At north of Mato Grosso State in the southern Amazonia, lies the region of Alta Floresta, an example of pristine Terra Firme forest. The Cristalino Reserve is one of the highlights birding spots of Brazil and South America. The geographic location in the headwaters of the Tapaj?s river contributes greatly to its ornithological importance because the river separates different populations of many forest birds. There are few places, even in the deepest recesses of Amazonia, where one can experience such undisturbed wilderness. The Rio Cristalino Lodge is situated near the geographical centre of Brazil, at the southern edge of the Amazonian rainforest, between two large rivers (the Rios Tapaj?s and Xingu) which have, over time, acted as barriers to the dispersal of many bird species. The 630 hectare privately owned forest reserve surrounding the Rio Cristalino Lodge is well protected and is bordered on three sides by 250,000 hectares of almost completely undisturbed jungle. No indigenous people live here, there is no disturbance from outside settlers and no hunting takes place. The lodge itself is built in a clearing on the banks of the river and offers excellent food, spacious rooms and even a sundeck. The Rio Cristalino is a blackwater river, a natural phenomenon whereby tannins leaching out from the forest vegetation through the sandy soil give the dark colour to the water. A major and much appreciated advantage of blackwater rivers is the relative lack of biting insects. We will have five full days to immerse ourselves in the amazingly varied avifauna of this splendid and little-explored corner of Amazonia. One of the main attractions here are the two well-built 50m high aluminum towers that offer extraordinary views over the surrounding forest, which stretches away to the far horizon. These towers stand next to one of the magnificent forest giants and the roomy platforms allow intimate looks at different levels in the surrounding forest canopy and its swirling flocks of multi-hued parrots, tanagers and toucans. We became the local authority in this region, due to several tours we run there, no other tour operator goes there as we do, and our guides are the ones who every body ask or report in case a new bird is found around. Indeed, there are half a dozen species only our guides saw there. We know nearly all territories for local specialties and have vocalizations for them! And we do not mean commercial recordings, but we taped the birds there!2011 Fixed Departures : This tour is limited to 08 participants and confirmed with two at these dates.2011: July 22-27; August 29-03; September 23-28; October 03-08
