Zegrahm Expeditions Presents

Eco-Expeditions Presents BEST OF BRAZIL With the Pantanal SEPTEMBER 3 – 19, 2010 DEAR ADVENTURER, Our popular Best of Brazil adventure is an immersion into this huge country’s stunning biodiversity and a wildlife safari that presents unparalleled eye-witness opportunities. We traverse several different biomes, encounter some of the planet’s rarest and most endangered primates, see as many as 25 species of indigenous mammals, and study ten times as many birds. We begin in Serra da Canastra National Park, a vast area of rugged mountains and termitemound-studded grasslands. If we are fortunate the brilliant yellow tabebuia (trumpet) trees may be in bloom and we hope to encounter the greater rhea and the red-legged seriema, a secretary bird look-alike. Photographic opportunities abound, from wonderful landscapes to giant anteaters—the world’s highest concentration is found here—in search of their favorite foods, ants and termites. Our four-day exploration of the Pantanal is the centerpiece of this exciting and varied program. Encompassing more than 60,000 square miles, this is the planet’s largest seasonal wetland area, eclipsing even Africa’s Okavango Delta in size and diversity. It extends to include areas of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay and supports over 400 species of birds; huge numbers of capybara, the world’s largest rodent; and such acclaimed megafauna as jaguar, ocelot, tapir, giant river otter, three species of primates, plus crab-eating raccoons and crabeating foxes. Our visit is timed to coincide with the Pantanal’s lowest water levels, giving us excellent chances to witness high concentrations of water birds and caiman, and exciting opportunities to seek out the many nocturnal mammals of the area. Next we visit Brazil’s highly endangered Atlantic rain forest, which dates back 20 million years earlier than the Amazon. As in Madagascar and New Zealand, extreme isolation and a vast span of time have facilitated the evolution of an incredibly rich fauna and flora here, many of the species are unique to this area. From our base in Santa Teresa, renowned for its numerous hummingbird species, we explore the biodiversity of this fascinating region, seeking out endemic birds and several of the 18 primates endemic to these forests. At the renowned Muriqui Project we search for South America’s largest primate—the critically endangered northern muriqui; nearby we look for maned sloth, marmosets, masked titi monkeys and rare and endemic birds. A visit to celebrated Iguaçu Falls, a two-and-a-halfmile-wide cataract surrounded by luxuriant rain forest linking Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, provides us with a stunning finale to our journey. Join me for an experience that reveals the neotropics at their very best—where biodiversity has had free rein to assemble one of the greatest collections of wildlife on the planet. Warmest regards, Mark Brazil DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY 17 Tour Days Day 1 USA Depart from the USA this evening on your independent overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro. Day 2 Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Arrive Rio de Janeiro and transfer to our hotel. After lunch depart for an afternoon at the Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro, a botanical microcosm of Brazil, showcasing Victoria Amazonica lilies and more than 700 species of orchid, and supporting many of the region’s common birds. We also ride the cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf, Rio’s iconic peak, for marvelous views of the city and its famous beaches. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the Caesar Park Hotel. Day 3 Rio De Janeiro / Belo Horizonte / Serra Da Canastra National Park A short morning flight brings us to Belo Horizonte where an overland drive to Serra da Canastra National Park takes us through the central part of the state of Minas Gerais. The rocky, hilly landscape is dotted with farms and pastures and the occasional dark green patch of remnant forest is lit by bright yellow and purple flowering trees. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Day 4 Serra Da Canastra National Park A vast area of rugged mountains and termite-mound-studded grasslands, Serra da Canastra National Park presents a spectacular backdrop to our full day excursion. The wooded gullies and rolling savannas support unusual birds, including the comical-looking toco toucan and cock-tailed tyrant, as well as the world’s highest concentration of giant anteaters. We hope to have good photographic opportunities of these and other fascinating animals as they roam the grasslands. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Day 5 Serra Da Canastra National Park / Caraça Natural Park Today we set out overland to Caraça Natural Park with stops for photos, birding, and lunch en route. Set among tall mountains and lush montane forest, this beautiful park was originally a seminary retreat. Our accommodations for the next two nights are in renovated rooms in a wing of the original 17th-century seminary, surrounded by park lands among high mountains and lush forest. Tonight we gather outside the church, hoping to witness a maned wolf coming to take meat, a tradition that began more than 15 years ago. Dinner and overnight at the seminary. Day 6 Caraça Natural Park We have a full day to explore the Caraça wilderness on various walks with special focus on the endangered masked titi monkey, often located early in the morning by its strange laughing call. We will also look for the uncommon black-tufted-ear marmoset. The many birds of the area include such gems as the elusive swallow-tailed cotinga and the hyacinth visorbearer. Dinner and overnight at the seminary. Day 7 Caraça Natural Park / Ouro Preto / Belo Horizonte We depart Caraça early this morning, driving south to visit the World Heritage Site of Ouro Preto, a charming colonial city built from the