24 hours!
Activities for day and night
The ecosystems of the Nascentes do Iguaçu Ornithological Observatory present the ecological interactions of the most preserved areas of the Atlantic Forest biome. Visitors can observe animal and plant relationships, as well as the dynamics of nature that provide ecosystem services: making water available, cycling nutrients in the soil, contributions to rainfall formation, among others.
The different stages of complex natural processes are within reach on walks, contemplations, and explorations. Beginning at the Observatory headquarters, visitors can explore many activities during the 24 hours of the day. Some suggestions are highlighted in the route outlined below.
1 - Pure crystalline water
The first activity is the privilege of tasting pure crystalline water originating from a spring located in the reserve itself. Bring and fill up your bottle at any tap installed around the reserve and at the Observatory headquarters. It’s high-quality mineral water!
2 - Early morning
Already in the early hours of the day the forest vibrates with an abundance of birds. Reserve this period for your first bird observations. The numbers and types of species spotted and observed can be compared with those in the Observatory's Bird Guide and with the complete list of species that occur in the area, which is available here.
3 - Trails
At around 09:00, you can start hiking along two trails. Be prepared to climb the hill on the north face of the Observatory, in a montane forest environment. In this terrain, the options can be done in sequence: the Spring Trail, where the water outcrop is located, and the Plateau Trail, which gives access to the highest point of the Ornithological Observatory (1,107m).
In all, the two trails total approximately 1,100 meters. Keep in mind that the terrain presents some elevations and plateaus, which makes the walk interesting and requires low to moderate levels of physical effort. Pay attention to the composition of the vegetation, a dense and large forest; and also to the birds, as there are chances of spotting some rarities. Be sure to practice listening to nature. It is a perfect environment for "forest bathing" – the therapeutic practice in which you exercise all your senses in contact with the natural environment.
4 - Lunch
At lunchtime, return to the Observatory headquarters. This is the moment to eat and regain your strength, with the privilege of a unique view of the forest, sitting at the dining table on the veranda of the main house. The movement of the birds in the feeders installed a few meters away can also be a moment for relaxation and an opportunity for good photos.
5 - Xaxins
After lunch, a good option is to dedicate about an hour and a half to the Xaxins Trail, about 430 meters (or 860 meters round trip). Lighter than the other trails, although the terrain is equally rugged, its main attraction relates to its name due to the density of tree ferns of the species Cyathea phalerata and, to a lesser extent, Dicksonia sellowiana.
The Xaxins forest is located just after the crossing of a small stream. The quantity and size of these plants impress any visitor due to their beauty and setting in the landscape. It is an ideal place to reflect on the characteristics of the environment that supports the abundance of this type of tree, which differs from the floristic composition in the other surrounding trails.
6 - Management
Returning to the Observatory headquarters, one can understand a little more about the structure required to maintain a private reserve. The precautions that the management takes to administer the site and how it works with other institutions in efforts to conserve the Atlantic Forest. At the headquarters there are photographic panels of birds and landscapes, in addition to a relief map of the Piraquara region. Get an understanding how this place is part of the Atlantic Forest Great Reserve, the largest remaining block of the biome!
7 - Torre de Observação
Por volta das 15h30, é hora de subir a Torre de Observação e lá permanecer até o pôr do sol. No trajeto até a base da Torre, encontra-se a estrutura que recebe e armazena a água da nascente, distante 300 metros. Pode-se verificar os cuidados com a sinalização e iluminação neste caminho curto (50 metros). Muito interessante é observar a floresta do ponto de vista da trilha e, logo depois, observá-la de cima da Torre, a 13 metros de altura. Em estrutura de eucalipto autoclavado, o equipamento possui 65 degraus e cinco decks que permitem observações de variados ângulos. Vale a pena gastar alguns minutos em cada deck e observar os diferentes estratos da floresta que estão ao redor. Alcançando o deck superior, há uma lista de opções para desfrutar deste espaço:
Observation tips for Tower (1)
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Observe to the east the Serra do Mar, known locally as Serra da Boa Vista, whose highest point is at an altitude of 1,215m. From this point, 330 meters away is the western border of the Serra da Baitaca State Park; to the north, there is the Serra da Ribeira, near the border of the State of São Paulo; to the south, the foothills of the Serra do Mar, on the border between Recreio da Serra and the Roça Nova district, where the longest tunnel of the historical Curitiba-Paranaguá railroad is located, extending 452 meters.
