Introduction

Serra dos Tucanos is a small lodge within the 46,000ha Tres Picos State Park in the heart of the Atlantic rain forest, south-east Brazil. Previously a large family home it has now been converted into a lodge catering specifically for birdwatchers, naturalists and those who just want a peaceful break away. Together with large landscaped gardens, the lodge has two rivers winding through the grounds and an array of flowering and fruiting trees and plants that attract a wealth of fauna.

After extensive refurbishment the lodge now offers comfortable accommodation for up to 14 people, making it small enough not to interfere with the surrounding environment and to be managed in such a way that guests feel like they are staying at a true home from home. As the lodge is surrounded by forest, the flora and fauna in the gardens alone is quite spectacular. But for those wishing to explore further we have a number of trails within the grounds that offer a variety of walks and excellent opportunities to search for various species of birds. With over 200 species already recorded in the grounds (inc over 60 endemics!), Serra dos Tucanos Lodge is the prime location in which to stay in the Atlantic rain forest. The grounds also have a number of bird tables, feeding stations and hummingbird feeders, which offer a chance to see a number of species close-up. These are also superb locations for guests who wish to photograph birds.

Serra dos Tucanos Lodge is owned and managed by Andy and Cristina Foster. Andy has been birding in Brazil since 1995 and has a good knowledge of the birds around the lodge and local area. In 2001 he decided to make the move from the UK permanently and set up Serra dos Tucanos lodge. Originally from Romania, Cristina studied and worked in London before making yet another move to Brazil in 2004, she now runs the lodge together with Andy. In the UK, Andy worked on a nature reserve on the south coast where he was responsible for the biological recording for the site. After his first visit to Brazil on a birding holiday in 1995 he was hooked by the neotropics! Andy and Cristina are supported by an excellent team of staff at the lodge, one of which is Pete Forrest who is now the full time bird guide, although Andy still leads some of the excursions. Pete has a background in Nature reserve management and previously worked for the Kent Wildlife Trust. Both Pete and Andy have an in-depth knowledge of the local birds including calls, seasonal movements, breeding sites and stake outs for particularly sought after species.

Serra dos Tucanos Lodge is situated in a very privileged location only one and a half hours drive from the International airport in Rio de Janeiro. Stunning surroundings and comfortable accommodation makes it the best location from which to explore the wealth of flora and fauna of the Atlantic rain forest.