Guided Tour
Golden Lion Tamarin & Rainforest Impressions
“The Golden Lion Tamarins (GLTs) are tiny endangered monkeys found only in the Atlantic Coastal Forest of Southeast Brazil. This Project protects these monkey species for generations to come.”
Golden Lion Tamarin
The visitation to the Golden Lion Tamarins needs to be planned and booked well ahead!
On your transfer from or to the Eco Lodge Itororó, you will have the possibility to stop and observe the Golden Lion Tamarin in its natural environment.
Just 2.5 hours by car from Rio, the Eco Lodge Itororó is in an idyllic, privileged and quiet location. Hidden in a beautiful secluded valley, this retreat overlooks the surrounding pristine rainforest of the Serra dos Orgaos. This offers our guests the opportunity to get to know, experience and explore the full splendor of the fauna and flora of this biome. Our guide leads short hikes into the rainforest and up the mountain behind the Eco Lodge Itororó. In a small and interesting discussion group, the history of the Eco Lodge Itororó, the research work of Dr. Fritz Dungs, the nature conservation project and other nature conservation projects in the region are discussed, among other things. We also take a look at Brazilian history and the culture of this diverse country. The environmental problems of Brazil are discussed, as well as the good news of some nature conservation projects that are showing very positive results.
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INCLUDED:
Transfer from/to Rio, overnight stays (double room), meals shown (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner), tour guide at Eco Lodge Itororó.
NOT INCLUDED:
Beverages, insurance, personal expenses and tips.
DAY 1: Rio – Trip to the Atlantic rainforest and visit to the Golden Lion Tamarin Project (L/D)
At 6:30 a.m. we drive north from Rio. On the way to the Eco Lodge Itororó, after about 1.5 hours we make a stop in a rainforest area where you can see and photograph the rare Golden Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) in the wild. These little monkeys move in small groups (about 12 individuals) in the Atlantic rainforest in a very limited region. An important nature conservation project has been committed to protecting and preserving this species of monkey in the region for over 30 years. Experiencing the Golden Lion Tamarins in the wild is a highlight. However, we would like to point out that the monkeys move freely in nature, so we cannot say with 100% certainty that the monkeys will be spotted. However, the probability of seeing and photographing them is very high. In recent years, more than 85% of our guests have been able to see and photograph the golden lion tamarins.
We then drive on towards Eco Lodge Itororó. We reach the Eco Lodge around midday via a beautiful mountain road. After the first impressions, we enjoy a delicious Brazilian lunch on the deck with a beautiful view of the mountains of the Serra do Mar mountain range. We are then guided through the nature conservation project of Eco Lodge Itororó. The project aims to regenerate the Atlantic rainforest, one of the five most important biodiversity hotspots on the planet. The Atlantic rainforest restoration project of Eco Lodge Itororó has been very successful for over 25 years. Over 100,000 m² of natural forest have already been restored and registered as a nature reserve. We are back at reception in the late afternoon. After a delicious Brazilian dinner, we can enjoy the cozy fireplace on the deck.
DAY 2: Hike to Porcelet (B/L/D)
After a hearty breakfast with lots of tropical fruits, delicious freshly squeezed juices, coffee, tea and much more, we hike to Porcelet Mountain, which is close to the Eco Lodge. From here we admire the entire mountain region, the Tres Picos nature reserve and the beautiful mountain scenery. In the early afternoon we are back at the Eco Lodge Itororó. The afternoon is free; to explore the rainforest on your own, admire and photograph the birdlife and fauna in the photo hide, with a little luck spot the rare and endemic Calithrix aurita (yellow-eared marmoset) or a sloth, or simply let the impressions sink in…
DAY 3: Collecting final impressions and departure (B)
After a delicious breakfast, we still have time to collect the last impressions on our own. Then we say goodbye to the Eco Lodge Itororó and drive back to Rio. On the way to Rio we stop briefly to admire one of the largest tree specimens in Brazil. At over 1000 years old, it is perhaps one of the oldest trees in Brazil.