Brazil: Iguacu Falls Pre-Trip

Iguacu Falls © Kevin Zimmer

Optional pre-trip to Iguaçu for two-plus days of birding amidst the splendor of the world’s largest waterfalls. Many Atlantic Forest specialties, with minimal species overlap with the main Pantanal Safari.

The thunderous cataracts of Iguaçu, the world’s largest waterfalls, will be the backdrop for some great birding. We will explore lush forests in search of some of Brazil’s most spectacular birds, including Black-fronted Piping Guan; Robust and Blond-crested woodpeckers; Red-ruffed Fruitcrow; Spot-billed Toucanet; Toco and Red-breasted toucans; Surucua Trogon; Rufous-capped Motmot; Band-tailed Manakin; and Plush-crested Jay.

We will spend two full days on the Brazil side of the falls, seeking many of the area’s widespread resident birds and specialty species. In addition to the aforementioned birds, we will comb mixed‑species flocks for White‑throated Woodcreeper, Three‑striped Flycatcher, Rufous‑crowned Greenlet, Blue‑naped Chlorophonia, Black‑goggled Tanager, and Southern Antpipit among many other birds. We will also search for some of the rare endemic passerines such as Russet-winged Spadebill, São Paulo Tyrannulet, and Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher.

Single-site pre-trip, with excellent hotel situated directly opposite spectacular Iguaçu Falls; multiple overlooks of the falls within very short walk from hotel; excellent food; internal flight to Iguaçu at the beginning and to São Paulo or Brasilia at the end; no long drives; easy terrain; two full days on 6-mile Poco Preto trail, most riding open trailer, some walking.

Black-fronted Piping-Guan © Andrew Whittaker