rio de janeiro - GOLDEN LION TAMARIN

Full day visit to the Golden Lion

See the famous monkey!

Come and take a close look at the famous little Golden Lion Tamarin, which was virtually extinct from its natural habitat, the Atlantic Rainforest, and today is probably the most famous symbol of Brazilian preservation efforts.

Initiated in 1983, when a group of enthusiasts created the Program for the Preservation of the Golden Lion Tamarin aiming to re-introduce this beautiful small primate back to its habitat, the project grew and  became an association. Later, a federal Conservation Unit was also established, the Poço dos Antas Biological Reserve, which then allowed for the necessary land to be designated for this unique project, where the Tamarins have been re-introduced to its habitat.  Now, after many years of hard work we are able to visit this fantastic project, which is the most successful re-introduction project of its kind in the world.

Bananí Eco Tour offers a full day visit to the project area of the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve, situated near Silva Jardim, approximately 130 km east of Rio de Janeiro.

We take groups of a maximum of  twelve persons, where we visit this very unique and interesting project. We operate in conjunction with the Reserve and the staff of the Mico Leão Dourado Association, where a specialist from the Association joins us with special electronic tracking equipment where we will be certain to spot specimens of the Tamarins. This tour is only available on specific days and must be reserved well in advance. The field visits takes place in the morning and last approximately one and a half hours, followed by presentation at the visitor´s center of the Biological Reserve.

We then continue the Bom Retiro Farm, which belongs to Mr. Luis Nelson and his family, who are proud to participate in the project. Here we will go for a short walk, have the possibility to take a refreshing shower under a waterfall, enjoy the beauty of the place and have a good Brazilian lunch. Following lunch, there will be time to relax and further enjoy the beautiful surroundings and sight some of the many birds of the region before we return to Rio de Janeiro.