A fascinating day out visiting a family living right up in the Rainforest. After a short minibus ride to the trail that takes us up into the hills, we'll be warmly received by the Ferreira family who practice sustainable, organic farming in the Rainforest. As one of the leading practitioners of agro-forestry in the country this is a unique opportunity to find out more about the rainforest and the issues facing its preservation.
Hiking (4 hours) |
We'll start the day with an introductory paddle and safety lesson before kayaking downriver past the old town and onto the waters of the Bay of Paraty . The pond-like calm waters of Paraty are ideal for first-time and inexperienced kayakers, whilst the more experienced cannot fail to be impressed by the breathtaking surroundings. We'll pass picturesque islands and deserted beaches and providing the tide is high enough we'll paddle through a mangrove swamp teeming with wildlife before returning to our riverside accommodation.
Kayaking (4 hours) |
No trip to Paraty is complete without stepping back in time on the Gold trail, the paved road built by African slaves in the 18 Century to bring gold and diamonds out of the Brazilian interior and onto ships bound for Portugal . Today we visit one of the best preserved sections of the Trail high up in the Rainforest behind Paraty before finishing up at the Pedra Branca waterfall for a refreshing swim at the end of the day.
Hiking (5 hours)
Evening: Capoeira Night. * |
Thursday
Free Day |
Friday
Mamanguá Peak |
Saturday
Paraty – Colonial Brazil |
Choose from either
Beauty treatments at Paraty´s luxury Asian Day Spa; the adrenalin rush of rappelling/ abseiling down waterfalls (canyoning); horse riding in the Rainforest or a relaxing day on the beach - the program can be tailored to suit you better. Kayaking (4 hours) is scheduled for the day but if you prefer you can opt for one of the alternative activities:
Asian Day Spa treatments
Canyoning
Tree Canopy Walking
Microlite flight over region (subject to weather conditions and availability)
Horse riding
Kayaking
Surf day |
This is the big one! Throughout the week the days' activities get progressively more challenging, culminating in this, the Mamanguá Peak . Located in the Mamanguá tropical fjord, the only one of its kind in Brazil , the peak stands over 660m above sea level and the views from the top are outstanding. The only way into the fjord is by boat or by trail – so get ready to breathe some of the freshest air on the planet as we head to the base of the peak. From there it's a steep climb to the top, an unforgettable lunchtime location.
Hiking (5 hours) |
After checking out of your accommodation you will have time for a final look around the picturesque Old Town of Paraty and some souvenir shopping. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 18th Century, Architecture, Paraty is a small historic jewel sitting between the mountains and the sea. After lunch you'll be picked up by the minibus for the return trip to Rio de Janeiro.
12.00 Minibus transfer, Paraty to Rio de Janeiro airport |