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At any moment, and with the help of binoculars, it is possible to identify birds that fly over the skies near the Tower. For the keener birdwatchers, photo, video, and audio devices will allow recording of images and sounds of the species. This practice has become very popular with the use of specific applications and websites available for installation on smartphones, such as WikiAves and eBird.
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With a little luck and patience, it is possible to witness some winged spectacles: the swooping flight of the White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris) and the Biscutate Swift (Streptoprocne biscutata), which emit a strongly audible buzzing sound when crossing the airspace of the Tower; the dance of the Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus), which appear in flocks of up to 20 individuals, especially when mountain fog is present; the crepuscular call of the Spot-winged Wood-quail, or Uru (Odontophorus capueira), a species of wild chicken that lives in groups on the ground; the melodious song of the Common Potoo, or Urutau (Nyctibius griseus), also known as Mãe-da-lua, which calls in the late dawn and early evening, from late spring to early fall; and the long song of a rare bird, endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, the Slaty Bristlefront, or Entufado (Merulaxis ater), at the beginning and end of the day.
Observation tips for Tower (2)
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Other notable animals complement the scene: the Brown Howler Monkey (Alouatta guariba), with a vocalization emitted by the troop leader on the eve of rain that leaves an impression on those who have never heard it; troops of up to 10 individuals of the Black Capuchin Monkey (Sapajus nigritus) and of up to 50 of Ring-tailed Coati (Nasua nasua) move through the tops of the tallest trees in search of food; the Bristle-spined Rats (Chaetomys subspinosus) and the rare Collared Anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla), among other mammals with predominantly arboreal habits.
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During the stay at the Observation Tower, in the middle or late afternoons on days with greater temperature range, you can appreciate a meteorological phenomenon typical of mountain environments: the fall of mountain fog, known in some places in Brazil as "viração". This abrupt change in the weather results from wind currents and high humidity. "Tongues" of clouds appear from the east and elegantly frame the surrounding mountains, quickly moving westward (see photo above). In a few minutes the sensation is that of being both over and under the clouds. This phenomenon, more common in summer, generates a rapid and sudden reduction in temperature, intensified by the winds that push the thick fog towards the interior of the continent. For this reason, especially for visitors to the Tower, it is necessary to bring and wear adequate clothing to protect against the cold.
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At the end of the day, two other unforgettable natural spectacles can often be seen from the top deck of the Observation Tower: the sunset and the full moonrise. The first is visible over a horizon of approximately 70 km, with the city of Curitiba and six other cities of the metropolitan region as the foreground. The second, which can sometimes be appreciated minutes later, unfolds over the watershed dividing the Iguaçu River and the Ipiranga, a coastal river that arises on the eastern border of Recreio da Serra. It is worth saying: both shows are even more complete when the sky is clear and fog-free – or when it is less intense. Both are unique, breathtaking moments that deserve to be toasted with a good sparkling wine!
Sunset photo: Zig Koch
8 - Nighttime
When night finally comes, after a relaxing bath and a light meal, it is worth returning to the Observation Tower and/or the surroundings of the headquarters for an "owl hunt", an activity that consists of listening and recording owl vocalizations, locating them in the vegetation, and photographing them. There are nine species that inhabit the Observatory area. Alternatively, another option is to contemplate the glow of the night lights of Curitiba and other surrounding cities from the top of the Tower.
9 - A slightly longer walk
If the weather is forecast to be clear and the weather conditions are favorable from early morning, the visitor can opt for a day hike to the natural overlooks at an altitude of 1,200m in the Serra Boa Vista, just outside of the eastern part the Observatory perimeter. Accessed by a 1,440-meter trail of low difficulty, there are three lookout points, all offering breathtaking views.
For this option, visitors should plan ahead, starting the uphill walk of up to 60 minutes (one way) between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., in order to make the most of the time spent at the top of the mountain range. During the entire tour, an accredited guide from the Observatory is required.
It is worth adding that in the high mountain environment the visitor will be able to see some rare birds, such as the Cinnamon Tanager (Schistochlamys ruficapillus), and other endangered birds, such as the Bay-chested Warbling-Finch (Poospiza thoracica).
The return trip should take place at least one hour before sunset, to avoid accidents on the way back to headquarters.
Landscape photography: Zig Koch