Brazil Ecotourism: Rainforest and Wetlands

If you want to do something besides sun yourself in Rio while staying at a luxury resort, consider Brazil ecotourism - an arguably more rewarding and less wasteful vacation alternative. These are just three of the standout Brazil ecotourism sites that offer a blend of cultural interaction, celebration of flora and fauna, and responsible travel consistent with popular ecotourism values. You can visit the freshwater wetlands or the Atlantic rainforests in this hospitable country.

Porto de Saiupe
www.globeaware.org
In the Bahia region, a friendly but poor state along the Brazilian Atlantic coast, an organization called Globe Aware offers a unique Brazil ecotourism program. The one-week volunteer excursion, scheduled on a rotating basis, functions like a cultural exchange with the local people of Porto de Saiupe. You are called upon to teach some basic English, train villagers in first aid, demonstrate basic computer skills, and provide other human service assistance in a region where living conditions are not always safe or sanitary. In return, members of the local community will teach you how to carve wood in their tradition, how to cook using native fruits, and even how to dance. Volunteers stay in a clean but austere inn, designed to keep electricity use to a minimum. In addition to interacting with the people of Porto de Sauipe, you have chance to enjoy the natural environment in a guided, responsible way. $1300 covers practically everything but airfare, and for a week of Brazil ecotourism that focuses on cultural exchange, that's quite a good deal.

EcoPark of Una / Ecoparque de Una
www.ecoparque.org.br
A joint Brazil ecotourism project between an academic ecological institute and the Conservation International organization, EcoPark protects the Atlantic rainforest in the southern Bahia, a fragile ecosystem. According to park directors, less than 10% of the original rainforest area remains (383 hectares), meaning that the rainforest habitat for several endangered species is threatened. The yellow breasted capuchin monkey (or as it's known to locals, the macaco-prego-do-peito-amarelo) is one such species being saved from extinction by this Brazil ecotourism site. Birds, armadillos, foxes, and unusual insects also attract lovers of wildlife, and special canopy walkway allows for environmental interaction with minimal invasiveness to the flora and fauna. Already designed World Nature Heritage destination, the EcoPark of Una employs trained guides from the local community, ensuring local participation and economic benefits. This Brazil ecotourism venture functions as both a research center and an education/tourist center, so trips are welcomed from individuals, small groups, and even schools.

Fazenda Rio Negro, in the wetlands of Brazil
http://www.fazendarionegro.com.br/
Freshwater wetlands, reminiscent of the Everglades, is something we don't always associate with Brazil ecotourism. But in the Pantanal area on the Negro river, the Fazenda Rio Negro provides a special opportunity for visitors. During the 1990s, a 70 year-old farmhouse was remodeled into a combined residential and research facility that provides fair-wage jobs to local residents while supporting research and education. Wildlife of note here include both the endangered hyacinth macaw and jabiru storks, birds with a remarkable presence. This Brazil ecotourism site also offers ecotourists the chance to interact directly with the field biologists studying the wetlands. Volunteers can even be trained to help collect data used in scientific analysis. Talk about contributing to conservation work! You'll also have the chance to explore the river by canoe and received guided tours.