fabulous wealth acquired from what were then some of the richest gold mines in the Western Hemisphere. After a lunch and a tour here, we drive to Belo Horizonte for dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at our hotel. Day 8 Belo Horizonte / Cuiaba / Pantanal We depart Belo Horizonte very early this morning and fly to Cuiaba. We set out for the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Biosphere Reserve. The first 60 miles is through a disturbed cerrado transition ecosystem that leads to the raised-dirt highway known as the Transpantaneira. Suddenly, wildlife abounds; this is one of the finest birding regions on Earth. The astonishing biodiversity here includes an incredible array of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Fish concentrate in the few seasonal pools, which in turn are crowded with storks, herons, spoonbills, ibises, and limpkins, not to mention ever-watchful jacaré caimans that search the ponds for easy prey. We continue through a diverse blend of cattle country, forest, and swamps, with repeated stops for observation and photography. Our journey continues after dusk with an evening spotlighting excursion to look for crab-eating foxes, crab-eating raccoons, and other mammals of the area. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in the Pantanal. Day 9 Pantanal / Porto Jofre We spend our first morning in the Pantanal on the Pixaim River, searching for the family of giant otters that makes its home in this area. After lunch we continue southward towards Porto Jofre, making frequent stops for birds, nature-viewing, and photography as we head ever deeper into the Pantanal. We scan any wetland areas along the way for capybara and marsh deer, and we stop to admire the immense treetop nests of the jabiru stork, an iconic bird of the region. By the time we reach Porto Jofre, at the very end of the Transpantaneira, in the heart of the northern Pantanal, the sight of hundreds of jacaré caimans, dozens of capybaras, and a multitude of water birds will have presented a unique and memorable spectacle. Dinner and overnight at the Porto Jofre Hotel. Day 10 Porto Jofre / Pantanal / Cuiaba River To fully explore this rich wetland area, we spend much of today in boats on the Cuiaba River to watch some of the area’s innumerable riverine birds, including kingfishers, terns, and skimmers, as well as keep a lookout for capybaras, caimans, howler and capuchin monkeys and, if we are extremely lucky, perhaps even a jaguar. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Day 11 Pantanal / Pixaim River During today’s drive northward we search for the region’s rare and beautiful hyacinth macaw and stop for lunch along the Pixaim River. We continue to Araras Eco-Lodge arriving in the late afternoon, which gives us time to watch the hordes of birds at the feeders, to seek out local mammals, including coati, or to simply relax. After dinner another fascinating night drive takes us in search of crab-eating fox, great potoo, and perhaps even the ocelots occasionally seen in the area. Overnight at Araras Eco-Lodge. Day 12 Cuiaba / Vitória / Santa Teresa We return to Cuiaba, transfer to the airport for our flight to Vitória, the capital of Espírito Santo, then drive to Santa Teresa, a charming city whose tiled-roof farmhouses reveal its 19th-century Italian roots. The town is laid out in the shape of a cross; flowers and trees decorate its square. We visit the botanical garden of the Mello Leitao Museum, where flowers and feeders attract multiple species of iridescent hummingbirds, including the stunning swallow-tailed hummingbird, and perhaps even the scarce frilled coquette. Dinner at a local restaurant; overnight at our hotel in Santa Teresa. Day 13 Santa Teresa / Muriqui Project / Lombardia Forest After breakfast we drive to Santa Maria de Jetibá to visit the Muriqui Project whose mission is to study and conserve the populations and habitats of the northern muriqui. One of the world’s 25 most critically endangered primates, and South America’s largest primate, the muriqui is endemic to Brazil’s Atlantic rain forest region. Only a few hundred individuals remain and our visit to the project will help support this species. This afternoon we visit the Lombardia Forest, which shares parkland with the Augusto Ruschi Reserve, home to the buffy-headed marmoset, maned sloth, brown capuchin, and masked titi monkeys. Birding here is rich and rewarding and we hope to find antbirds, manakins, puffbirds, toucanets, and many more rare and endemic species. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Day 14 Santa Teresa / Vitória / Iguaçu Falls After breakfast we drive to Vitória and enjoy lunch in town before boarding our flight to Iguaçu via Rio de Janeiro. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Iguaçu. Day 15 Iguaçu Falls We have a full day to explore Iguaçu, one of the world’s most dramatic, and South America’s most celebrated waterfall. The falls are located on the Rio Iguaçu, just above the meeting point of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, and surrounded by luxuriant subtropical rain forest. Today we visit the Argentinean side of the two-and-a-half-milewide falls to enjoy a glorious combination of furious whitewater, rain forest, and diverse birdlife, including caciques, toucans, and woodpeckers. Of special interest are the kettles of great dusky swifts as they swirl and dart through the rising clouds of spray and cling to the cliffs behind the falls; among them we may find white-collared and biscutate swifts. The endangered tegu lizard is relatively common here, and the number and colors of butterflies is astounding. