Day visits to REGUA
REGUA is an excellent birdwatching destination. More bird species have been recorded here than on any other site in the Atlantic Forest, and probably more than at any other site in Brazil outside of the Amazon region. Most visitors stay at our lodge, and have access to many trails on the reserve. However, it is possible to visit REGUA for the day and walk the two marked trails that begin at the conservation centre without a guide. In addition, one of our canopy towers is also open to day visitors.
Trails open to day visitors
There are two marked trails open to day visitors – the Forest Trail (marked with brown posts) and the Wetland Trail (marked with yellow posts). Both trails start at the information board located opposite the entrance to the conservation centre (please do not enter the lodge or the lodge garden), where leaflets for each trail are available (in English and Portuguese), or can be downloaded from the links on the right. Since the wetland was created in 2005 over 220 bird species have been recorded on the Wetland Trail alone!
In addition to these two trails, day visitors also have access to one of our lowland forest viewing towers, accessible via an unmarked trail off the Forest Trail (see map opposite). The tower provides excellent views over secondary lowland forest and the Brasil Kirin reservoir. Birds possible from here include Black Hawk-Eagle, Channel-billed Toucan, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Surucua Trogon, Scaled Antbird, Greyish Mourner, Flame-crested Tanager and Yellow-backed Tanager. During the austral winter Shrike-like Cotinga may also be seen from the tower as well as along the trails adjacent to it.
Access
Entry to the reserve is by prior arrangement only. Please contact us with details of the date and expected time of your arrival and the number of people in your group.
Opening times
REGUA is open from February to December (closed January) from dawn to dusk. The buildings at REGUA are patrolled at night by security guards and therefore day visitors are not permitted on the reserve before dawn or after dusk. Please note the entrance gate is locked at weekends and at night. A member of staff will meet you on arrival.
Entrance fee
Entry costs US$10 per person per day, payable at the REGUA office, located on the left as you pass through the gate into the courtyard of the conservation centre (if there is nobody at the office or the office is closed then please report to the office on your return). Car parking is free. All fees go directly towards our conservation work.
Car parking
All vehicles must be left at the conservation centre (the white building with the courtyard on the right of the driveway). Vehicles are not permitted any further than the conservation centre and must not be left on the driveway.
Facilities
Toilets are located adjacent to the conservation centre. A water dispenser is located outside the kitchen at the conservation centre. The nearby villages of Guapiaçu and Matumbo each have a few shops that sell refreshments and basic supplies.
Lunch
By prior arrangement we can provide lunch with coffee at the conservation centre for an additional cost. Please let us know if lunch is required when booking.
Pets
Please note that for the sake of the wildlife on the reserve no pets are allowed.
Directions
The main entrance to the reserve is located along the Areal road. See our location page for directions.
REGUA is a very safe place to visit. The reserve is the only site in the Atlantic Forest where rangers patrol the forest daily and our trails are well maintained and easy to follow. As with any tropical environment there are some hazards to be aware of. Please ensure you were suitable clothing and watch where you put your hands and feet. This part of the reserve is situated at a low elevation and is often very hot and humid. The biggest risk is dehydration and so please ensure you take plenty of drinking water with you on the trails as well as a hat.
We hope you enjoy your visit. Please notify us of any interesting sightings. Field descriptions and ideally photographs and/or sound recordings should be submitted for any species new to the reserve. Species lists can be downloaded from the biodiversity pages.
Please note that entry to the reserve is at your own risk and REGUA accepts no responsibility for personal injury or loss or damage to private property.
