening international flights. Participants can choose from a variety of overnight flights to the U.S., which will arrive on the morning of November 5, in time for homeward connections. For participants wishing to extend their time in Rio to take in the sights and culture of this amazing city, separate arrangements can be coordinated through VENT’s local ground agent. Upon request, VENT will be happy to help with these arrangements.

One of SE Brazil’s most wanted - the exquisite Swallow-tailed Cotinga - a female here near to her nest at Intervales © Andrew Whittaker Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 15 TOUR LEADER: Kevin Zimmer with the assistance of local guides

Kevin Zimmer has authored three books and numerous papers dealing with field identification and bird-finding in . His book, Birding in the American West: A Handbook , deals with finding and identifying birds in the western United States. Living in Alaska contributed to his affection for the Far North, where he has anchored VENT’s tour program since 1986. For the past 30 years he has concentrated his attention on the Neotropics, particularly on Brazil, , , , and . He has directed VENT’s Brazil program since 1991. Kevin has a PhD in biology (research emphasis in Avian Evolutionary Ecology) from New Mexico State University, and is a Research Associate of the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, an elective member of the American Ornithologists’ Union, a longtime member of the A.O.U. South American Classification Committee (SACC), and a former two-term member of the American Birding Association (ABA) Check-list Committee. He is a regular contributor to Cornell’s Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds. He has authored numerous technical papers on the , distribution, and behavior of Neotropical birds, particularly those of the Amazon Basin. In 2003 he completed (with co-author Mort Isler) the major chapter on the Thamnophilidae (antbirds) for the prestigious Handbook of Birds of the World series. In 2006, he and Curtis Marantz coauthored a six-CD compilation of Bird Voices of Alta Floresta and Southeastern Amazonian Brazil (produced by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds) that represents the most comprehensive set of commercially available bird recordings for any part of the Amazon Basin. He and Andrew Whittaker are currently at work on a comprehensive field guide to the birds of Brazil, to be published by Princeton University Press. Kevin lives in Atascadero, California with his wife, Susan. Their daughter, Marina, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). She and her husband, Ryan, and their daughter, Brinn, are now living in Napa, California.

TOUR SIZE: This tour will be limited to 14 participants.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: The fee for this tour is $5,795 per person in double occupancy from São Paulo (tour ends in Rio de Janeiro). The price includes all food from dinner on Day 2 to lunch on Day 15, all lodging as described in this itinerary, ground transportation during the tour, all park entrance fees, and guide services provided by the tour leaders. It does not include the flights between your home and São Paulo & return from Rio de Janeiro, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature. Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration, a small party supplement may be charged.

The single supplement for this tour is $495 . You will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations, or if you prefer to share but have no roommate and we cannot provide one for you.

REGISTRATION & DEPOSIT: To register for this tour, please contact the VENT office. The initial deposit for this tour is $500 per person. If you would like to pay your initial deposit by check, money order, or bank transfer, your tour space will be held for 10 days to allow time for the VENT office to receive your deposit and completed registration form. If you prefer to pay the initial deposit using a credit card, your deposit must be made with American Express, MasterCard or Visa at the time of registration. The VENT registration form (available from the VENT office or by download at www.ventbird.com ) should then be completed, signed, and returned to the VENT office.

PAYMENTS: Initial tour deposits may be made by American Express, MasterCard, Visa, check, money order, or bank transfer. All other tour payments, including second deposits, interim payments, final balances, special arrangements, etc., must be made by check, money order, or bank transfer (contact the VENT office for bank transfer information). Full payment of the tour fee is due 120 days prior to the tour departure date.

Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 16 EXCHANGE RATE SURCHARGES: In the erratic global financial markets of today, it is difficult to predict foreign currency exchange rates over the long term or at the time of operation of a tour or cruise departure. Tour prices are based upon the rate of exchange at the time of itinerary publication. If exchange rates change drastically, it may be necessary to implement a surcharge. If a surcharge is necessary, every effort will be made to minimize the amount. In many cases, these additional foreign exchange rate surcharges are passed to VENT by its vendors and suppliers.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation penalties and refunds are based on the following schedule: if cancellation is made 120 days or more before the tour departure date, a cancellation fee of $250 per person will be charged unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within the next 12 months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person. If cancellation is made fewer than 120 days before departure date, no refund is available. This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post-trip extensions. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance for your protection.

If you cancel: Your refund will be: 120 days or more before departure date Your deposit minus $250* Fewer than 120 days before departure date No refund available

*Unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within the next 12 months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person.

