Paraty Wilderness Trekking takes place in the beautiful small colonial town of Paraty, that lies 200km south of the coast of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Set amid many peninsulas and secluded beaches, composed of jungle-covered steep mountains, forming an island-studded bay, Paraty is one of Brazil’s most appealing destinations.
The center of the city preserves its countless architectural charms, with well preserved old buildings. The irregular cobblestone streets are closed to motor vehicles, creating an athmosphere that makes you travel back in time. During the 18th century, the port of Paraty was an important outlet for gold and precious stones brought from Minas Gerais to be shipped to Portugal. However, constant pirate assaults, who took refuge in the beaches and islands around, led the gold route to become unused, resulting in a great economic isolation for years to come. Among a lush remnant of Atlantic rainforest, dozens of pristine beaches are within a couple of hours from Paraty city center. The area comprises the Bocaina National Park, the Environmental Protection Area of Cairuçu, the Joatinga Natural Reserve and last but not least the Serra do Mar State Park, all places of rare beauty. Therefore, Paraty is surrounded everywhere by protected luscious Atlantic rainforest.
The Brazilian Fjord experience
These are good reasons (but not the only ones) why everyone should venture into this magnific experience. We present you an 8-days trekking program around the peninsulas and beaches, crossing Saco do Mamanguá, the one and only Brazilian Fjord, trekking and kayaking, visiting local fishermen communities and experiencing their food and lifestyle.
The adventure begins in the indigenous village of Paraty-Mirim, with a steep trail to reach the other side of the mountain, the Fjord’s shore. Spend the night in a beach-and-jungle ecolodge to undertake the kaykaing challenge in the morning. Paddle across the Fjord so we can move towards to the isolated beaches on the other side.
Hike up the highest hill and admire the Fjord from above, then move on to the next beach, and the next, and so on. Don’t hesitate in jumping into the many waterfall-lakes and rivers that we’ll cross, but please consider: the next attraction might be as fantastic as the current one. During the journey, overnights will be in the fishermen villages, on their house-lodging facilities. The last night will be in the famous Praia do Sono (Sleepy beach) named this way because you feel invited to rest and chill. The last day is a free day in Paraty village to get to know its charms.
Highlights
Paraty Wilderness Trekking Highlights
♦ Trek across the Juatinga Natural Reserve in Paraty
♦ Kayak in the unique Brazilian Fjord
♦ Visit secluded beaches, waterfalls and fishermen communities
Itinerary
What is the itinerary of Rio de Janeiro Wilderness Trekking?
Day 1: From Rio de Janeiro to Paraty’s jungle
- Our transfer will take you to the city of Paraty, which is located aproximately 3 hours away from Rio de Janeiro. Once the road reaches the shore, the views are fantastic and you won’t even notice the time passing. When in Paraty, we move further to the indigenous village of Paraty-Mirim, where we start our hike to Saco do Mamanguá, the jungle covered fjord. It’s a steep hike until we reach the top and start the descent to the fjord’s shore. Strange as it may sound, dinner will be in an ecolodge that is in the jungle but has a private beach.
- Hiking distance: ~6 km
- Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: The Brazilian Fjord
- After the overnight in the ecolodge, it’s time to paddle. Jump into the kayaks so we can visit the waterfall and move on to the other side of the fjord to a fisherman’s lodge where we’ll stay for the night. Then, have lunch and hit the trail. We are going to the top of the highest hill, so we can admire the fjord from above.
- Hiking distance: ~6km
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: To the secluded beaches we go
- After breakfast, it’s time to overcome another steep mountain so we can reach the secluded beaches facing the open sea. We’ll visit and pass by many fishermen villages during this day like Itaoca, Calhaus and Panema. It’s a long but very interesting hike. Our base for the night will be at Pouso da Cajaíba beach, where we’ll have a local cocktail and maybe some dancing!
- Hiking distance: ~7 km
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Yet another paradise
- This day reserves a lot of surprises. We’ll visit two of the most secluded beaches in the region. First one is the famous Martins de Sá, the surfers paradise, just around one hour and half hike from Pouso da Cajaíba. Enjoy the beach and have lunch, so we can move on to the waterfall and Cairuçu beach, our night base. Cairuçu is a totally isolated beach, yet very charming. We’ll be received by the fishermen’s community and have dinner with them.
- Hiking distance: ~10 km
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: From Cairuçu to Ponta Negra beach
- Spend the day enjoying the Cairuçu beach jacuzzi fueled with fresh river water. After lunch, this is the day we hike up the steep hill to reach Ponta Negra beach, a very famous fishermen village with many houses. That’s our base for the night!
- Hiking distance: ~6 km
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: The ocean waterfall
- A unique rock formation combined with a singular water stream forms a stunning waterfall pool. By the ocean, on the rocky coast, lies the Saco Bravo waterfall. A couple of hours hiking from Ponta Negra beach and we’ll be able to spend the day on this lost piece of paradise. Then we’ll return to Ponta Negra and have a Caiçara lunch, pack up and hit the trail to visit the paradisiacal beaches of Antigos e Antiguinhos before reaching our final destination Praia do Sono village. Praia do Sono is the main village of the region and also the most famous one. It consists of a long beautiful beach and a village built above the sand and conserves the spirit of the caiçara people, influenced by the surf culture.
