The lovely Brassy-breasted Tanager is endemic to the Atlantic rainforests of southeastern Brazil Brian Small, Limosa Holidays

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1 Brazil THE ATLANTIC RAINFOREST The lovely Brassy-breasted Tanager is endemic to the Atlantic rainforests of southeastern Brazil Brian Small, Limosa Holidays 2015 Thursday 8th - Friday 16th October (9 days) Single-centre tour with Richard Thaxton & local guides 2016 Thursday 10th - Saturday 19th March (10 days) Single-centre tour with Colin Bushell & local guides Thursday 6th - Saturday 15th October (10 days) Single-centre tour with Richard Thaxton & local guides Extended to 10 days in 2016, a single-centre, small group birdwatching tour to Brazil focusing on the fabulous Atlantic Rainforest of southeast Brazil and based throughout at one comfortable lodge on the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA), in the coastal mountains north of Rio de Janeiro. Simply outstanding for birds, with the rare Three-toed Jacamar, Grey-winged and Black-and-gold Cotingas, Elegant Mourner, and Brazilian and Green-headed Tanagers among an extraordinary list of Brazilian specialities and endemics. New for 2016, a day at the coast - with a chance to see Restinga Antwren. Just 7% of Brazil s extraordinary Atlantic rainforest remains North of Rio, REGUA provides a vital refuge for some of its rarest birds Rufous-sided Crake, Giant Snipe, Tawny-browed Owl, Bare-throated Bellbird Plovercrest, Brazilian Tanager, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Slaty Bristlefront Excursions to look for the rare Three-toed Jacamar, Grey-winged Cotinga and Elegant Mourner Small group tour limited to a maximum 9 participants Expertly led by Limosa guides and the lodge's own resident Brazilian ornithologists What's Included? Limosa Tour Leader Expert local ornithologist guides Flights non-stop London to Rio de Janeiro, with British Airways 8 nights at the comfortable Guapiaçu Bird Lodge (REGUA) All meals included - plus a freshly made Caipirinha or two on the veranda! All local travel, entry fees, tour based tips and taxes LIMOSA HOLIDAYS, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham, Norfolk NR12 9EJ (UK) TEL: +44 (0) info@limosaholidays.co.uk WEB: limosaholidays.co.uk

2 Outline Itinerary Day 1: Fly London-Rio de Janeiro. A 90- minute transfer whisks us away to REGUA, our base throughout the tour. Guapiaçu Bird Lodge (8 nts) Days 2-8: REGUA, Serra dos Orgãos and (2016 only) the coast at Cabo Frio *1 Day 9: Full day at REGUA. Evening return to Rio de Janeiro for our overnight flight back to London Day 10: Afternoon arrival London *1 Please note 2015 tour is shorter (9 days) and does not include a visit to the coast (Cabo Frio), which is new to our extended itinerary (10 days) in Tour Overview Brazil is a vast and truly fantastic country to explore for birds. One of the most important areas outside of Amazonia is the coastal forest of the Southeast Highlands, north and east of Rio de Janeiro. This region has until recently been extensively deforested and just 7% of this extraordinary rainforest now remains. But all is not lost and timely intervention has enabled protection of the best refuges for birds in Brazil s Atlantic Forests region. One of the finest of these is the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (or REGUA for short), which lies just 50 miles north of Rio. Established as recently as 2001, REGUA owns and administers an area of more than 18,000 acres, with a stated objective to provide protection from hunting and exploitation of forest products. This non-profit organisation is actively engaged in tropical forest restoration, including the planting of over 140,000 trees. The Guapiaçu Bird Lodge offers comfortable accommodation run by welcoming and wellinformed staff, and with a superb variety of habitats right on its doorstep. As a single-centre tour, there can few places better located to observe the plethora of Atlantic rainforest bird species, currently standing at a remarkable 460 species! From lowland rainforest and wetlands - where specialities such as Giant Snipe, Brazilian Tanager and the tiny Yellow-lored Todyflycatcher can be found - up to the peaks of the Serra dos Orgãos mountains, more than 2000m above sea level and sole refuge for many of the birds that are endemic to southeast Brazil, including Plovercrest, Blue-winged Macaw and Black-and-gold Cotinga. Walking the forest trails, birds can come thick and fast! Restless feeding flocks pass through the trees, allowing us the chance to enjoy a good number of the Atlantic Forest endemics, including a fabulous array of hummingbirds and tanagers. Rufous-breasted Hermit, Black Jacobin and Brazilian Ruby buzz and dart like insects, while dazzling Brassy-breasted and Red-necked Tanagers will draw gasps of disbelief. The make up of species can vary according to altitude. Even small pockets of forest can produce new and quite different species, so our stay will include trips a little further afield to ensure we see as wide a cross-section of birds as possible. Rufous-thighed Kite, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Slaty