Floratours

Atlantic Rainforest, Savannah and the Dune Coast of Brazil
Botanical Tour to South East Brazil

The National Park Serra do Cipó was founded in 1984. It encompasses a total area of 33.800 hectares with a length of 154 km. It is located in the State of Minas Gerais in the southern part of the mountain range Serra do Espinhaço, at 1.100-1.600 meters altitude.With a high-altitude climate, fresh summer temperatures and a well-defined dry season, it has average temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius and an average amount of 1.622 mm annual precipitation. There we find the Cerrado (savanna) and the Campos de Altitude (highlands), two highly interesting and very sensitive ecosystems.
Some of the plants that can be found during this trip: Pleurotalis, Laelia cinnabarina, Stenorrhynchos lanceolatus, Cattleyas, Laelia kautskyi, Oncidium crispum, Miltonias, , Vrisea imperialis, Achmeas, Bilbergias, Nidulariums, Maxilaria picta, Gomesa picta, Cariniana legalis, Oncidium marshallianum, , Epidendrums, , Sophronitis coccinea, Cyrtopodium gigas, Brassavola tuberculata, Bifrenaria harrisoniae, Tibouchinas, Cassias, Tabebuias, Cecropias, many Philodendron-Arten, Begonien, Gesnerien, Euterpe edulis, Caesalpinia ferrea, Heliconia psittacorum, Heliconia rostrata, Vrisea hieroglifica, Tillandsia Cyanea.

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Price per person
Double room£2,420.00
Single room£2,610.00

click here to download tour-programme

Dates
  1. Sat., 18. Oct. 2008 - Sun., 02. Nov. 2008
  2. Sat., 24. Jan. 2009 - Sun., 08. Feb. 2009
  3. Sat., 21. Mar. 2009 - Sun., 05. Apr. 2009
Price includes
Number of participants
4 – 12 persons
Alterations
The programme is subject to change.


Day 1

Arrival in Rio de Janeiro and drive to Petrópolis (D)

After the arrival in Rio we drive (ca. 1 hour) to Petrópolis. This town was founded in 1825 by German and Austrian Immigrants who were invited by the empress Leopoldine. Petrópolis later became the summer residence of the Royal Family. It was named after the emperor Pedro the 1st . Since 1940 the Imperial Museum holds and shows the rooms, crowns and much of the original furniture. We visit the Museum and walk around the town to get a first impression of Brazil. Overnight stay in Pousada in Petrópolis.

Day 2

Drive to Ouro Preto (B)

In the early morning we drive north towards Ouro Preto. During this trip we can see a lot of Brazil, its many colors and landscapes. In the early afternoon we arrive at Ouro Preto and check in, in our Pousada. Then we stroll through this beautiful town. Ouro Preto is in the State of Minas Gerais and the old baroque town has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The name Ouro Preto means black gold. The Gold found here had a dark stain and so it named the city Ouro Preto. Much of the Brazilian history was written here. At dinner we experience the regional cuisine from the State of Minas Gerais. Overnight stay in Pousada in Ouro Preto.

Day 3

Sightseeing in Ouro Preto and drive to the National Park Serra do Cipó (B)

In the morning we visit and photograph some of the most beautiful churches and buildings of Ouro Preto. In the afternoon we continue our drive towards north. In the early evening we arrive at National Park Serra do Cipó. Overnight stay in Pousada Serra do Cipó.

General information about the National park Serra do Cipó

The National Park Serra do Cipó was founded in 1984. It encompasses a total area of 33.800 hectares with a length of 154 km. It is located in the State of Minas Gerais in the southern part of the mountain range Serra do Espinhaço, at 1.100-1.600 meters altitude.With a high-altitude climate, fresh summer temperatures and a well-defined dry season, it has average temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius and an average amount of 1.622 mm annual precipitation. There, visitors find the Cerrado (savanna) and the Campos de Altitude (highlands), two highly interesting and very sensitive ecosystems.
The Cipó River crosses the National Park and its tributaries fall via many heights, forming several cascades and waterfalls of fascinating beauty, like the 270-meter high Cachoeira da Farofa, for example, which falls through seven layers, pouring into an inviting natural pool.
In addition, there are the waterfalls known as Usina and Congonhas through the Canyon das Bandeirinhas, stretching over 4 km and leading to the Cachoeira das Braúnas, with a free fall of 65 m into a natural pool. The Park’s name originates from its densely interwoven lianas (Cipós), forming true walls in certain stretches of the forest. The plant world in this area is highly endemic and rare, as for example, the up to four-meter high Velosias. In these areas visitors find bromeliads, orchids, cactuses and the Matas de Galerias (Gallery Forests) with rare trees covered with epiphytes. Common there are Quaresmeiras (Tibouchina granulosa), Copaíbas (Copaifera officinalis, Lin.), (Helichrysum bracteatum, Andr.) and cactuses. The animal world in the area harbours many not so well known species. Among the animals are also many endemic species especially insects and amphibians. To the endangered species belong: the Brazilian wolf Lobo-Guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus), the wild dog Cachorro-do-mato-vinagre (Speothos venaticus), Tamanduá-Bandeira Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), Veado-Campeiro (Ozotocerus bezoarticus), Onça Parda Puma (Puma concolor) and Gato-maracajá (Felis macrura) and, the rare but still present, caimans. In the National Park pre-historical paintings and archeological sites can be found.

Day 4

Hiking in the National park Serra do Cipó (B/LP)

In the early morning we start our hike in the National Park. We hike (ca. 4-5 hours) through wonderful landscapes with rivers and waterfalls. We have time to swim and explore the riverbanks and the Savannah. After a long day of hiking and botanizing we arrive back at our Pousada. Overnight stay in Pousada Serra do Cipó.