Upon cancellation of the transportation or travel services, where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not cancelled in violation of the terms and conditions of any of the contract for transportation or travel services, all sums paid to VENT for services not received by you will be promptly refunded by VENT to you unless you otherwise advise VENT in writing.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours is not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a bond issued by Travelers in the amount of $50,000. CST #2014998-50.

FUEL AND FUEL SURCHARGES: In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult – if not impossible – to predict fuel costs over the long term, and more specifically, at the time of operation of this departure. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of itinerary publication. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge.

TRIP CANCELLATION & MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE: We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance as soon as possible to protect yourself against losses due to accidents or illness. VENT recommends Travel Insured International as our preferred insurance provider. Check with your insurance agent regarding coverage you may presently have via other insurance policies that may cover illness during your trip. Waiver for pre-existing conditions is available; however, stipulations apply, usually requiring the purchase of the insurance soon after registering. Optional expanded insurance coverage is available and includes items such as work-related cancellation, medical upgrade, and a “Cancel for Any Reason” clause among others. Contact Travel Insured International (800-243-3174 or www.travelinsured.com ) prior to registration for details. Not all insurance providers provide the same levels of coverage. If you purchase insurance through a company other than Travel Insured International, please be advised that rules and stipulations may be different.

AIR INFORMATION: Victor Emanuel Travel is a full-service travel agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) . Victor Emanuel Travel will be happy to make any domestic or international air travel arrangements from your home and return. Please feel free to call the VENT office to confirm your air arrangements. Please be sure to check with the VENT office prior to purchasing your air ticket to Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 17 confirm that the tour is sufficiently subscribed to operate. VENT cannot be responsible for any air ticket penalties.

CLOTHING AND CLIMATE: Weather will be generally mild, but mornings in the mountains can be chilly . Occasionally it can be hot in lowland areas. Temperatures generally vary from lows in the 50s (very rarely the high 40s) to highs commonly in the 70s-80s, and sometimes in the 90s. Light field clothing (drab colors such as olive or khaki preferred), including several pairs of pants and shorts and comfortable shirts, will be appropriate, but you should also pack a warm sweater and/or jacket, as well as gloves. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended for protection. Be sure to have a pair of good hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes and a second pair to change into. A swim suit is also suggested (there are swimming pools at some hotels on the route). Raingear is essential, as is a pocket umbrella . We usually encounter rain on at least a few days of the trip. Dress will be casual throughout. Rubber boots for possibly muddy trails are recommended. There are two laundry stops on this tour: Intervales and Hotel do Ypé (Itatiaia).

DIFFICULTY: Many of our days will involve walking trails/jeep roads all morning. These are mostly level to moderate grade and easy walking, but do involve being on foot for several hours. This will be especially true of our time at Intervales and Itatiaia.

On most mornings, we will try to be in the field at, or close to dawn. This is the time when tropical birds are most active and most vocal. Many of the more elusive species are unlikely to be seen unless we first hear them, and this requires early starts. On a few days (particularly our day on the Agulhas Negras Road in Itatiaia National Park), we must drive for some distance from our hotel to reach the birding areas. To arrive at these locations anywhere near dawn will require departures in the neighborhood of 4:00–5:00 a.m. Most days will involve more civilized (although still early) starting times. Typical non-travel days will involve a full morning of birding, followed by lunch and a mid-afternoon break of a couple of hours, during which participants may rest. These hours are quite often unproductive times for birding, and allow you to “recharge your batteries” prior to going out again in the latter part of the afternoon. On non-travel days, afternoon birding is mostly optional, and those that wish to return early to the hotel for rest may do so. This is not an option on the Agulhas Negras Road, where the distance from the hotel precludes an early return for less than the full group. It should be emphasized that our bus/van (outfitted with snacks and a variety of cold drinks) will be with us at all times on those particular days, and participants wishing to rest in the vehicle may do so at any time.

Our bus or van will always be outfitted with an ice chest with bottled water and soft drinks. In many areas we will also have snacks available, and this will certainly be the case on full days afield when we are also planning on a picnic lunch. In other areas, it may be difficult to provide snacks. Many participants have found it useful on those days to pack snacks for mid-morning from the extensive breakfast buffets that are standard at virtually all of our hotels and lodges. These typically include fruit, luncheon meats, cheeses, and various types of cakes and breads.

DOCUMENTS: A current U.S. or Canadian passport and VISA are required to enter Brazil. As of January 25, 2018, these can be obtained electronically via the following website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/brazil-evisa/

For further information, you may wish to contact the Brazil consulate nearest you. Rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to non-U.S. citizens may vary.

