Visiting REGUA
Much of the initial funding and direction for the REGUA project came from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest Trust (BART) - a UK based charity. However, in 2001 the REGUA association was registered under Brazilian law and is now responsible for the management and development of the project. REGUA still relies heavily on funding from BART and the World Land Trust, however, tourism, particularly from birdwatching, has been identified as a means by which additional funds can be raised.
REGUA’s privileged site within the Atlantic Forest makes the reserve an excellent birdwatching destination, with many rare and endemic species. The Atlantic Forest supports 680 of Brazil´s 1700 bird species and contains some of the highest bird endemism anywhere in the world. This has lead to Birdlife International classifying the Atlantic Forest as an Endemic Bird Area (EBA) and an Important Bird Area (IBA).
The reserve encompasses a wide altitudinal range of Atlantic Forest within it's bounderies, and together with close proximity to other habitats, REGUA offers the chance to see the whole uninterupted altitudinal cross-section of Atlantic Forest birds - from Masked Dusk on the REGUA wetland to the rare and elusive Grey-winged Cotinga at nearby Pico da Caledônia. REGUA also contains restored wetlands which are now an even rarer habitat than the Atlantic Forest after most of the lowland wetlands were drained in the 1940s. With a stay of five days or more birders often observe a total of between 200 - 300 species. Click here for our suggested birdwatching itinerary.
Located only two hours travelling time from Rio de Janeiro, REGUA also offers plenty for those seeking a rainforest experience. REGUA is a large area bordering the Três Picos State Park and offers some superb hiking. Well maintained trails of various lengths and grades lead through lush rainforest, along dramatic forest ridges and past unspoilt rivers and waterfalls. We can also arrange horse riding for experienced riders and we offer excursions to many attractions nearby.
In 2004 REGUA created Guapi Assu Bird Lodge to accommodate visitors. The lodge is beautifully situated at the edge of the forested Serra dos Órgãos mountains overlooking the restored wetlands. REGUA is a non-profit organisation and all profits from the lodge and day visitors go directly towards our work, so simply by staying at the lodge or visiting REGUA for a day you will be making a valuable contribution. REGUA firmly believes that the project has to maintain a social responsibility and involves itself with the local communities as much as possible. Most of the rangers are ex-hunters, the workers at the reserve are ex-agricultural workers and our bird guides are local Brazilians. In this manner the project filters financial resources into the community and the community recognize their own importance within the context of conservation.
For details of the lodge including rates and booking information, click here.