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Our popular Best o Brazil adventure is an immersion into this huge countrys stunningbiodiversity and a wildlie saari that presents unparalleled eye-witness opportunities. We

traverse several diferent biomes, encounter some o the planets rarest and most endan-gered primates, see as many as 25 species o indigenous mammals, and study ten times asmany birds.

We begin in Serra da Canastra National Park, a vast area o rugged mountains and termite-mound-studded grasslands. I we are ortunate the brilliant yellow tabebuia (trumpet) treesmay be in bloom and we hope to encounter the greater rhea and the red-legged seriema, asecretary bird look-alike. Photographic opportunities abound, rom wonderul landscapesto giant anteatersthe worlds highest concentration is ound herein search o their

avorite oods, ants and termites.Our our-day exploration o the Pantanal is the centerpiece o this exciting and variedprogram. Encompassing more than 60,000 square miles, this is the planets largest seasonal

wetland area, eclipsing even Aricas Okavango Delta in size and diversity. It extends toinclude areas o Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay and supports over 400 species o birds; hugenumbers o capybara, the worlds largest rodent; and such acclaimed megaauna as jaguar,ocelot, tapir, giant river otter, three species o primates, plus crab-eating raccoons and crab-eating oxes. Our visit is timed to coincide with the Pantanals lowest water levels, givingus excellent chances to witness high concentrations o water birds and caiman, and exciting

opportunities to seek out the many nocturnal mammals o the area.

Next we visit Brazils highly endangered Atlantic rain orest, which dates back 20 millionyears earlier than the Amazon. As in Madagascar and New Zealand, extreme isolation anda vast span o time have acilitated the evolution o an incredibly rich auna and ora here,many o the species are unique to this area. From our base in Santa eresa, renowned orits numerous hummingbird species, we explore the biodiversity o this ascinating region,seeking out endemic birds and several o the 18 primates endemic to these orests. At therenowned Muriqui Project we search or South Americas largest primatethe critically

endangered northern muriqui; nearby we look or maned sloth, marmosets, masked titimonkeys and rare and endemic birds. A visit to celebrated Iguau Falls, a two-and-a-hal-mile-wide cataract surrounded by luxuriant rain orest linking Brazil, Argentina, andParaguay, provides us with a stunning nale to our journey.

Join me or an experience that reveals the neotropics at their very bestwhere biodiversityhas had ree rein to assemble one o the greatest collections o wildlie on the planet.

Warmest regards,

Mark Brazil

Dear aDventurer

Jonathan Rossouw

VICTORIA AMAZONICA WATERLILY

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Day 1uSaDepart rom the USA this evening on yourindependent overnight ight to Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2rio De Janeiro, brazilArrive Rio de Janeiro and transer to ourhotel. Ater lunch depart or an aternoonat the Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro, abotanical microcosm o Brazil, showcasingVictoria Amazonica lilies and more than 700species o orchid, and supporting many o the

regions common birds. We also ride the cablecar to the top o Sugar Loa, Rios iconic peak,or marvelous views o the city and its amousbeaches. Dinner at a local restaurant andovernight at the Caesar Park Hotel.

Day 3rio De Janeiro / beloHorizonte / Serra Da CanaStra

national ParkA short morning ight brings us to BeloHorizonte where an overland drive to Serra da

Canastra National Park takes us through thecentral part o the state o Minas Gerais. Terocky, hilly landscape is dotted with armsand pastures and the occasional darkgreen patch o remnant orest is lit by

bright yellow and purple owering trees.Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 4Serra Da CanaStranational ParkA vast area o rugged mountains andtermite-mound-studded grasslands, Serra daCanastra National Park presents a spectac-

ular backdrop to our ull day excursion. Tewooded gullies and rolling savannas supportunusual birds, including the comical-lookingtoco toucan and cock-tailed tyrant, as wellas the worlds highest concentration o giantanteaters. We hope to have good photographicopportunities o these and other ascinatinganimals as they roam the grasslands. Dinnerand overnight at our hotel.