CURRENCY: Brazilian Real. MasterCard and Visa are more widely accepted than American Express, but all are useful, particularly in major centers.

INTERNET ACCESS: Expect Wi-Fi to be available at all lodges and hotels except in Intervales State Park.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS: Throughout Central and South America, yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended for most individuals (some individuals may have medical conditions for which vaccination is Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 18 contraindicated), as is vaccination for polio and tetanus. Malaria has been confirmed in Brazil, including the chloroquine-resistant strain, but is highly unlikely on this tour. We suggest that participants consult their physician as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for current recommendations before beginning a prophylaxis regimen.

Cholera has been reported in Brazil, but is highly unlikely to be contracted anywhere along our route. No country requires cholera vaccination for direct travel from the USA and no vaccinations are required to return to the USA. Please consult your physician for any recommended preventative treatment.

If you are taking prescription medication or over-the-counter medicine, be sure to bring an ample supply that will allow you to get through the tour safely. Please consult your physician as necessary. Remember to pack all medication in your carry-on baggage, preferably in original containers or packaging. As airline baggage restrictions can change without warning, please check with your airline for procedures for packing medication.

As standard travel precautions, you should always be up to date with tetanus shots, and strongly consider inoculations against hepatitis types A and B.

In addition to your physician, a good source of general health information for travelers is the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. The CDC operates a 24-hour recorded Travelers’ Information Line 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636) or you can check their website at www.cdc.gov/travel . Canadian citizens should check the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/new_e.html (click on travel health).

Zika Virus – This tour visits an area or areas where Zika virus is known to occur or could occur; however, we believe the risk to VENT travelers is extremely low. The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infection transmitted by mosquitos of the genus Aedes , and is related to other tropical diseases: Dengue, Yellow Fever, and West Nile virus. This type of mosquito bites during the day and typically is found in areas of dense human habitation where sanitation and drainage of standing water is poor. Zika virus presents the greatest threat to women of childbearing age. For others who become infected, the effects are usually nonexistent to mild, although some people exhibit symptoms such as mild fever, rashes, joint and muscle pain, and red eyes. If infected, the best treatment is plenty of rest, nourishment, and other supportive care. There is no vaccine to prevent or cure the disease; however, Zika virus is not contagious and, therefore, cannot be transmitted through air, food, or water.

Your safety is our highest priority, and we want to emphasize that the best way to avoid Zika virus (and other mosquito-borne diseases), is to take appropriate precautions in avoiding mosquito bites: • Stay informed about the Zika virus • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, socks and shoes, and a hat * • Use effective repellents (those containing DEET) and reapply regularly

*We strongly recommend the use of Insect Shield ® clothing. Insect Shield is a process by which clothing is treated with an EPA-approved formula of the insect repellent permethrin. Such clothing is highly repellent to and provides durable and long-lasting protection, even after dozens of washings. Outdoor wear with Insect Shield protection includes name brands such as Ex Officio and Tilley, and can be purchased at outdoor recreation stores such as REI and from a variety of online retailers. In lieu of Insect Shield clothing, you should consider treating your clothes with permethrin, which has the same effect, and that can be purchased at outdoor recreation stores and from a variety of online retailers.

For the latest information and news about Zika virus, please visit the website of the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/

INSECT PROTECTION: The use of a repellent containing DEET is recommended. We suggest bringing two squeeze bottles of Cutter or some similar repellent.

Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 19 BAGGAGE: We request that tour participants limit their luggage to one checked bag and one carry-on bag if possible, as some of the vehicles have very limited luggage space. As a precaution, we recommend packing a change of clothes, your binoculars, toiletries, travel documents, and walking shoes in your carry-on.

ITEMS TO BRING: Pack a flashlight or headlamp, water bottle, alarm clock, and day pack. Your leaders will have a spotting scope, but if you have one and wish to bring it, please feel free to do so. If you have battery operated equipment such as cameras, MP3 players or other devices that need recharging, we recommend that you bring a travel kit with a converter as well as the full range of plug adaptors. A supply of resealable plastic storage bags can be very handy for storing food items from the breakfast buffets, to be used as mid-morning snacks on the trails.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Country Telephone Code : 55 Currency : Real Electric Current : 110 Volts in Rio, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Belém, Manaus, but 220 in many other locales.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS AND WEB SITES TO KNOW:

Health : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 800-CDC-INFO or www.cdc.gov/travel Weather : 900-WEATHER (a toll call) or www.weather.com Travel Advisories : 202/647-5225 or www.travel.state.gov/

SUGGESTED READING: A number of traditional booksellers and online stores list excellent inventories of field guides and other natural history resources that will help prepare you for this tour. We recommend www.amazon.com which has a wide selection; www.buteobooks.com and www.nhbs.com which specialize in ornithology and natural history books; and www.abebooks.com for out-of-print and hard-to-find titles

Birds:

Erize, Francisco, Jorge Rodriguez Mata, and Maurice Rumboll . Birds of South America, Non-Passerines: Rheas to Woodpeckers. 2007. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey, USA. Generally good illustrations and useful written descriptions of the non- birds of South America. A good complement to the two volumes by Ridgely and Tudor listed below.

