The Serra dos Órgãos National Park was created in 1939 as the third national park in Brazil, with the objective of protecting the remaining hill forest and to protect the water sources that are abundant in the region. This park covers an area of 12,000 hectares from 145 metres above sea level to 2,263 metres and has ten peaks higher than 2,000 metres and a further six over 1,500 metres. At the park centre there is a fantastic raised walkway that enables you to get close to some of the canopy birds and also to look down on the forest floor where great views of some of the difficult species such as anthrushes, leaftossers and tinamous can be seen. Other special birds include both species of rare parrotlets (Golden-tailed and Brown-backed – both difficult to see but heard regularly), Tufted and Giant Antshrike, and many many others (see photos of Mottled Owl and Large-headed Flatbill below). The Park is about 1.5 hours drive from REGUA, and excursions can easily be arranged.