Day 5Serra Da CanaStra nationalPark / Caraa natural Parkoday we set out overland to Caraa NaturalPark with stops or photos, birding, andlunch en route. Set among tall mountains andlush montane orest, this beautiul park wasoriginally a seminary retreat. Our accommoda-

tions or the next two nights are in renovatedrooms in a wing o the original 17th-centuryseminary, surrounded by park lands amonghigh mountains and lush orest. onight wegather outside the church, hoping to witness amaned wol coming to take meat, a traditionthat began more than 15 years ago. Dinner andovernight at the seminary.

Day 6Caraa natural ParkWe have a ull day to explore the Caraawilderness on various walks with specialocus on the endangered masked titi monkey,oten located early in the morning by itsstrange laughing call. We will also look orthe uncommon black-tuted-ear marmoset.Te many birds o the area include such gems

as the elusive swallow-tailed cotinga and thehyacinth visorbearer. Dinner and overnight atthe seminary.

Day 7Caraa natural Park / ouroPreto / belo HorizonteWe depart Caraa early this morning, drivingsouth to visit the World Heritage Site o Ouro

Preto, a charming colonial city built rom theabulous wealth acquired rom what were thensome o the richest gold mines in the WesternHemisphere. Ater a lunch and a tour here,

MarkBrazil

Sou

Jon

athanRossouw

beSt of brazil17 tour DayS

ChEsTNuT-EAREd ARACARI

gIANT ANTEATER

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o the northern Pantanal, the sight o hundredso jacar caimans, dozens o capybaras, and amultitude o water birds will have presented aunique and memorable spectacle. Dinner and

overnight at the Porto Jofre Hotel.

Day 10Porto Jofre / Pantanal /Cuiaba rivero ully explore this rich wetland area, we spendmuch o today in boats on the Cuiaba River to

watch some o the areas innumerable riverinebirds, including kingshers, terns, and skimmers,

as well as keep a lookout or capybaras, caimans,howler and capuchin monkeys and, i we areextremely lucky, perhaps even a jaguar. Dinnerand overnight at our hotel.

Day 11Pantanal / Pixaim riverDuring todays drive northward we search orthe regions rare and beautiul hyacinth macaw

and stop or lunch along the Pixaim River. Wecontinue toAraras Eco-Lodgearriving in the late

Serra da Canastra NP

P

araguay

Santa Teresa

Rio de Janeiro

Iguau Falls

brazil

argentina

A t l a n t i c O c e a n

Porto Jofre

Cuiaba

Cuiab

aRiv

erPixaim

Rive

r

Pantanal

bolivia

Vitria

Lombardia Forest

Muriqui Project

Belo Horizonte

Caraa Natural Park

Ouro Preto

we drive to Belo Horizonte or dinner at a localrestaurant and overnight at our hotel.

Day 8

belo Horizonte / Cuiaba /PantanalWe depart Belo Horizonte very early thismorning and y to Cuiaba. We set out orthe Pantanal, the worlds largest wetlandarea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and aBiosphere Reserve. Te rst 60 miles is througha disturbed cerrado transition ecosystem thatleads to the raised-dirt highway known as theranspantaneira. Suddenly, wildlie abounds;this is one o the nest birding regions on Earth.Te astonishing biodiversity here includesan incredible array o mammals, birds, andreptiles. Fish concentrate in the ew seasonalpools, which in turn are crowded with storks,herons, spoonbills, ibises, and limpkins, notto mention ever-watchul jacar caimans that

search the ponds or easy prey. We continuethrough a diverse blend o cattle country, orest,and swamps, with repeated stops or observationand photography. Our journey continues aterdusk with an evening spotlighting excursion tolook or crab-eating oxes, crab-eating raccoons,and other mammals o the area. Dinner andovernight at our hotel in the Pantanal.

Day 9Pantanal / Porto JofreWe spend our rst morning in the Pantanal onthe Pixaim River, searching or the amily ogiant otters that makes its home in this area.