Bristlefront, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Rufous-capped Motmot, Pintailed Manakin and Spot-billed Toucanet are among specialities we could find. At the end of each exciting day in the field we return to our lovely lodge for a fine meal and the chance to relax with a refreshing lime Caipirinha, the traditional Brazilian cocktail. Who could resist? New for our 2016 tours, we have added a day to the trip and for the first time include a visit to the coast near Cabo Frio, where menacing Magnificent Frigatebirds patrol the shore and Brown Boobies glide past. Terns and waders await, but we will also explore the threatened restinga (a beach-scrub habitat rich in cacti and bromeliads) for local specialities including the endemic Black-backed Tanager and endangered Restinga Antwren. Limosa has been operating bird tours to Brazil since 1998 and our 2016 tours will be our 18th and 19th visits to this amazing destination for birding. Guides Richard Thaxton and Colin Bushell have travelled and guided extensively in Central and South America, including repeat visits to REGUA. Our 2016 tours will be Limosa's 8th and 9th visits to REGUA info@limosaholidays.co.uk

3 Daily Itinerary Note: our shorter (9-day) itinerary in 2015 is identical to the longer (10-day) itinerary we describe below with the exception that it does not include a visit to the coastal restinga at Cabo Frio, which is new to our extended trip in Day 1 FLY RIO DE JANEIRO, EVENING ARRIVAL AT REGUA Our birdwatching tour to Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest begins with a British Airways afternoon departure from London Heathrow to Rio de Janeiro, where we arrive later the same evening. Our driver will be waiting to welcome us and we head directly to the Guapiaçu Bird Lodge, at the REGUA reserve, which will be our base throughout the holiday. The journey is relatively short (approx. 90 minutes driving). Night Guapiaçu Bird Lodge, in the REGUA reserve Days 2 8 THE RESERVA ECOLÓGICA DE GUAPIAÇU (REGUA) & CABO FRIO We awake this morning to an unfamiliar dawn chorus and fold back the shutters to reveal our first Brazilian birds! The Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (home of the Guapiaçu Bird Lodge) boasts a terrific variety of habitats and species, and our first walk will be a gentle introduction to the local birds. Just by the lodge are a number of hummingbird feeders, and we will see Swallowtailed, Glittering-bellied, Black Jacobin, Violetcapped Woodnymph and Rufous-breasted Hermit buzzing about. The bushes around hold Brazilian and Burnished-buff Tanagers. We will take a short walk from the lodge to where Caiman and Capibaras cruise beside a recently created wetland. Least Grebe, Whitefaced Whistling Duck, Masked Duck, Snail Kite, Aplomado Falcon, Limpkin and a trio of South American kingfishers - Ringed, Amazon and Green - are among many exciting birds to watch for. Capped, Cocoi and Striated Herons stalk the shallows and we may be lucky to spot Rufoussided Crake or even Giant Snipe here - the latter is a notorious early morning species! Strolling gently, we will keep our eyes and ears open for the unusual White Woodpecker and large Orange-winged Parrot as well as Bluewinged Parrotlet, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Whitecollared Swift, Common Thornbird, Chestnutbacked Antshrike, Yellow Tyrannulet, the brilliant Black-capped Donacobius, Yellowish Pipit, White-bellied Seedeater, Chestnut-capped Blackbird and the strutting Tail-banded Hornero. We should also be treated to our first Atlantic Forest endemics, such as the flitting Yellowlored Tody-flycatcher and loud-voiced Longbilled Wren. One of the real joys of this single-centre tour based at REGUA is that we are able to keep our programme flexible, to allow for the vagaries of the weather on the high peaks, perhaps. But our stay will always include birding in the nearby forest and wetlands, as well as some excursions further afield by minibus. We will devote plenty of time to exploring REGUA s quiet forest trails. We will spend a day walking the Waterfall Trail, passing through lowland rainforest that has grown up over the past sixty years to cover the scars of past clearance. Feeding stations along the trail should produce the lovely Violet-capped Woodnymph and Saw-billed Hermit, while along the forested trail we may encounter the lovely Blue Manakin or perhaps a Rufous-breasted Leaftosser. Stands of bamboo here conceal the skulking Slaty Bristlefront as well as furtive antshrikes and antwrens. The secretive Rufous-capped Motmot watches from steep-sided slopes and, where the path passes through small clearings, we will pause to check for Spot-billed Toucanets and listen to the loud, clanging song of Bare-throated Bellbirds echoing through the distant canopy. As we continue to explore the Atlantic Forest, gradually, new specialities should begin to appear: Star-throated Antwrens scold from the undergrowth, while the distinctive song of the localised Sooretama Antshrike will give the bird away as it moves through the vine tangles above us. Feeding flocks might bring the stunning Pintailed Manakin, Surucua Trogon, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Streak-capped Antwren, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, and stunning Green-headed, Brassy-breasted and Red-necked Tanagers info@limosaholidays.co.uk

