Our tour of Amazonia National Park takes us south of the Amazon, amidst a host of special birds. Situated on the Rio Tapajos, we will have access to many of the Madeira-Tapajos interfluvium species. These are birds that have evolved within the forest between the two major tributary rivers, and are found nowhere else. Many of these species are truly spectacular, heart-of-the-jungle species that few birders have ever laid eyes on. The habitat here is of the most pristine quality.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY ON THIS TOUR.
*2024 Prices are estimated and dates may change*
White-crested Guan, Dark-winged Trumpeter, Cryptic Forest Falcon, Crimson-bellied, Santarem and Golden Parakeets, Vulturine Parrot, Brown-chested Barbet, Gould’s Toucanet, Red-necked Aracari, Natterer’s Slaty- and Saturnine Antshrike, White-eyed, Sclater’s and Ihering’s Antwren, Spix’s Warbling Antbird, Wing-banded, Banded, Rufous-faced, Xingu Scale-backed and Harlequin Antbird, Pale-faced Bare-eye, Alta Floresta Antpitta, Black-bellied Gnateater, Rusty-belted Tapaculo, Elegant, Ocellated, Uniform and Hoffman’s Woodcreeper, Zimmer’s Tody-Tyrant, Cinnamon-crested and White-crested Spadebill, White-tailed Cotinga, Snow-capped and Flame-crowned Manakin, Brown-winged Schiffornis, Cinereous Mourner and Rose-breasted Chat
terra firme of the Madeira-Tapajos interfluvium
warm to hot and humid
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
Our Mega tours are very fast-paced birding adventures designed for the dedicated lister and serious birder. The focus of the tour is to see as many of the endemics and area specials as possible in our given time. In order to cover the necessary route to maximise the species list we tend to spend a single night at most sites and travel large distances. There is very little down time aside from that spent driving from one site to the next. These tours are not suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced or new birders; as well as anyone with serious mobility or health challenges.
basic but comfortable
moderate with numerous challenging species
average to good
WOW – this was an entirely different trip than the main trip. The Pousada facility was a little more rustic than some of the other accommodations but nothing we couldn’t handle. It was certainly better than a hammock at the guard headquarters which Bradley indicated was the only thing available prior to Pousada. This portion required what seemed like a lot more walking and climbing over tree falls than anywhere else on the trip. It seemed that more of the birds were skulkers but then we were focusing on “ant-somethings” which are notoriously secretive. Again, it was disappointing there was not a single ant swarm and the mixed flocks were generally small and moved away from the trails fairly quickly. It was also frustrating that the best of the three trails (Capelinha) in the park was not available to us due to an on-going mammal-use survey. But, none of these things were within the control of Tuomas, Bradley, or our local guide. They were pros at adapting and modifying to take advantage of the trails that were available to us. By my count the main trip list was about 446 and we gained 81 sp on the extension, however, 40% of those were lifers, so worth the effort and expense, in my opinion. Our local guide, Gilberto, was indispensable. His recent knowledge was invaluable to know where to go for the target species.
I had the very best time on tour with Stephan. He is an excellent leader and a lovely, kind human being. In terms of his technical ability as a birding leader, his eyesight and hearing skills are excellent, which coupled with his first class fieldcraft and ID skills, meant that we saw/heard over 500 species during our tour. He also gelled well with the local guide Caio , so that in terms of finding, IDing and showing the birds to the group, we were treated to splendid views of our target species plus many many 'bonus birds' too. Stephan was also very patient with group members, some of whom for a variety of personal reasons, were less able to see the birds than the majority of the group-so that wherever possible-every group member who wanted to, had the opportunity to see every bird.
We really appreciated our trip. Our Rockjumper guide, Bobby Wilcox, and the local guides were awesome; always on the lookout for new birds and other animals, even on the long drives. The organization was flawless, the lodges were great and perfectly located. Our triplist and lifers goals were exceeded! The group was great and always well controlled by Bobby. Very well done! Our long sighting of a female jaguar was certainly the peak of this trip !!!
Overall we were very pleased with the trip. We have been to the tropics in various places in SA but hadn’t really experienced the heat of the Amazon. At first I was concerned about the siesta in early afternoon and the loss of bird time but by the third day I looked forward to it!! The lack of ant swarms, foliage-gleaners and mixed foraging flocks was disappointing. Some of the key target species had not been seen by local guides for several months to over a year. We hope it is not an on-going trend due to climate change but it may be. We felt fortunate to have had the opportunity and hope that others can continue to have this experience. We were pleased with the “tag-team effort” by Tuomas and Bradley. They worked well together with making sure the logistics flowed, everyone had their needs met as much as possible, and kept the pace moving. We were fortunate to have 8 people that had all travelled in groups before and were tolerant of various personalities and their strengths and weaknesses. Both Tuomas and Bradley were patient and talented in getting everyone (usually) in the group to see the target species. I will be giving a presentation to the local Audubon Chapter in November and will be recommending Rockjumper and their various trips to the group.
This was a really wonderful trip, so rich in birds, mammals, scenery and food. I really valued the outstanding knowledge all three guides shared with us, their constant awareness of our needs, and their senses of humor. We covered a lot of ground but there was always plenty of time for birding and we were always well fed. I really loved this trip and would recommend it to everyone who wasn't to see plenty of birds.
Tour Leader: Robert Williams
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Tour price (Per person): USD3,200 * GBP2,611 * EUR3,008 * AUD4,960
Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Tour price (Per person): USD4,000 * GBP3,264 * EUR3,761 * AUD6,200
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