Ater lunch we continue southward towardsPorto Jore, making requent stops or birds,nature-viewing, and photography as we head everdeeper into the Pantanal. We scan any wetland

areas along the way or capybara and marshdeer, and we stop to admire the immense treetopnests o the jabiru stork, an iconic bird o theregion. By the time we reach Porto Jore, at thevery end o the ranspantaneira, in the heart

AreA of DetAil

H ameriCa

JonathanRossouw

map not to scale

gIANT RIVER OTTER

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aternoon, which gives us time to watch the

hordes o birds at the eeders, to seek outlocal mammals, including coati, or to simplyrelax. Ater dinner another ascinating nightdrive takes us in search o crab-eating ox,great potoo, and perhaps even the ocelotsoccasionally seen in the area. Overnight atAraras Eco-Lodge.

Day 12

Cuiaba / vitria /Santa tereSaWe return to Cuiaba, transer to the airportor our ight to Vitria, the capital o EspritoSanto, then drive to Santa eresa, a charmingcity whose tiled-roo armhouses reveal its19th-century Italian roots. Te town is laidout in the shape o a cross; owers and trees

decorate its square. We visit the botanicalgarden o the Mello Leitao Museum, whereowers and eeders attract multiple specieso iridescent hummingbirds, including thestunning swallow-tailed hummingbird,and perhaps even the scarce rilled coquette.Dinner at a local restaurant; overnight at ourhotel in Santa eresa.

Day 13Santa tereSa /muriqui ProJeCt /lombarDia foreStAter breakast we drive to Santa Maria deJetib to visit the Muriqui Project whosemission is to study and conserve the popula-tions and habitats o the northern muriqui.

One o the worlds 25 most critically endan-gered primates, and South Americas largestprimate, the muriqui is endemic to BrazilsAtlantic rain orest region. Only a ew hundredindividuals remain and our visit to the projectwill help support this species.

Tis aternoon we visit the Lombardia Forest,which shares parkland with the Augusto

Ruschi Reserve, home to the bufy-headedmarmoset, maned sloth, brown capuchin,and masked titi monkeys. Birding here is richand rewarding and we hope to nd antbirds,manakins, pufbirds, toucanets, and manymore rare and endemic species. Dinner andovernight at our hotel.

Day 14Santa tereSa /vitria / iguaufallS

Ater breakast we drive toVitria and enjoy lunch intown beore boarding ouright to Iguau via Rio deJaneiro. Dinner and overnightat our hotel in Iguau.

Day 15

iguau fallSWe have a ull day to explore Iguau, oneo the worlds most dramatic, and SouthAmericas most celebrated waterall. Te allsare located on the Rio Iguau, just abovethe meeting point o Brazil, Paraguay, andArgentina, and surrounded by luxuriantsubtropical rain orest. oday we visit the

Argentinean side o the two-and-a-hal-mile-wide alls to enjoy a glorious combination ourious whitewater, rain orest, and diversebirdlie, including caciques, toucans, andwoodpeckers. O special interest are thekettles o great dusky swits as they swirland dart through the rising clouds o sprayand cling to the clifs behind the alls;among them we may nd white-collared and

biscutate swits. Te endangered tegu lizardis relatively common here, and the numberand colors o butteries is astounding.Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 16iguau fallS /rio De Janeiro / uSaTis morning we take a leisurely walking

excursion to admire the Brazilian side o thealls and to enjoy the most spectacular o allthe viewsthe grand panorama. Ater lunchy to Rio de Janeiro, then connect to yourindependent ight back to the USA.

Day 17uSaArrive in the USA and connect with yourights homeward.

HollyFaithfull

MarkBrazil

IguAu fALLs

NORThERN MuRIquI

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For adventurers, naturalists, and travelers, ew places can match the verdant vistas andbiological diversity o the Pantanal, the planets largest wetland area. It is one o the mostimmense, pristine, and biologically rich environments in the world. Lying in a seasonally

ooded basin o the Paraguay River, it covers over 60,000 square miles, an area larger thanGreece, and extends to areas in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. With its extraordinarilyconcentrated and diverse ora and auna, plus a landscape spanning a variety o ecologicalsubregions, the Pantanal remains one o the worlds great natural wonders.