4 The Elegant Mourner (or Shrike-like Cotinga) is something of a REGUA speciality, and we will make a special effort to find this rare bird as well as seeking Black-cheeked Gnateater, Crescentchested Puffbird, Scaled Antbird, Whiteshouldered Fire-eye, Southern Antpipit, Sharptailed Streamcreeper and Grey-hooded Attila. We will take a full day excursion up to the Pico da Caledonia, one of the highest peaks in the Serra dos Orgãos Mountains. This rugged area soars above 2,219m above sea level - on a clear day, the views from the top are truly spectacular. As the road ascends, we will listen for the ethereal whistles of the exquisite Black-and-gold Cotinga, an Atlantic Forest endemic, and pause to scan the canopy for the wonderful Swallowtailed Cotinga. The montane forest here is also one of only two known sites where the extremely rare and elusive Grey-winged Cotinga may be found - our October 2014 group enjoyed fantastic close views! If we are lucky, we may be treated to the sight of the amazing Plovercrest performing at its lek, and other hummers to watch for include White-throated Hummingbird and the beautiful Brazilian Ruby. With patience and some searching, we may unearth some of the Serra s more secretive forest dwellers. Mouse-coloured Tapaculo, Largetailed Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed and Dusky-tailed Antbirds inhabit the densest undergrowth (and are easier to hear than to see), and we may be fortunate to witness a pair of Sharp-tailed Streamcreepers performing their wing-spreading display. Other species to keep us on our toes in the mountains include the wide-mouthed Rufous Gnateater, Highland Elaenia, the localised Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Blue-billed and Velvety Black-tyrants, Sheartailed Grey Tyrant, Saffron-crested Tyrantmanakin, the newly split Grey-eyed Greenlet, the brilliant Diademed Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch and butch-looking Thick-billed Saltators. Another day will find us driving up to REGUA s mid-elevation forests, along the Casa Anibal trail, home to key specialities such as the fine Saffron Toucanet, the undemonstrative Rufoustailed Jacamar and the tiny but spectacular Frilled Coquette. Channel-billed Toucan, Barethroated Bellbird, Long-tailed Tyrant, Blacktailed Tityra, Long-billed Wren, White-necked Thrush, gorgeous Brazilian and Brassy-breasted Tanagers, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Eastern Striped Manakin and Yellow-green Grosbeak await our discovery here, too. We make an early morning start for Macaé de Cima, an area of montane forest reaching an elevation of around 1400m. We shall pause to investigate several areas at different altitudes, but devote most of our time to a private orchid reserve at the top of the mountain. The forest here offers some of the easiest access to high altitude Atlantic Forest specialities. Most of our birding is possible from the dirt road, and we will make regular stops to check for feeding flocks of tanagers and other species. Along the way, a number of hummingbird feeders provide excellent photographic opportunities - and first class viewing of such gems as Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby and Amethyst Woodstar. Along the trail we may hear and see Black Hawk-eagle and Barred Forest-falcon, perhaps a smart Yellow-browed Woodpecker or the amazing Giant Antshrike. Here, Rufous-backed Antvireos may be found alongside a number of humbug-like antbirds such as Bertonis, Ochre-rumped and Duskytailed. Perhaps we will be lucky to encounter the strutting Rufous-tailed (Brazilian) Antthrush, Rufous-capped and Pallid Spinetails, Palebrowed Treehunter, Red-eyed Thornbird or White-browed Foliage-gleaner - even a Cinnamon Tanager or two. Birds can come thick and fast in this rich habitat! One of the few remaining remnant patches of Atlantic dry forest exists beyond the Serra dos Órgãos. Although degraded, this habitat remains the stronghold of the endangered Three-toed Jacamar, a species at one time considered common but now only found in a very few locations and listed as Vulnerable by BirdLife International. We have an excellent chance of seeing this and many other species on a full day trip that will take in a variety of new habitats including remnant patches of dry forest, open grassy plains and wetlands info@limosaholidays.co.uk

