park · Cachoeiras de Macacu, RJ
Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (Regua)
A private reserve recognized by Inea, it brings together preserved forests and restored wetlands with the Serra dos Órgãos in the background. It is a top spot for birdwatching and offers marked trails and guided walks.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (Regua)
The Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu, known by its acronym Regua, is a private area of Atlantic Forest in the Guapiaçu river valley, in Cachoeiras de Macacu. Part of the land is recognized by Inea as a Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN). The setting combines forest, pastures that have returned to woodland and wetlands, with the mountains of the Serra dos Órgãos in the background.
The organization that runs the reserve was created in 2001, on land from a former farm owned by its founders' family. Since then, it has planted hundreds of thousands of native seedlings, restored wetlands and worked to bring back animals that had vanished from the region, such as the tapir, the red-billed curassow and the black-fronted piping guan.
Regua is known among birdwatchers worldwide: more than 470 species have been recorded there. In the wetlands you can see waterbirds, capybaras and caimans, and on calm days the water reflects the mountains. There is a network of marked trails that can be done with or without a guide, and a lodge for nature watchers.
The yellow trail is easy and well marked, good for families and beginners. The walks into the forest take more stamina. It is an outing for taking it all in: go slowly, quietly and with binoculars in hand.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A morning is enough to explore the wetlands and part of the forest; birdwatchers usually spend a few days.
Best time
Early morning is the best time to see and hear the birds. Between October and March many species are breeding and sing more; in the drier winter months, clear skies leave the mountains in full view, reflected in the water.
How to get there
The reserve is in the countryside of Cachoeiras de Macacu, in the Guapiaçu river valley, at the foot of the Serra dos Órgãos. It is about two hours by car from Rio de Janeiro. The most practical way to get there is by car or with the transfer the reserve offers its guests.
Tip
Since it is a private reserve, get in touch through the official website before you go to arrange your visit. Bring insect repellent, binoculars, water and light clothing in muted colors.
Official website
A look at the place
Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (Regua) in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (Regua)
Do I need to book a visit to Regua?
Regua is a private reserve. The safest option is to get in touch through the official website before you go to arrange your visit and find out the conditions.
What can you see at the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu?
Atlantic Forest, restored wetlands with the Serra dos Órgãos in the background and many birds. Capybaras and caimans also appear in the wetlands.
Are the trails difficult?
There are marked trails of different levels. The yellow trail is easy and good for families; the ones that go deeper into the forest require more fitness.
Do I need a guide for the trails?
It is not required: the trails can be done with or without a guide. For birdwatching, a guide helps a lot in finding and identifying species.
What is the best time for birdwatching at Regua?
Early in the morning, when the birds are most active. Between October and March many species sing more because it is breeding season.