The below information is provided to inform people of what to expect if they participate in this tour and to advise participants on how to prepare for the tour. We try to provide accurate information but conditions and travel requirements can change over time.

Entering Brazil

Persons entering Brazil require a valid passport with an expiration date more than 6 months after their planned departure from the country. Immigration officials may deny a person entry if their passport is not in good condition. US citizens no longer require a visa to enter Brazil for tourism. Contact the embassy handling the region where you live for the latest information regarding visas. All travelers must present proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of boarding. In addition, all travelers must present proof of vaccination unless exempted. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 14 days at their final destination in Brazil. Non-US citizens should check with the Brazil embassy to find out about entry requirements.

Leaving Brazil

A departure tax of $40 is assessed when leaving Brazil. This tax is usually included in the price of international airfare. There is also a departure tax assessed for internal flights, again usually included in the airfare.

Time Zone

Eastern Brazil is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Western Brazil is on Eastern Standard Time.

Immunizations & Health

Please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding health issues and immunization requirements when traveling in Brazil. See your travel doctor for specific recommendations at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure. The CDC recommends malaria preventatives in the Pantanal and the Amazon, although the risk of malaria is reportedly low. The CDC also recommends vaccinations/boosters for hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus-diptheria, and measles.

Medical Facilities

Good medical care is available in most populated areas.

Insurance

We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will reimburse you for any non-refundable payments you would otherwise lose if you must cancel your participation in the tour for some unforeseen reason. Trip cancellation insurance must normally be purchased within a short time after you register for the tour. Travel medical insurance is advisable, especially for those with chronic or known medical conditions.

Altitude

Sites we visit in Brazil are at low elevations.

Climate

Seasons in Brazil are the opposite to North America. Extreme southeastern Brazil can be quite cold, reaching 30 F at night, during July-September. Dry season in the Pantanal is July-September. Dry season in the Amazon is approximately July-November. The weather can be hot and humid in the Amazon.

Pace

Birding tours are conducted at an easy to moderate pace. Birding in the Amazon is often by boat, although we may walk some trails as well. The trails are generally fairly level but may be muddy.

Birding is best in early morning and late afternoon, so days begin shortly after first light around 6:00-6:30 am depending on latitude. Breakfasts are typically early, around 5:00-6:00 am. Because we awake early, participants typically retire to their rooms immediately after we complete dinner and checklists for the day.

Accommodations

We normally stay in comfortable accommodations, which vary depending on the tour destination. Please refer to the Accommodations link on the sidebar for specific information.

Food

Food in Brazil is generally very good.

Transportation

We travel by comfortable, air-conditioned mini-bus or van when in southeastern Brazil. We travel by motorized boat and locally in large dug-out canoes in the Amazon. Bottled water will always be available. Bathroom stops will be made as soon as possible upon request during transfers.

Registration & Payment

Please refer to the REGISTRATION menu for registration procedure. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended as payments may be partially or wholly non-refundable. See the POLICIES menu for our refund policy.

Additional Information

General information about the tour, including where to meet the group and contact information, will be sent by email or US mail prior to departure. Checklists will be provided at the beginning of the tour. Additional information about our policies can be found on the REGISTRATION menu above. Please feel free to call us at 206-650-3425 or email us with any questions you may have.

Information last updated February, 2022.

ADDITIONAL INFO
(Not on Menu Above)

• Country Map
• Accommodations
• Photos from Past Tours
• Travel Information

BIRDING LOCALES

• Carlos Botelho State Park
• Intervales State Park
• Itatiaia National Park
• Salto Morato Natural Reserve
• Ubatuba Area