5 Most of our birding here is done from roadside stops, and we will look for the superbly named Firewood Gatherer and Streamer-tailed Tyant, plus various raptors including Lesser Yellowheaded Vulture, White-tailed and Bicoloured Hawks, American Kestrel and Bat Falcon. As ever, a suite of parrots should be seen: Bluewinged Macaw, White-eyed Parakeet, Bluewinged Parrotlet and Scaly-headed Parrot are all likely. Yet more new hummingbirds might include Sapphire-spangled Emerald and another hermit to watch for - the Planalto. Nonetheless, the key bird today will be the rare Three-toed Jacamar. As we search for it, others will appear and who could resist the opportunity to get to grips with such treats as Red-legged Seriema, Black-necked Aracari, White-eared Puffbird, Serra Antwren, Red-eyed Thornbird and Hangnest Tody-tyrant! New for 2016 is an extra day visit to somewhere completely different. Following an early breakfast, we drive to the coast and lagoon near the town of Cabo Frio. Found only in this corner of Brazil, and severely threatened by clearance for beachfront development, little now remains of the special restinga habitat growing here - and which is home to its own endemic bird species, Restinga Antwren. Classed as Endangered by BirdLife International, we should be lucky to find this little bird as we explore the unique restinga habitat of bushes, ferns and palms, rich in cacti and bromeliads, growing on sand dunes. Sooretama Slaty Antshrike and Hangnest Todytyrant as well as Short-crested Flycatcher, Lemon-chested Greenlet and Blue-black Grassquit occur here, too. With its peculiarly Bee-eater-like colouration, the smart Blackbacked Tanager is another localised speciality to watch out for at Cabo Frio, and rarest of the 20+ species of tanager we will see during our tour. Southern Lapwing may be nesting nearby and on small islands, Royal and Cabot s/cayenne Terns allow good comparison. Brown Boobies fish like Gannets offshore, and Kelp and Grey-hooded Gulls are often present - but the real stars here are the huge and 'Pterodactyl-like' Magnificent Frigatebirds that continually cruise overhead. Small roadside pools can hold good numbers of Black-necked Stilt, White-cheeked Pintail, Little Blue Heron and oddly 'ugly' Roseate Spoonbill - a bird which looks much more beautiful in flight than when studied close up! Guira Cuckoos and Burrowing Owls are present in good numbers, and another star species is the aptly named Long-winged Harrier. Passage waders can be plentiful at most seasons, with the likes of Hudsonian Godwit, American Oystercatcher, Grey and Semipalmated Plovers to watch for. If time is on our side, a small marsh near the town of Buzios adds chances of Masked Yellowthroat and Rusty-backed Antwren. The enormous Ringed Kingfisher, Plain-breasted Ground Dove, both Capped and Rusty-collared Seedeaters and Wedge-tailed Grass Finch are often found here, too. Snail Kites might oblige us with a fly-past and if we are very lucky perhaps a Pinnated Bittern may pop into view! Mangrove Rails (recently split from Clapper Rail) occur, but like the bittern can be hard to find. We return to REGUA, stopping now and again to break the journey. A week s stay with Limosa and the friendly staff at REGUA offers an unrivalled opportunity to enjoy a wide cross-section of the birds of Brazil s unique but threatened Atlantic rainforest habitat. Being based at the same lodge throughout will not only ensure our travel time is kept to a minimum, but allow us to devote maximum time to achieving good views of many of the region s spectacular and special birds. While anyone with the slightest ambition with a camera should find plenty of chances to take some great photos! Seven further nights at the Guapiaçu Bird Lodge, in the REGUA reserve Day 9 REGUA TO RIO, FLY LONDON Our flight home is scheduled to depart Rio late this evening so we shall be able to enjoy another full morning birding at REGUA today, followed by lunch and a relaxed afternoon taking one last look around the wonderful grounds of the lodge. Bidding a reluctant farewell to our hosts, we then drive back to Rio in good time to check-in for our overnight flight back to London. Day 10 ARRIVAL IN LONDON Afternoon arrival at London Heathrow, where our birdwatching tour to Brazil concludes info@limosaholidays.co.uk

6 More About This Tour After close on twenty visits, we have found Brazil to be a delightful and rich birding destination - and we think you ll agree! We follow a routine that regular travellers to the tropics will already be familiar with: typically going out at first light (which in this part of Brazil means around am), returning for breakfast, then going out again for the rest of the morning. Lunch may be taken back at the lodge or as a picnic in the field, according to venue for that particular day. We often take a short break after lunch, before going out again for the remainder of the afternoon. We return to the lodge each evening, for dinner and overnight. Our Accommodation The Guapiaçu Bird Lodge at REGUA provides comfortable, quality accommodation for anyone interested in birdwatching, conservation or those who simply wish to experience the rainforest and it's marvellous wildlife. The lodge is small, with a relaxed and informal atmosphere, and is set against a fabulous backdrop of forested mountains. The lodge s beautifully maintained gardens provide superb birding and photographic opportunities from the veranda. Fruit feeders attract noisy groups of tanager, euphonias and chlorophonias - the latter including Hooded, Ruby-crowned, Brazilian, Sayaca, Palm, Green-headed and Burnishedbuff. On the hummingbird feeders, Swallowtailed Hummingbirds fight off Rufous-breasted Hermits, Black Jacobins, Violet-capped Woodnymphs and Glittering-throated Emeralds. Around the gardens, Orange-winged Parrot, Guira Cuckoo, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, superb