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Day 16 Iguaçu Falls / Rio De Janeiro / USA This morning we take a leisurely walking excursion to admire the Brazilian side of the falls and to enjoy the most spectacular of all the views—the grand panorama. After lunch fly to Rio de Janeiro, then connect to your independent flight back to the USA. Day 17 USA Arrive in the USA and connect with your flights homeward. THE PANTANAL For adventurers, naturalists, and travelers, few places can match the verdant vistas and biological diversity of the Pantanal, the planet’s largest wetland area. It is one of the most immense, pristine, and biologically rich environments in the world. Lying in a seasonally flooded basin of the Paraguay River, it covers over 60,000 square miles, an area larger than Greece, and extends to areas in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. With its extraordinarily concentrated and diverse flora and fauna, plus a landscape spanning a variety of ecological subregions, the Pantanal remains one of the world’s great natural wonders. The word ―pantanal‖ is Portuguese for ―swamp.‖ Each year, fed by rains from October through March, the area experiences heavy and massive flooding. By June, the waters begin to recede, resulting in even denser concentrations of wildlife in a green and shimmering waterscape. By September and October, spectacled caiman can be seen in the hundreds and waterbirds abound. At this time, the numbers of birds, mammals, and reptiles are often staggering, a wildlife extravaganza that rivals scenes from the plains of Africa. Indeed, the Pantanal holds the largest concentrations of megafauna in the whole of South America; yet, even today, it is a remote and largely unknown watery wilderness in the very heart of South America. Diverse and unique, the Pantanal is like no other region on Earth. It is an unparalleled wildlife sanctuary of spectacular beauty, representing one of the last intact ecological areas in the world. It is home to the highest concentration of jaguars on the planet; a refuge for the continent’s largest land mammal, the tapir; a sanctuary for over 400 species of birds; and the habitat for over 10 million caiman, the highest concentration of crocodilians in the world. It is little wonder, then, that this rich, bio-diverse region is regarded as South America’s most important wildlife sanctuary. MEET OUR LEADER MARK BRAZIL developed his fascination with the natural world, especially birds, during his boyhood in the landlocked English county of Worcestershire. He then pursued his academic interests in biology during studies in England and Scotland, while exploring the coasts and mountains of Britain in search of birds. Mark earned his Ph.D. from Stirling University, Scotland, for his work on avian ecology and behavior in Iceland and since then ornithological research, natural history consultancy for TV companies, and guiding naturalists and wildlife photographers have taken him to all continents. Fascinated by island biology, he is a leading authority on the natural history of Japan. He has traveled extensively in South America from Peru to Patagonia and has now made seven trips to Brazil. Mark considers Brazil to be his favorite Eco-Expedition destination. In addition to being a field naturalist, he is a columnist, author, and editor. His books include Wild Asia: Spirit of a Continent; The Birds of Japan; The Whooper Swan; and, most recently, A Field Guide to the Birds of East Asia. WHAT TO EXPECT Travelers on our Best of Brazil program should be aware that although the tour is not overly strenuous, all participants should be reasonably fit and capable of moderate exercise while searching for primates and birds. On several occasions there will be jungle hikes that will entail being able to walk, unaided, along rugged trails with occasional inclines. All accommodations are the best available in the area for a group of our size and will range from simple to luxurious. Please note that in most of Brazil’s hotels, twin beds are standard. Let us know if you prefer a double bed and we will request it wherever possible. Nonsmoking rooms are rarely available in South America. Participants should also be aware that several days of our itinerary require lengthy bus journeys along rough roads to transport us to the areas that are diverse and rich in wildlife. We will mail a complete list of recommended clothing and a suggested reading list to you approximately five months prior to departure. For travelers who delight in natural history, possess a sense of humor, flexibility, and a true spirit of adventure, your adventures in Brazil will be remembered for many years to come. RATES $10,980 per person, double occupancy $1,580 single supplement* Limited to 16 expedition members. INCLUDED: All accommodations and meals as outlined in the itinerary; group transfers; guided excursions as stated in the itinerary; entrance fees for parks, reserves, etc.; all gratuities. NOT INCLUDED: All air transportation; excess baggage charges; airport arrival and departure taxes; transfers for independent arrivals and departures; passport and/or visa fees; travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar charges, alcoholic beverages, e-mail/fax/telephone charges. AIR FARE: A tentative flight schedule is available upon request. Eco-Expeditions will contact you approximately 180 days prior to the departure of this program to finalize your flight plans. As of February 2009, the approximate economy air fare as listed in the itinerary is $2,145 for Miami/Rio de Janeiro/Belo Horizonte/Cuiaba/Vitória/Iguaçu Falls/Rio de Janeiro/Miami. Additional fares from other cities will be quoted as needed. All rates are per person, quoted in U.S. dollars, and must be paid in U.S. dollars. Rates and itineraries are subject to change. *A limited number of single accommodations are available. Reservation requests may also be made online at www.zeco.com. A WORD FROM MARK BRAZIL Brazilians are such friendly people, the country is so exciting and varied, and the biodiversity is amongst the richest on our planet—making this a fantastic destination for wildlife-watching. The amazing diversity, from the enormous number and species of birds, including a phenomenal range of hummingbirds, to the colorful butterflies, fantastic monkeys, combined with the chances of viewing exciting mammals such as giant otter, maned wolf, tapir, giant anteater, ocelot, and jaguar… make this my all time favorite tropical region expedition. If you have enjoyed watching wildlife in Asia and Africa then it is time you came with me to South America to experience the very best of Brazil. TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. RESERVATIONS: 25% of the expedition fare, along with a completed and signed Reservation Form, will reserve a place for you on this Zegrahm Holdings LLC, d/b/a Eco-Expeditions (ECO), program. The balance of the expedition fare is due 120 days prior to departure. Air fare is also due at this time. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and must be paid in U.S. dollars. Credit cards accepted for deposit only. 2. CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: Notification of cancellation of this program and any independent travel arrangements must be received in writing by ECO. At the time we receive your written cancellation, the following penalties will apply: • 120 or more days prior to departure: $500 per person • 60 through 119 days prior to departure: 50% of expedition fare • 59 days prior to departure through day of departure: 100% of expedition fare Some air fare may be nonrefundable. Once an expedition has departed, there will be no refunds from ECO for any unused portions of the trip. The above policy also applies to all extensions and independent travel arrangements made in conjunction with this program. 3. TRIP CANCELLATION AND INTERRUPTION INSURANCE: We strongly advise that all travelers purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against an emergency that may force you to cancel or leave from an expedition while it is in progress. A brochure describing coverage will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation. 4. SHARE POLICY: Accommodations on all ECO programs are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, a roommate will be assigned to you whenever possible. When pairing roommates, we will always pair participants of the same sex. All shared accommodations are nonsmoking. Upon booking you will be required to pay a Single Supplement, if we are able to pair you with a roommate the supplement will be refunded. Please note that single accommodations are limited and cannot be guaranteed throughout. 5. MEDICAL INFORMATION: Participation on an ECO program requires that you be in generally good health. It is essential that persons with any medical problems and related dietary restrictions make them known to us well before departure. We can counsel you on whether the expedition you have selected is appropriate for you. The tour leader has the right to disqualify any participant at any time during the tour if he/she feels the participant is physically incapable and/or if a participant’s continued participation will jeopardize either the individual involved or the group. There will be no refund given under these circumstances. 6. LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS: Luggage size and weight limitations for both checked and carry-on luggage, imposed by the airlines or as an operational requirement due to type of aircraft, will apply for flights to/from/within this program. Specifications will be provided with pre-departure materials. 7. FUEL COST INCREASES AND CURRENCY FLUCTUATION: In order to keep rates as low as possible, we do not build into the trip fare an allowance to cover possible increases from fuel costs or currency fluctuations. Therefore, as fuel-cost increases may occur and currencies do fluctuate around the world, it may be necessary for us to initiate a rate surcharge at any time before departure if there are exceptional cost increases beyond our control. 8. ITINERARY CHANGES & TRIP DELAY: Itineraries are based on information available at the time of printing and are subject to change. ECO reserves the right to change a program’s dates, staff, itineraries, or accommodations as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed, or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, airline schedules, government intervention, sickness, or any other contingency for which ECO or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays or changes is not included. 9. ITINERARY CANCELLATION: ECO reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants or logistical problems such as strikes, wars, acts of God, or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of ECO’s liability. ECO is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including nonrefundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other triprelated expenses. 10. PARTICIPATION: ECO reserves the right to decline to accept any individual as an expedition member for any reason whatsoever. 11. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: This section defines ECO’s responsibility with respect to all of our trips, including extensions and independent arrangements. Please read it carefully. ECO, its Owners, Agents, and Employees give notice that they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors, and suppliers providing means of transportation and/or all other related travel services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss, or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers. As described in item 7 above, all prices are subject to change. As described in item 9 above, in the event that an expedition must be cancelled, ECO is not responsible for any personal expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the program. On advancement of deposit to ECO, the depositor acknowledges that he/she has read and understands the above recited terms and conditions, and agrees to be bound by them. California Seller of Travel Program Registration # 2031043-40 ECO-EXPEDITIONS 192 Nickerson Street #200 • Seattle, WA 98109 USA tel: (800) 628-8747 or (206) 285-4000 • fax: (206) 285-5037 e-mail: zoe@zeco.com • web: www.zeco.com