Tapiraí – Brazil

About

Tapiraí is one of those rare birding destinations that feels like it has been kept a secret. Just a few hours’ drive from the city of São Paulo, this small town sits at the heart of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. With vibrant forests, clean rivers, and misty mountain ridges, Tapiraí offers birders a chance to step into an environment where rare and colorful species thrive.

Arriving in Tapiraí, you immediately sense the slower pace of life. The forest feels close, wrapping around the town with an almost constant birdsong as its soundtrack. Early mornings are especially magical. Mist rises from the valleys, and the calls of toucans and woodcreepers echo through the trees. As the sun begins to filter through the canopy, flashes of color appear—perhaps a Brassy-breasted Tanager or a pair of Spot-billed Toucanets gliding from branch to branch.

The Atlantic Forest is well known for its high level of endemism, and Tapiraí delivers on this reputation. Birders can search for gems like the endangered Red-billed Curassow or the Southern Bristle-Tyrant, a species with a range restricted almost entirely to this biome. Antbirds thrive in the understory, and mixed flocks of tanagers, furnariids, and flycatchers sweep through the mid-canopy, rewarding patience with spectacular diversity.

What makes Tapiraí particularly inviting is its accessibility combined with its sense of remoteness. Though close to São Paulo, the landscape feels wild and largely untouched. Many birding hotspots are just a short drive from town, with forest trails leading into habitats where lifers appear at every turn. Local reserves and private lodges provide trails that are well-maintained and provide a consistent birding experience.

Beyond the birds, Tapiraí is a destination where nature and community coexist. The town has embraced ecotourism, and many residents are proud to share their knowledge of the forest. After a morning of birding, it’s easy to settle into the town’s hospitality like enjoying a traditional meal before heading back out for an evening shoot, when owls and nightjars start to appear.

For birders looking to explore Brazil beyond the better-known hotspots like Itatiaia or Intervales, Tapiraí offers a quieter but equally rewarding experience. It’s a place where patience is repaid with unexpected encounters, where the bird songs of the Atlantic Forest remind you just how much life still thrives in these green spaces. Whether you’re searching for endemics or simply soaking in the forest atmosphere, Tapiraí is a destination that belongs on every birder’s map.

Owen traveled here in July 2025.