White and Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Chestnutbacked Antshrike and Long-billed Wren are among the birds often present, while at night Tropical Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, Short-tailed Nighthawk and Pauraque may be seen while sipping a cool lime Caipirinha - the traditional Brazilian cocktail. Flights & Arrival in Rio Note for land only participants (or those arriving in Brazil independently of the rest of the group): Note that international flights, depending on the airline, may arrive at Rio in the old Terminal 1 or the new Terminal 2. We are aware of this. If you are arriving separately from the group (e.g. a day or two early, or on an earlier flight), please notify our office of your flight schedule and you should plan to be at the international arrival area, downstairs in the old terminal (Terminal 1) by 20.00hrs (8.00pm) latest on Day 1 of the tour. Our leader/s will find you there and escort you to meet the rest of the group. *1 Upon arriving at Rio de Janeiro airport, proceed through immigration and customs. Our guide and/or driver (Alceni) will meet you as you exit customs into the arrivals hall. If you do not spot one of them immediately upon exiting customs (they will be holding a sign saying 'Limosa Holidays'), please find a place nearby to wait with your luggage. Please don t stray far if you stay nearby, we will be able to find you. Restrooms, soft drinks and seating are available here while you wait. *1 Please be punctual. On occasion, long haul international flights do get in earlier than scheduled and we will wish to make a prompt departure from the airport to drive to our lodgings at REGUA. Be sure to check timings and joining instructions in our Final Letter, which we send out to everyone 2-3 weeks prior to departure. Trip Information Group Size 9 participants & 2 leaders Birds species. There is a small amount of seasonal shift for a few species between April and October but the overall list of birds to be seen for this tour is more or less identical at either season. Accommodation 8 nights accommodation at the Guapi Assu Bird Lodge (REGUA), which offers comfortable guest rooms, all either en info@limosaholidays.co.uk

7 suite or with private bathroom - and great birding right on site! The lodge is equipped to a high standard with a spacious and comfortable lounge, a large dining area, an excellent library, a small swimming pool and hot water heated by solar power. A laundry service is available for a small fee - note that clothes are line-dried so drying times are entirely weather dependent! Meals All main meals are included in the tour price commencing with light refreshments on arrival at the lodge on the evening of Day 1 and concluding with lunch on Day 9. Home-cooking, with local dishes freshly prepared by the lodge s own cooks (vegetarian needs can also be catered for). Breakfasts and dinners will be at the lodge; some lunches will be picnics. Soft and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at the lodge. Walking Easy to moderate. Chiefly along forest trails. There are some steeper, uphill stretches in the mountains, but all taken very gently with regular stops for birds. Wherever possible, we will drive to the top and walk down. Sturdy waterproof walking shoes or lightweight boots with good grip advised, and lightweight shoes to change into. Maximum elevation: (for a few hours only) 2200m. Weather Tropical climate, mainly warm and sunny in Rio with rainfall spread throughout the year. It can be hot and humid at times and this sometimes gives rise to thundery downpours. Our October tour runs towards the end of the dry season and some rainfall is likely in the coastal mountains. Come our visit in March, the austral summer rains (Nov-Feb) are tailing off considerably and the higher winter temperatures are cooling slightly. In Rio, average monthly temperatures are: March 24-29C (75-84F) and October 19-25C (66-77F). It can be cooler than this in the mountains, especially high up and also early and late in the day. Flights Scheduled British Airways flights nonstop from London Heathrow to Rio de Janeiro. [Note: the outlined itinerary is based on current BA schedules and timings could of course change. If you are making your own flight arrangements for this tour, please check current group flight timings with our office before booking your flight arrangements.] Ground Transport By minibus, switching to 4WD vehicle/s when occasion demands. Insects We may encounter mosquitos on some trails but there is no malaria risk on this tour. See also Health & Vaccinations section, p10 below. Photos Good to excellent photographic opportunities in more open habitats, including wetlands, at bird feeders and around the lodge. Difficult in the forest, where light levels are low. Tour Cost 2015 (9-day tour): 2595 (inc flights from London) Land cost only: 1970 Deposit: 400 Single Supp: (10-day tour): 2845 (inc flights from London) Land only cost: 2245 Deposit: 400 Single Supp (Feb): 145 Cost includes Services of our expert guides; flights London- Rio de Janeiro; 8 nights accommodation at REGUA; all main meals (with water provided); local transport; all entry fees, tour based tips (inc. lodge, driver and local guides) and airport taxes; map and Limosa checklist of birds. Cost excludes Insurance, drinks & other items of a personal nature. About Your Guides Richard Thaxton Richard is a principal Limosa guide who joined us in the early noughties at the urging of our American friends Field Guides - who clearly know a good thing when they see one! Recently retired as warden at the RSPB s Loch Garten reserve, where he worked for 30 years, Richard was charged with the welfare of some of Speyside's info@limosaholidays.co.uk