Te word pantanal is Portuguese or swamp. Each year, ed by rains rom Octoberthrough March, the area experiences heavy and massive ooding. By June, the waters beginto recede, resulting in even denser concentrations o wildlie in a green and shimmeringwaterscape. By September and October, spectacled caiman can be seen in the hundreds and

waterbirds abound. At this time, the numbers o birds, mammals, and reptiles are otenstaggering, a wildlie extravaganza that rivals scenes rom the plains o Arica. Indeed, thePantanal holds the largest concentrations o megaauna in the whole o South America;yet, even today, it is a remote and largely unknown watery wilderness in the very heart oSouth America.

Diverse and unique, the Pantanal is like no other region on Earth. It is an unparalleledwildlie sanctuary o spectacular beauty, representing one o the last intact ecological areasin the world. It is home to the highest concentration o jaguars on the planet; a reuge orthe continents largest land mammal, the tapir; a sanctuary or over 400 species o birds;and the habitat or over 10 million caiman, the highest concentration o crocodilians inthe world. It is little wonder, then, that this rich, bio-diverse region is regarded as SouthAmericas most important wildlie sanctuary.

tHe Pantanal

JonathanRossouw

Cover:top:HyacinthMcC

aw;bottom,

fromtopleftclockwise:Commonmarmoset,Violet-cappedwoodnymph,

MarkBrazil;TocoTou

canJonathanRossouwandHollyFaithfull;Capybara

MarkBrazil

192 Nickerson Street #200 Seattle, WA 98109 USA

Tel: 206-285-4000 or 1-800-628-8747

Fax: 206-285-5037 E-mail: info@zeco.com

Web site: www.zeco.comGiving You the World

jACARE CAIMANs

MarkBrazil

MarkBrazil

MarkBrazil

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mark brazil developed his ascinationwith the natural world, especially birds, during

his boyhood in the landlocked English county oWorcestershire. He then pursued his academicinterests in biology during studies in England andScotland, while exploring the coasts and moun-tains o Britain in search o birds. Mark earned hisPh.D. rom Stirling University, Scotland, or his

work on avian ecology and behavior in Iceland andsince then ornithological research, natural history

consultancy or V companies, and guiding naturalists and wildlie photographers have

taken him to all continents. Fascinated by island biology, he is a leading authority onthe natural history o Japan. He has traveled extensively in South America rom Peru toPatagonia and has now made seven trips to Brazil. Mark considers Brazil to be his avoriteEco-Expedition destination. In addition to being a eld naturalist, he is a columnist,author, and editor. His books include Wild Asia: Spirit of a Continent; Te Birds of Japan;Te Whooper Swan; and, most recently,A Field Guide to the Birds of East Asia.

meet our leaDer

ravelers on our Best o Brazil program should be aware that although the tour is notoverly strenuous, all participants should be reasonably t and capable o moderateexercise while searching or primates and birds. On several occasions there will be junglehikes that will entail being able to walk, unaided, along rugged trails with occasionalinclines. All accommodations are the best available in the area or a group o our sizeand will range rom simple to luxurious. Please note that in most o Brazils hotels, twinbeds are standard. Let us know i you preer a double bed and we will request it whereverpossible. Nonsmoking rooms are rarely available in South America. Participants shouldalso be aware that several days o our itinerary require lengthy bus journeys along rough

roads to transport us to the areas that are diverse and rich in wildlie. We will mail acomplete list o recommended clothing and a suggested reading list to you approximatelyve months prior to departure. For travelers who delight in natural history, possess a senseo humor, exibility, and a true spirit o adventure, your adventures in Brazil will beremembered or many years to come.

WHat to exPeCt

JonathanR

ossouw

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1. reServationS: 25% o the expedition are, alongwith a completed and signed Reservation Form, will reservea place or you on this Zegrahm Holdings LLC, d/b/a

Eco-Expeditions (ECO), program. Te balance o the expedi-tion are is due 120 days prior to departure. Air are is also dueat this time. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and must bepaid in U.S. dollars. Credit cards accepted or deposit only.

