Orchids and Bromeliads in Brazil
The Atlantic Rainforest and the Coastal Region of Brazil

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 about 10% of it left.
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.
Some of the plants that can be found during the tour: 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.

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Dates

1. Sat., 07. Mar. 2009 - Fri., 20. Mar. 2009
2. Sun., 20. Sep. 2009 - Sat., 03. Oct. 2009

Price includes

• Flights from London
• Airport Taxes and fuel surcharge
• All transport during trip
• Accommodation in en-suite double/single rooms, in the Eco Lodge Itororo four apartments share a bathroom
• Meals as indicated
• Travel guide
• Entry fees
• Tour price maintenance

Number of participants

4 – 12 persons

Alterations

The programme is subject to change.

Day 1

Arrival in Rio de Janeiro and drive to the Organ Mountain Range (D)

After the arrival in Rio we drive towards north, arriving at the Eco Lodge Itororó after two and a half hours. After the check-in and a freshly made Caipirinha or fruit juice we make our first contact with the Atlantic Rainforest. We see Bromeliads, Orchids, Tree ferns and much more. (In case the arrival is in the morning we have time for a nice walk and a swim in the natural pool with crystal clear water. We finish our day with a typical Brazilian dinner. (In case your arrival is in the afternoon the first contact will be in the morning of the next day). Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 2

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 nature. After dinner we offer a night walk through the woods. We experience the tropical forest in the dark, with its noises and smells. A truly unique experience. Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 3

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 4

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

Today we hike in 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 about 10% of it left. Most of the preserved areas are in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espirito 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. In the afternoon we arrive back in the Eco Lodge Itororó. Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 5

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 6

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 much more awaits 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 7

Botanizing in the Campos Rupestres (higher lands of the Organ Mountain Range) (B/LP/D)

In the early morning we drive to the Campos Rupestres where we botanize and hike. The scenery is impressive, granite mountains with Rainforest and Savannah landscapes. Here we can observe orchids and epiphytes and many bromeliads. We also get to see the unique Alacantarea imperialis, one of the biggest bromeliads of the world, Epidendrums, Sophronitis and many other species. ("Campo Rupestre", is an ecosystem that is usually found above the altitude of 1000m. The soil is very shallow and the flora usually grows on top of the rocks or in the rock cracks. The flora here has to withstand very high temperatures and sunlight during the day and cold nights. Many species of cacti, orchids, bromeliads and small species of the melostomataceae family live in this environment.). Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 8

Friburgo – Serra dos Orgãos National Park. (B/L/D)

Our trip takes us today across the Organ Mountain Range. We stop at the famous artist Nego, where we can see and admire his art in and with nature. Afterwards we drive to the National Park Serra dos Orgãos. We hike through amazing sceneries. This was the first National Park of Brazil and is also one of the most beautiful ones. Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 9

Free day (B/L/D)

A day off has been included to give you time to relax and explore the Itororó forest on your own or in a small group. You have time to hike, walk, relax, swim, botanize or just lay in the hammock… to let the experiences of the last days sink in. Overnight stay in the Eco Lodge Itororó.

Day 10

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 international cuisine, stroll through the narrow streets, experience and see the Brazilian way of life. Overnight stay in Pousada in Búzios

Day 11

Búzios, botanizing in the Restinga (B)

Today we explore the south side of the Buzios area. Here we find smaller vegetation, more thorns, and more influenced by the strong winds. 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 12

Búzios. Resting Day (B)

Today you can collect the last impressions of Brazil and Buzios. We go to the beach, stroll through the streets, eat, drink and shop or just relax under a coconut tree. Overnight stay in Pousada in Búzios

Day 13

Búzios – Rio (B)

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

Day 14

Arrival back in the UK