8 rarest inhabitants, including Capercaillies and the world famous Ospreys. A first-rate guide with exceptional people skills, Richard regularly leads our trips to Lesbos (he says he just can't get enough of the place), the Czech Republic and elsewhere in Europe, as well as those to the Caribbean and Latin America including Brazil, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Ecuador. In October 2011, Richard spent four weeks at REGUA in Brazil, looking into the development of sustainable tourism, reviewing current visitor infrastructure, provision for and engagement with visitors, and making suggestions as to how the site might engage with visitors with greater effectiveness. Our October 2015 and 2016 tours will be his 5th and 6th visits to REGUA. Colin Bushell A birder since his teens, Colin lives in Lancashire, where he works as both a professional bird tour guide and freelance ornithologist for ecology consultancies. His first forays into overseas birding were to Majorca, Austria, Greece and Morocco - before the draw of the tropics became irresistible. After exploring Africa and the Far East, Colin immersed himself in South America and its vast avifauna, becoming a frequent visitor there (particularly to Peru and Brazil) and amassing a wealth of experience leading bird tours to the 'Bird Continent' over the last twenty years. With a keen interest in migration, he has also led tours to Europe and the Middle East, including Lesbos and Jordan. Colin lives with his wife and two chocolate Labradors near the Ribble Estuary, where he spends most of his spare time birding the marshes. Colin is a veteran of more than 20 birding tours to Brazil and our March 2016 trip to REGUA will be his 11th visit there. Local guide/s One or more of REGUA s team of excellent resident Brazilian birdwatching guide/s will accompany our tour as local leader throughout. What You Say Richard was an excellent, very personable leader. Dinners were excellent. MJ, Brazil REGUA tour Our first time to Brazil and a good introduction to SE American birding. We could not have wished for a better group of people to travel with and Brian, the guide, was excellent. We saw some great birds and had great fun along the way - what more can you ask for on a birding holiday! L&GP, Brazil REGUA tour Nothing was too much trouble for Brian. He made sure that everyone saw as much as possible. BM, Brazil REGUA tour Giant Snipe excursion very rewarding. Nicholas s ambition, vision and enthusiasm for his conservation work cannot fail to engender support for the [REGUA] project. SC, Brazil REGUA tour Especially remembered the fantastic views of the Plovercrest. It was really great to see all three cotingas on one trip, to see the very rare Grey-winged, superb and the Swallow-tailed in exactly the same tree as 5 years ago!! LM, Brazil REGUA tour Financial Security Limosa Holidays is a fully bonded Tour Operator and a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO). We hold an ATOL (Air Tour Operators Licence) granted by the CAA, providing for your protection in the event of Limosa Holidays' insolvency. Our licence number is ATOL For tours not including the cost of a flight from the UK or for holidays booked by you as Land Only, all payments made to us are fully bonded through the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT). Our ABTOT membership number is For details please see our brochure or website: info@limosaholidays.co.uk

9 Limosa Loyalty Discount We are proud of the number of loyal customers who travel regularly with us. As our way of saying thank you, we offer a Frequent Travel Discount. Under the scheme, everyone who takes four trips with us is entitled to claim a 5% discount on their 5th trip *2. Remember to request your discount at time of booking! *2 Please note: This offer applies to the basic tour cost only and excludes certain commissionbased trips, extras such as additional flights, private extensions and cancellations. Discounts cannot be given in lieu of tour deposits or off the cost of single room supplements. How To Book Check availability on our website or with our office. We are happy to hold Provisional Reservations for up to 7 days. After this, we do require a Booking Form and deposit to confirm your place on tour. Any unconfirmed space will be released. Book Online, by Phone or by Post You can book and pay the deposit simply and securely Online via our website, using the Book This Tour button on the relevant tour page or the Booking tab at the top of the page. Telephone bookings must be confirmed in writing by completion of a Booking Form (there's one tucked inside every