Day 5

Exploring the highlands of the National park Serra do Cipó (B/LP)

Today we visit the higher parts of the National Park. We hike (ca. 3 hours) and observe some rare plants, like the 3 meter high Velosias. We walk through beautiful sceneries, find rare plants and amazing birds. The fauna and flora here are very rare and well protected. Waterfalls, rivers, Savannas and even some parts of the Atlantic Rainforest can be found here. Overnight stay in Pousada Serra do Cipó.

Day 6

Botanizing in the National park Serra do Cipó (B/LP)

Our destination today is the western part of the National Park. We have plenty of time to botanize, explore and to photograph. We take our lunch at a beautiful site where we can enjoy the tropical environment. Overnight stay in Pousada Serra do Cipó.

Day 7

Drive to the Organ Mountain Range (B/D)

In the early morning we start our trip towards the south. We drive through various landscapes and regions. We have enough time to take pictures and make short stops. In the late afternoon we arrive at the Eco Lodge Itororó situated in the middle of the Organ Mountain Range. After a refreshing Caipirinha or fruit juice we have time to get a first impression of this new environment. We close our day with a delicious Brazilian dinner. Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 8

First contact with the Atlantic Rainforest (B/L/D)

After a homely breakfast we take our first hike through the Atlantic Rainforest. We experience forest and water, take pictures and admire the fauna and flora. In the early afternoon (ca. 13:00) we are back at the Eco Lodge Itororó. After a delicious Lunch we have the rest of the afternoon to stroll and explore through the Bromeliad and Orchid Garden, to let the impressions settle in and enjoy the tropical environment. After dinner we have the experience of a night walk through the woods. We feel and hear the tropical forest in the dark, with its noises and smells, a truly unique experience. Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 9

Hiking through the Atlantic Rainforest (B/L/D)

Today we hike through a different part of the Atlantic Rainforest (ca. 3 hours). The Atlantic Rainforest is one of the top 10 biological hotspots of the world. Here we find a bigger variety of species than in the Amazon area. In the 16th Century the Atlantic Rainforest covered an area of about 1,5 million square kilometers. Today there are only around 10% of it left. Most of the preserved areas are in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo and Paraná. The Atlantic Rainforest is separated from the Amazon area by the Brazilian Savannah and the Caatinga (semi-desert) and is 20 Million years older than the Amazon. Because of this geographical and ecological separation there are few plants and animals present in both areas. There are 131 species of mammals estimated in the Atlantic Rainforest, including four sub-species of lion-monkeys endemic to this ecosystem, around 180 amphibians and over 800 species of birds. Many of these plants and animals are on the brink of extinction. Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 10

Botanizing in the Organ Mountain Range (B/LP/D)

With the jeep or van we drive (ca. 40 minutes) to the south side of the Organ Mountain Range where our hike starts. It is a wonderful and easy hike. We experience the difference between the higher and the lower located areas of the Atlantic Rainforest. Waterfalls, creeks, mountains, orchids, bromeliads, heliconias, palm trees, mosses and many more await us. We have plenty of time to botanize, take pictures and admire the region. In the late afternoon we are back at the Eco Lodge Itororó. Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 11

The unique city of Rio de Janeiro! (B)

In the early morning we drive (ca. 2,5 hours) to Rio, a unique city. We first drive to the Corcovado, from where we get a breathtaking view over Rio. Here we see why Rio is considered to be one of the most beautifull cities of the world. Afterwards we visit the Botanical Garden, one of the biggest and most beautiful botanical gardens of South America. In the afternoon we visit the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Then we drive back to the Eco Lodge Itororó. Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 12

Hiking to the Poussolet (1400m over sea level) (B/L/D)

After a breakfast with tropical fruits, juices, coffee, tea and much more, we start our hike to the Poussolet (ca. 4 hours total). From here we enjoy a beautiful view over the whole mountain region. After exploring and photographing the Atlantic Rainforest we arrive back at Itororó in the early afternoon. The rest of the afternoon we have time to relax, explore and walk around Itororó. After Dinner we sit at the camp fire and let the impressions of the day sink in. Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 13

Friburgo – Buzios (B)

In the morning we leave the Eco Lodge Itororó and drive to the coast. We drive through a beautiful scenery with waterfalls, rainforest and have plenty of time to photograph and explore. We arrive in Buzios around noon. Here we find the Restinga, an ecosystem wich is a transition between the Atlantic Rainforest and the Savannah. We find Tillandsia usneoides, Cattleya guttata, Aechmeas, Tibouchinas, Tabebuias and many more. This vegetation is influenced and formed by the wind, salt and sand coming from the Atlantic Ocean. In the evening we have the opportunity to enjoy the delicous intenational cuisine, stroll through the narrow streets, experience and see the brazilian way of life. Overnight stay in Pousada in Búzios.

Day 14

Búzios, botanizing in the Restinga (B)

Today we explore the south side of the Buzios area. We find here lower vegetation, with more thorns, and more influenced by the strong wind. Very interesting flora with Cacti, Orchids, Bromeliads Clusias and many others. We have enough time to swim in the beautiful sea, lay at the beach, relax and enjoy the sun. Overnight stay in Pousada in Búzios.

Day 15

Búzios – Rio (B)

We can enjoy the morning at the beach or do the last shopping, then it is time to drive back to Rio. At the airport a goodbye from your tour guide then flight back home.

Day 16

Arrival back in the UK.

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