2. CanCellation anD refunD PoliCy:Notication o cancellation o this program and any indepen-dent travel arrangements must be received in writing by ECO.

At the time we receive your written cancellation, the ollowingpenalties will apply:

120ormoredayspriortodeparture:$500perperson

60through119dayspriortodeparture:50% o expedition are

59dayspriortodeparturethroughdayofdeparture:100% o expedition are

Some air are may be nonreundable. Once an expeditionhas departed, there will be no reunds rom ECO or anyunused portions o the trip. Te above policy al so applies toall extensions and independent travel arrangements made inconjunction with this program.

3. triP CanCellation anD interruPtioninSuranCe: We strongly advise that all travelers purchasetrip cancellation and interruption insurance as protectionagainst an emergency that may orce you to cancel or leave

rom an expedition while it is in progress. A brochuredescribing coverage wi ll be sent to you upon receipt oyour reservation.

4. SHare PoliCy: Accommodations on all ECOprograms are based on double occupancy. I you are travelingalone and wish to share accommodations, a roommate will beassigned to you whenever possible. When pairing roommates,

we will always pair participants o the same sex. All sharedaccommodations are nonsmoking. Upon booking you willbe required to pay a Single Supplement, i we are able to pairyou with a roommate the supplement will be reunded. Pleasenote that single accommodations are limited and cannot beguaranteed throughout.

5. meDiCal information: Participation on anECO program requires that you be in generally good health.It is essential that persons with any medical problems andrelated dietary restrictions make them known to us well beoredeparture. We can counsel you on whether the expedition youhave selected is appropriate or you.

Te tour leader has the right to disqualiy any participant atany time during the tour i he/she eels the participant is physi-cally incapable and/or i a participants continued participation

will jeopardize either the individual involved or the group.Tere will be no reund given under these circumstances.

6. luggage reStriCtionS: Luggage size and weightlimitations or both checked and carry-on luggage, imposedby the airlines or as an operational requirement due to typeo aircrat, will apply or ights to/rom/within this program.Specications will be provided with pre-departure materials.

7. fuel CoSt inCreaSeS anD CurrenCyfluCtuation: In order to keep rates as low as possible,

we do not build into the trip are an allowance to cover

possible increases rom uel costs or currency uctuations.Tereore, as uel-cost increases may occur and currenciesdo fuctuate around the world, it may be necessary or us

to initiate a rate surcharge at any time beore departure ithere are exceptional cost increases beyond our control.

8. itinerary CHangeS & triP Delay:Itineraries are based on inormation available at the timeo printing and are subject to change. ECO reserves theright to change a programs dates, staf, itineraries, or accom-modations as conditions warrant. I a trip must be delayed,or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions,transportation delays, airline schedules, government interven-tion, sickness , or any other contingency or which ECO or itsagents cannot make provision, the cost o delays or changes isnot included.

9. itinerary CanCellation:ECO reserves theright to cancel an itinerary beore departure or any reason

whatsoever, including too ew participants or logisticalproblems such as strikes, wars , acts o God, or any othercircumstances that may make operation o the trip inadvis-able. All trip payments received will be promptly reunded,and this reund will be the limit o ECOs liability. ECO isnot responsible or any expenses incurred by trip members inpreparing or the trip, including nonreundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport ees,or other trip-related expenses.

10. PartiCiPation: ECO reserves the right to decline

to accept any individual as an expedition member or anyreason whatsoever.

11. limitationS of liability: Tis sectiondenes ECOs responsibility with respect to all o our trips,including extensions and independent arrangements. Pleaseread it careully.

ECO, its Owners, Agents, and Employees give notice thatthey act only as the agent or the owners, contractors, andsuppliers providing means o transportation and/or all otherrelated travel services and assume no responsibility howsoevercaused or injury, loss, or damage to person or property inconnection with any service resulting directly rom: acts o

God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising romquarantine, strikes, thets, pilerage, orce majeure, ailureo any means o conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled,civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions orregulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotelservices over which it has no control. Reasonable changes inthe itinerary may be made where deemed advisable or thecomort and well-being o the passengers.