brochure or as a PDF download from our website), which can be mailed to us in the time honoured way. Be sure to read our Booking Conditions and General Information (found at the back of our brochure, on our website or available from our office on request) prior to booking. When to Book Early booking is advised since flights and accommodation are much more easily secured well in advance. To encourage early booking, we are pleased to offer an Early Bird Discount - see our current brochure or website for details. Our tours are limited to small group sizes. So they can fill up quickly - sometimes even before our new brochure comes out! Single rooms in particular can often be in short supply and among the first to go, so do try to plan well ahead if you definitely require one of these. Last-minute Bookings: We inevitably receive a few unexpected cancellations over the course of a season so it is always worth enquiring about vacancies on any tour - even for those departing in just a few weeks! Payments The amount of booking deposit per person is shown alongside every tour. We accept deposit payments by debit card, cheque (payable to Limosa Holidays and drawn on a UK bank in GB Pounds Sterling) and BACS (please ask for our bank details). We also accept Visa and MasterCard credit cards, with no transaction charge on payment of tour deposits. Full payment of the balance is due not later than 12 weeks prior to departure (20 weeks in the case of certain tours such as cruises or those involving rail travel). We will send you an invoice before the balance is due. We accept payment for balances (and interim payments) by cheque, BACS or UK debit card. We also accept balances (and interim payments) by credit card or overseas debit card but with a charge of 2% of the transaction amount to help offset card company charges. [Note that we do not retain your card details, which are destroyed once used. This means we may need to phone you again for details for subsequent payments.] Payment by overseas customers must be in GB Pounds Sterling and may be made by transfer to our bank (please ask for our bank details), or by overseas debit or credit card with a 2% transaction charge. Please note we do not accept cheques on US Banks in US Dollars, or cheques in Euros or Eurocheques. Late Booking Payments: In order for us to guarantee your airline seats, hotels etc., full payment is required at time of booking for all late bookings (i.e. bookings made within 12 weeks of departure) info@limosaholidays.co.uk

10 Other Things You Need To Know Passports & Visas Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Brazil. No additional period of validity beyond this is required BUT when travelling anywhere overseas we always recommend that your passport has a minimum of 6 months left to run after your intended date of return home, in case of unforeseen delay. VISA NOT NORMALLY REQUIRED by UK passport holders for entry into Brazil. For further information see the website of the Brazilian Consulate in London, or the Brazilian Embassy All others should contact the nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate to check whether or not they require a visa/s. If a visa/s is required, you will need to apply locally. If the embassy or consulate requires you to provide a letter confirming that you are booked on an allinclusive tour, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide one. Entering Brazil: Make sure your passport is stamped. If it is not, you may be fined on departure. Keep your immigration landing card, given to you at Rio de Janeiro airport on arrival, as it will be required to leave the country if you lose it you could be subject to a fine. Health & Vaccinations Compulsory vaccinations: None [but note that you will need to show a valid yellow fever certificate IF arriving within 3 months from or in transit through infected areas - please check with your doctor.] Recommended immunisations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, yellow fever and hepatitis A. Consult your doctor for current advice regarding TB, hepatitis B and typhoid, which may also be recommended in some circumstances. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infection found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, including Brazil. Malaria: There is currently no malaria risk in the areas we shall be visiting on our tour. The above information, together with that contained within our Travel Information sheets (sent to everyone who books), outlines health requirements for this tour. Please note that these details are given for guidance only - and are only for certain diseases - and you must consult your doctor in good time prior to travel as to what immunisations (if any) are needed for your chosen holiday. For full and up-to-date health information we urge everyone to consult The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website prior to booking any overseas holiday. NaTHNaC is funded by the UK Government s Health Protection Agency and provides health information for both health professionals and travellers, with information compiled by its own clinical and scientific team. You can search for individual country requirements, which