Brazil's Best Secret Birding Location, Shhhhh!

Bare-Throated Bellbird photographed in the PETAR State Park in Brazil

The Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park (PETAR), located in São Paulo, Brazil, is a significant conservation area within the Atlantic Forest biome, known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of bird species. What I love about this place is that it isn't so "well-known" like some of the Brazilian National Parks in the area which means it's isolated, infrequently visited and virtually empty even during prime birding season. It's perfect for an All-Female birding trip.

Bird Diversity in Brazil's Secret Birding Location

PETAR’s well-preserved Atlantic Forest, characterized by primary forests with minimal human intervention, provides a critical habitat for numerous bird species, many of which are endemic or rare. When I visited last year, our group almost immediately heard and then saw the Bare-Thoated Bell Bird (seen above) and many more birds. I kept thinking to myself, this is a birding paradise! The park’s diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, caves, rivers, and waterfalls, create ideal conditions for birdlife. Notable bird species in PETAR include:

• Bare-Throated Bell Bird (seen above): Striking species whose mating call is heard from miles around and sounds like the constant pounding of a bell. Several of them got really close and we were able to photograph them.

• Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus): A stunningly beautiful raptor that is sure to get ooohs and ahhs from us birders. One of my favorites.

• Other species typical of the Atlantic Forest, such as the aforementioned Bell bird, parrots, toucans, and various songbirds, are also present.

While PETAR is not as extensively documented for birdwatching as nearby Intervales State Park it rewards birders with its isolation and peacefulness.

Red-Breasted Toucan hanging out in the PETAR nature reserve in Brazil

Birdwatching Opportunities

PETAR offers a unique setting for birdwatching, though it is less developed for this activity compared to dedicated bird sanctuaries like Parque das Aves in Foz do Iguaçu. Key points for birdwatchers:

• Trails and Habitats: Many of the trails we took were not challenging at all and very beautiful. The park’s hiking trails, such as those around Núcleo Santana and Núcleo Casa de Pedra, provide access to diverse habitats where birds can be observed. These trails wind through lush forests and near water bodies, ideal for spotting species like herons and raptors.

• Ecological Context: The park’s pristine Atlantic Forest, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, supports a high level of biodiversity, making it a promising location for spotting rare or endemic birds. We also saw frogs and snakes there.

  

  
  
  
  

Conservation and Bird Habitat

PETAR plays a crucial role in conserving the Atlantic Forest, which has been reduced to less than 12% of its original extent. The park’s primary forests and minimal human disturbance provide a refuge for bird species threatened by habitat loss elsewhere. Its connection to other reserves in the Paranapiacaba Mosaic enhances its importance for bird conservation, as it forms part of a 360,000-hectare forest

Comparison to Other Birding Sites

Unlike Parque das Aves, which is a curated bird sanctuary near Iguaçu Falls with over 1,320 birds from 143 species in controlled aviaries, PETAR offers a wilder, less structured birdwatching experience. The park’s focus is more on natural exploration than managed exhibits, making it better suited for adventurous birders seeking species in their natural habitat

Practical Information

• Join us for a trip to Brazil's Best Secret Birding Location: We only have TWO SPOTS LEFT for our Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest Trip--June 8th - June 17th, 2026. CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Location: PETAR is located 320 km south of São Paulo, covering parts of Apiaí and Iporanga municipalities

• Access: Visitors typically need a guide to explore but we provide you with local and expert guides.

• Best Time for Birdwatching: The park is accessible year-round, but the dry season (May to September) may offer better conditions for hiking and spotting birds, as heavy rainfall can make trails and caves less accessible

• Tips: Bring binoculars, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and consider visiting nearby Intervales State Park for a more established birdwatching experience, as it has well-documented trails and species.