As described in item 7 above, all prices are subject to change.

As described in item 9 above, in the event that an expeditionmust be cancelled, ECO is not responsible or any personal

expenses incurred by trip members in preparing or theprogram.

On advancement o deposit to ECO, the depositor acknowl-edges that he/she has read and understands the above recitedterms and conditions, and agrees to be bound by them.

Caliornia Seller o ravel Program Registration #2031043-40

termS & ConDitionS

jAbIRu sTORks

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o SEPTEMBER 4 20, 2009 (WAITLISTED)

o SEPTEMBER 21 OCTOBER 7, 2009

o SEPTEMBER 3 19, 2010

NAME #1(as it appears on passport)

(preerred name)

NAME #2(as it appears on passport)

(preerred name)

ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP COUNTRY

PHONE(home) (oce)

FAX E-MAIL

ACCOMMODATIONS:o Twin o Share(roommate to be assigned) o Single

I AM/WE ARE:o Nonsmokers o Smokers

DEPOSIT INFORMATION:

o Enclosed is a deposit check or $ (25% per person o the program are)

o Charge the 25% per person deposit to: o VISA oMasterCard o American Express

Card Number Expires

Authorized Cardholder Signature Date

(Note: Credit cards accepted or deposits only)

I/We have read and understand the enclosed Terms & Conditions for this program, and

agree to abide by them.

SIGNATURE DATE

SIGNATURE DATE

Please complete and return this Reservation Form with your deposit to:

BEST OF BRAZIL

Giving You the World

EBRZ0901-2 / EBRZ1001

JonathanRossouw

ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL

192 Nickerson Street #200 Seattle, WA 98109 USA

Tel: 206-285-4000 or 1-800-628-8747

Fax: 206-285-5037 E-mail: info@zeco.com

Web site: www.zeco.com

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SEPTEMBER 4 20, 2009

SEPTEMBER 21 OCTOBER 7, 2009 LEADER: MARK BRAZIL

SEPTEMBER 3 19, 2010

$10,980per person, double occupancy $1,580 single supplement*

Limited to 16 expedition members.

INCLUDED: All accommodations and meals as outlined in the itinerary; group transers;

guided excursions as stated in the itinerary; entrance ees or parks, reserves, etc.; all gratuities.

NOT INCLUDED: All air transportation; excess baggage charges; airport arrival anddeparture taxes; transers or independent arrivals and departures; passport and/or visaees; travel insurance; items o a personal nature such as laundry, bar charges, alcoholicbeverages, e-mail/ax/telephone charges.

AIR FARE: A tentative ight schedule is available upon request. Eco-Expeditions willcontact you approximately 180 days prior to the departure o this program to fnalizeyour ight plans. As o February 2009, the approximate economy air are as listed in

the itinerary is $2,145 or Miami/Rio de Janeiro/Belo Horizonte/Cuiaba/Vitria/IguauFalls/Rio de Janeiro/Miami. Additional ares rom other cities will be quoted as needed.

All rates are per person, quoted in U.S. dollars, and must be paid in U.S. dollars.Rates and itineraries are subject to change.

*A limited number o single accommodations are available.

Reservation requests may also be made online at www.zeco.com.

DATES

RATES

BEST OF BRAZIL

DATES & RATES

A WORD FROM MARK BRAZIL

TABEBUIA TREE

Brazilians are such riendly people, the country is so exciting and varied,and the biodiversity is amongst the richest on our planetmaking this a

antastic destination or wildlie-watching. Te amazing diversity, romthe enormous number and species o birds, including a phenomenal range ohummingbirds, to the colorul butterfies, antastic monkeys, combined with thechances o viewing exciting mammals such as giant otter, maned wol, tapir,

giant anteater, ocelot, and jaguar make this my all time avorite tropical regionexpedition. I you have enjoyed watching wildlie in Asia and Arica then it istime you came with me to South America to experience the very best o Brazil.

MarkBrazil