are updated regularly. Your Safety & Travel Advice An unavoidable aspect of travelling abroad nowadays is the threat it may pose to your safety and security. The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) encourages British nationals to be better prepared for their overseas trips with a view to avoiding common travelling traumas, risks and dangers. In order for you to assess and protect against any risks in your chosen destination it is strongly recommended that you refer to the relevant FCO Travel Advice both prior to booking and regularly before you travel. It is standard Limosa policy for our office to send a copy of the relevant FCO Travel Advice about the tour to all participants along with their Final Letter (ca. 2-3 weeks prior to the trip) info@limosaholidays.co.uk

11 Know Before You Go - staying safe and healthy abroad - is a travel safety campaign run by the FCO, and another useful resource. Go to: Further useful information on visas, health, etc., can be found at the World Travel Guide website: Travel Insurance Good travel insurance is essential before setting off on any overseas trip. In common with all responsible tour operators, it is a condition of booking that all clients are fully and adequately insured before travelling overseas with us. Your travel insurance should cover against cancellation, curtailment, missed departure, delay, personal accident, death, loss of baggage and valuables (see note below), personal liability and legal expenses. Most importantly, your insurance must cover you fully in respect of medical care and repatriation should you become too ill to continue with the tour, including the cost of emergency evacuation by helicopter or air ambulance should this be necessary. Note that passenger liability insurance covering the transportation that we hire, particularly in Third World countries, may be inadequate; it is therefore important that your insurance cover includes sufficient provision for your dependents in the event of an accident. We recommend that you obtain travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your holiday to ensure you are protected right from the word go in the event of unexpected cancellation prior to departure due to accident or illness. You must inform your insurers of any pre-existing medical conditions (including those of persons not necessarily travelling but upon whom your holiday may depend) that may require treatment during a period of overseas travel or might cause you to cancel the trip. Once you have arranged your insurance, please be sure to send us the following essential details: name and contact details of your insurance provider, your policy number, expiry date and your insurers 24hr Emergency Assistance number. Important things to note about Insurance Travel Insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover for valuable optical equipment, which is often best protected under your own household insurance policy. If in doubt ask your insurers for advice prior to travel. Most travel insurance policies limit the amount of cover, typically up to a maximum tour cost of 5000 per person. If the tour you are booking exceeds this amount, additional cover can usually be provided upon payment of additional premium. We recommend all travellers check their individual policy limit to ensure the full cost of their holiday is covered. Arranging Your Insurance: due to UK Government legislation, under Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulations, we are not allowed to offer or recommend travel related insurance to customers. Premiums can vary widely according to your age, needs, health, choice of destination and other factors, while many people nowadays have Annual Travel Insurance cover. For these reasons, we leave you free to shop around and pick your own policy, one best suited to your own individual needs. General Information Our website gives easy access to detailed tour itineraries (Tour Info Packs), trip reports, trip photos and the latest Limosa News. Special Diets & Other Requests We pass on all such requests to airlines, hotels and other suppliers, and do our best to ensure (but of course cannot guarantee) that your needs will be met. Please be sure to tell us about these (in as much detail as possible) at the time of booking, to allow good time to make the necessary arrangements. Smoking Almost all of our clients prefer a smoke-free environment. For the enjoyment and comfort of all, we ask that smokers refrain from smoking in proximity to the group and respect our NO SMOKING policy in the vehicle, at meal times and when watching wildlife info@limosaholidays.co.uk

12 Any Questions? If you have any questions at any time, you ll find our office staff friendly, efficient, approachable - and just a phone call away, eager to assist you in every way. Our office is open hrs Mon-Fri, and can also be reached by fax and . In the event we are unable to take your call, please leave a message on our answerphone (24hrs) and our office will contact you as soon as we can. Thank you for your interest in our tours. We do hope that you will be able to join us - and we look forward to hearing from you again! CK info@limosaholidays.co.uk