BRAZIL - MANAUS THE BEST OF AMAZONIA

Thoughts of the Amazon conjure up an image of vast rainforests, remote rivers, secluded islands and some of the strangest, most colourful and rarest birds on the planet. Our unique, short tour is based around the fabled forests and rivers of Manaus and this region hosts a good selection of Guianan Shield endemics, as well as a number of Brazilian endemics, plus many rare, local and sought-after Amazonian species. We will make several excursions to explore isolated islands by boat, visit canopy towers offering a unique insight into canopy species, search numerous trails into the vast wilderness and visit a surprising series of different habitats on our exploration of this fascinating region. 

We begin in Manaus, once considered a mythical part of Amazonia where few birders have had the fortune to travel to. This is the heart of the immense Amazon rainforest, the greatest avian-rich ecosystem on our planet. It is situated near the confluence of the Negro and Solimões rivers and is located in the middle of the Amazon rainforest and where these rivers join they form the mighty Amazon River. Access to the city is primarily by boat or airplane and this isolation helps to preserve both the natural environment as well as the culture of the city. And the birding is awesome! Our very first morning will be spent at a canopy tower where species such as Guianan Puffbird, Caica Parrot, Glossy-backed Becard, Guianan Toucanet, Guianan Woodcreeper, Black-spotted Barbet, Red-billed Pied Tanager, Black-faced Dacnis and Spotted Tanager can be seen. Moving on to Novo Airão and Anavilhanas National Park we will target awesome species such as Dark-winged and Grey-winged Trumpeters, Marail Guan, Agami Heron, Crested Eagle, White-winged Potoo, Red-fan, Black-headed and Festive Parrots, Brown-banded Puffbird, Ivory-billed Aracari, Blue-crowned Manakin, White-plumed Antbird and more. Then we transfer to the other side of the Manaus area and Presidente Figueiredo. From our delightful pousada close to a Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock lek we have access to many more great new birds. The list of potential species is huge and includes Rusty Tinamou, Amazonian Pygmy Owl, Purple-breasted Cotinga, Capuchinbird, Dusky Purpletuft, Variegated and Alta Floresta Antpittas, Harlequin Antbird, Reddish-winged Bare-eye, Black Manakin, Pelzeln's Tody-Tyrant and Crimson Fruitcrow to name just a few.  And there's a wide variety of primates in this area including Colombian Red Howler Monkey, Spix's Night Monkey, Golden-handed Tamarin, Guianan Bearded Saki Monkey and Guianan Capuchin amongst others. And let's not forget there's a really good chance of Pink River Dolphins too.

This new shorter tour is designed to give us plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the amazingly varied avifauna of this splendid and little-explored corner of Amazonia. With expert local guides and the best lodges and pousadas located just a stones throw from the birding sites we will have the very best experience imaginable in this incredible area.

Please ask about our optional post-tour extension to Amazonia National Park - 25th to 29th July. This is an incredible site with some truly mouthwatering specialities such as Dark-winged Trumpeter, White-browed Hawk, Cryptic Forest-Falcon, Amazonian Pygmy Owl, Vulturine Parrot, Golden Parakeet, Amazonian Trogon, Black-bellied Gnateater, Harlequin Antbird, Banded Antbird, Saturnine Antshrike, Alta Floresta and Amazonian Antpittas, White-tailed Cotinga, and many others. We have 4 nights to explore numerous trails within true Amazonian rainforest from the comfort of our lodge. It's definitely not somethig to miss!