Hilty, Steven L. Birds of Tropical America . Shelburne, VT: Chapters Publishing Ltd., 1994. Subtitle: “A watcher's introduction to behavior, breeding and diversity.” (Paperback April 1996.)

Ridgely, Robert S., and Guy Tudor. The Birds of South America, Volume I: The Oscine Passerines: Jays, Swallows, Wrens, Thrushes and Allies, Vireos, Wood-warblers, Tanagers, Icterids and Finches . Austin: The University of Texas Press, 1989. Very useful reference, with range maps and illustrations of many species not previously illustrated. ( http://birds.cornell.edu ; select “Audio Guides”)

Ridgely, Robert S., and Guy Tudor. The Birds of South America Volume II: The Suboscine Passerines: Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers, Antbirds, , and , Tyrant Flycatchers, and Cotingas . Austin: The University of Texas Press, 1994. Very useful reference, with range maps and illustrations of many species not previously illustrated. ( http://birds.cornell.edu ; select “Audio Guides”)

Ridgely, Robert S., and Guy Tudor. Field Guide to the Songbirds of South America: The Passerines . Austin: University of Texas Press, 2009. This book condenses the text from the two previous references into a single volume with many additional illustrations (400+ species). It has more of a field guide format, and provides consistently excellent illustrations and text for the vast majority of Brazilian passerines. This plus Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 20 the Erize, Mata & Rumboll guide to the Non-Passerines would give good coverage of the vast majority of Brazilian birds.

Van Perlo, Ber. A Field Guide to the Birds of Brazil. Oxford University Press, 2009. This recently published guide has minimal text, and somewhat uneven quality of illustrations, but it is a significant improvement on all previous attempts at a Brazilian field guide, and does offer range maps, text and illustrations for almost all of Brazil’s birds in a single volume.

Butterflies:

D’Abrera, Bernard. Butterflies of South America . Australia: Hill House, 1984. Good pocket guide, covers many genera, nice pictures.

Mammals:

Emmons, Louise H. Neotropical Rainforest Mammals . Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1997. Good pictures and excellent text. (An audio field guide CD also available from this author: see below.)

General Nature:

Caufield, C. In the Rainforest. Chicago: Random House, 1985.

Forsyth, Adrian, Ken Miyata et al. Tropical Nature . Scribner, 1987. (paperback)

Kricher, John. A Neotropical Companion . Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1999.

Pierson, David L., and Les Belesky. The Ecotravellers’ Wildlife Guide Brazil Amazon and Pantanal . Academic Press, 2001. Stap, Don. Parrot without a Name: The Search for the Last Unknown Birds on Earth. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1991. An account of field expeditions with Ted Parker and John O'Neill, among others.

Recording: Emmons, Louise H., Bret M. Whitney and David L. Ross. Sounds of Neotropical Rainforest Mammals. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/lab_ cds.html )

TIPPING: Tipping (restaurant staff, porters, drivers, local guides) is included on VENT tours. However, if you feel one or both of your VENT leaders or any local guides have given you exceptional service, it is entirely appropriate to tip. We emphasize that tips are not expected and are entirely optional. Tips should be given directly to your tour leader; they should not be sent to the VENT office.

RESPONSIBILITY: Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, Inc. (VENT) and/or their Agents act only as agents for the passenger in regard to travel, whether by railroad, motorcar, motorcoach, boat, or airplane and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. VENT and its Agents can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. The right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air schedules. The right is reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved to substitute leaders on any tour. When this is necessary, notification will be given to tour members. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made in Southeastern Brazil: Best of the Atlantic Forest, Page 21 sufficient time to avoid penalties. The prices of the tours are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect on January 29, 2018 and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. The right is reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of any tour. Baggage is at owner's risk entirely. The airlines concerned and their agents and affiliates are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their aircraft. The passenger ticket in use by said airlines, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tickets and/or passenger. The services of any I.A.T.A.N. carrier may be used for these tours, and transportation within the United States may be provided by any member carrier of the Airline Reporting Corporation.

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