Birdwatching Altos de Lumiar: A Paradise for Bird Lovers
Nestled in the Heart of the Atlantic Forest
Altos de Lumiar Birding Lodge, located in Lumiar, Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, is a haven for nature and bird-watching lovers. This region boasts an incredible biodiversity with over 240 bird species already recorded and more expected in future surveys. The area includes the Refúgio das Aves (Lodge), Recanto das Aves, and Ninho das Aves sites, all situated within the Macaé de Cima Reserve.
Our Differentiators
Cozy and excellent quality accommodation.
Our chef showcases the region’s gastronomy with thoughtfully crafted local dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options.
Our team is passionate about great service, ensuring high-quality care and a truly unforgettable experience for our guests.
Great biodiversity of birdlife, small groups of observers and expert guides.
Multilingual staff available in English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, German, and Portuguese.
High quality bird watching infrastructure, strategically assembled to provide a complete experience (feeders, water fountains, observation platforms, hides, trails, hummingbird gardens and highly preserved Atlantic Forest).
Transport logistics with dedicated and special vehicles and specialized driver to cover the short routes from the Pousada to the observation sites.
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- Join our expert-led bird photography courses and workshops, guided by experienced local photographers/instructors of the region, with extensive field experience at our birding sites.
- Lectures on biodiversity and bird watching in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro.
Discover our Lectures and Workshops
Bird Photography Courses
These events will be held at the Lodge and will feature experts in the field. Details of the program and the event dates will be announced in due course on our websites and social media.
Atlantic Forest Avifauna Diversity Courses
Led by ornithologist Kassius Santos, a Brazilian expert in Atlantic Forest birds, these courses provide an overview of birdwatching in this unique environment. Dates and availability are announced on our social media channels.
Discover our Tours and Excursions in the Microregion
Birdwatching Altos de Lumiar is located in the municipality of Nova Friburgo – RJ, in the Lumiar District.
The Swiss influence in Nova Friburgo and the region is striking and is present in many aspects, from architecture, culture to gastronomy and crafts.
With its exuberant waterfalls, crystal-clear waters, preserved Atlantic Forest and challenging trails, it has a strong vocation for ecotourism, environmental preservation and birdwatching, offering an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
We at Birdwatching Altos de Lumiar have prepared some circuits to visit these places and learn a little more about our region.
A Comprehensive Birdwatching Experience
Birdwatching Altos de Lumiar spans 75 hectares (750,000 square meters) and offers a complete experience for both seasoned and novice bird watchers.
Rare and stunning species such as the Saffron Toucanet, Spot-billed Toucanet, Brazilian Tanager, Green-headed Tanager, Black Hawk-Eagle, and Black-banded Owl coexist with equally charming birds like the Green Ibis, Bare-throated Bellbird, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Sombre Hummingbird, Sharpbill, Surucua Trogon, Giant Antshrike, and Rufous-capped Motmot.
For more experienced observers, species like Such’s Antthrush and the Black-billed Scythebill add to the allure.
Guided Tours and Cozy Accommodations
To ensure an unforgettable experience, Birdwatching Altos de Lumiar offers guided tours led by national and international experts. These tours follow strategic routes, passing through feeders, hides, and canopy bird observation platforms, all designed to maximize your chances of sightings.
The accommodation is another highlight. The Lodge provides cozy and comfortable rooms, while the chalets at Recanto das Aves and Ninho das Aves offer practicality, comfort, and proximity to observation routes. The regional cuisine restaurant perfectly integrates comfort with a connection to nature, making your stay even more special.
Commitment to Sustainability, Conservation and Restoration
We observe birds responsibly. We produce our own energy, transform waste into natural fertilizer, grow organic vegetables, and work toward the conservation and restoration of the nature and forests that surround us.
At Birdwatching Altos de Lumiar, every step along the trail reaffirms our purpose of caring for the forests today so they may remain alive and become increasingly biodiverse tomorrow.
Consolidated Results
Consolidated Figures
- Recorded Species: 242 species.
- Atlantic Forest Endemism: 75 species (31%).
- Endemism by Groups: Woodcreepers (72%), Toucans & Toucanets (50%), Hummingbirds (41%), Tanagers (38%), Woodpeckers (25%), and Raptors/Owls (17%).
- Strictly Brazil Endemics: 22 species (9%).
- Migrations: 24 species (10%) with a focus on altitudinal migration.
- Conservation Status (Bioindicators): Highlights include White-necked Hawk, Buffy-fronted Seedeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Black-banded Owl, and Tawny-browed Owl.
Download the complete file of the consolidated results of Birdwatching Altos de Lumiar
Download the Birdwatching Altos de Lumiar Species List file.
Stay Updated and Join Us Soon
Follow Birdwatching Altos de Lumiar on social media to stay updated on the project. Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or a beginner, the spectacle of birds and the connection with nature at Birdwatching Altos de Lumiar will be unforgettable. Come live this unique experience and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of birdwatching!