- Hiking distance: ~11 km
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Praia do Sono beach
- This place is magical! The good energy produced by the coexistence of Caiçaras, Indigenous, Surfers and so many other easy going people is concentrated in this place. Praia do Sono means sleepy beach, due to the feeling that it invites you for a nap on the sand. Feel free to try that, but consider hiking half an hour to the village’s waterfall and jump into its fresh clear water! On the end of the day we’ll make our way to Laranjeiras village to board the transfer and go back to Paraty.
- Hiking distance: ~4 km
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Free day in Paraty and return to Rio de Janeiro
- This is the chillin’ day in the cozy village of Paraty. Take a walk around the uneven cobblestone streets and admire the 18th century architecture. It feels like you’re going back in time. Try the local drink Cachaça, a very strong drink distilled from sugar cane. Visit the art galleries and have luch in internationally renowned restaurants. In the end of the day, we’ll board the transfer back to Rio de Janeiro.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Inclusions and Exclusions
What’s included in Paraty Wilderness Trekking?
Included:
- Leader specialized in long-course hikes and trained with first-aid fundamentals
- Guided Paraty Wilderness Trekking
- Receptive and transfer in Rio de Janeiro to Paraty at day 1
- Transfer in Paraty to Rio de Janeiro at the last expedition day
- Transfers for all described tours
- All access fees
- Overnights at fishermen’s house lodges
- Meals during the trekking (breakfast / trail snack / dinner)
- Travel insurance (hospital expenses up to 5.000 BRL)
- Gear purchasing advisory before departure (at your disposal)
Not included:
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in inclusions
- Medications of personal use
- Gratuities and donations
- Any item not described as included
Equipments
What to bring to Paraty Wilderness Trekking?
Mandatory documentation:
- Valid Passport
- Vaccination card (Yellow fever mandatory)
Mandatory gear:
Rentals available if your not bringing your own gear.
- Backpacking pack – at least 60L
- Sleeping bag (Comfort at 0ºc)
- Matress (insulation)
- Trekking poles (01 or 02)
- Headlight (and backup batteries)
- Hydration compartment (01 liter minimum)
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Extra socks (eventual mud or river crossings)
- Dry-fit shirts
- Fleece/Windbreaker and gloves
- Insect repellent
- Sun and lips protector
- Bags for garbage
- Backpack raincover
- Toilet paper
- Mobile phone
- Sun glasses
- Sandals/Flip flops
Optional gear:
- Thermal clothing
- Trekking pants
- Ecohead bandana or similar
- Towel
- Hat or cap
- Waterproof bags
- Technical daypack or waist bag
- Câmeras
- Wet wipes
- Emergency blanket
- Cordelet or paracord 3-5 mm
- Water purifier
- Silvertape or similar
- Carbo gel or similar
- Personal use medication
Logistics
Where do we meet to go to Paraty Wilderness?
Starting location and schedules:
- Transfer will pick up everybody in Rio de Janeiro
- Hotels in supported zone only. If you’re not in a supported location you’ll be instructed to move to the nearest supported location.
- Transfer will drop off everybody in Rio de Janeiro
- Hotels in supported zone only. If you’re not in a supported location you’ll drop off on the nearest supported location.
- “Day zero” and last day lodging at Nattrip headquarters available.
FAQ
FAQ Paraty Wilderness Trekking
How many kilometers will we hike per day?
Day 01 – ~6 km steep path 400+ m altitude
Day 02 – Kayaking and ~6 km optional ascent to highest peak on Fjord’s shore
Day 03 – ~7 km with steep path 350+ m altitude and beach/shore path
Day 04 – ~10 km through jungle
Day 05 – ~6 km steep path 500+ m altitude
Day 06 – ~11 km round way to the shore waterfall
Day 07 – ~4km shore and beach path
Day 08 – Free day in Paraty
Is it safe?
Nattrip operates this tour regularly and never had any issues regarding safety. Regarding inherent risks involved, please be aware to read “Exposure” iconograph before booking this product. Incidents such as falls, twists and scratches happen very often. It is mandatory to follow the instructions of the Leaders and to use safety equipment when requested.
Will my cell phone work? Wi-fi spots?
There is no mobile phone network while trekking in Serra dos Órgãos National Park and Três Picos State Park nor we recommend the use of mobile devices, except for photography purposes. In such case, we recommend the use of power banks. Mobile phone and internet can be used when in Teresópolis.
How does the food works? What do we eat?
During trekking we will have included one main meal per day, usually pasta with proteins. If you’re vegetarian, vegan or has any restrictions please advise our staff before departure. While exercising we don’t recommend meals, only snacks. Breakfast is not included. Therefore, we kindly ask you to bring your breakfast and snacks, both can be combined together. We highly recommend nut mixes.
How do we get water?
The water is 100% natural water and contains living microorganisms. If you’re not used to this type of ingestion, we recommend the use of water purification.
Are there bathroom facilities?
Yes. The mountain shelters provide bathroom facilities designed for minimum environmental impact. Please bring garbage bag and toilet paper with you for any emergency use.
How’s the group? Who will I be travelling with?
Our expeditions consists of small groups. In case of large number of people, we will divide into small groups that will hike with minimum interval. Other people might join the same group. If you want to go on a private group, contact us before booking.
What kind of gear do I need? What are the luggage restrictions? Packing tips?
A comfortable backpacking pack (60L minimum) is mandatory. Camping gear will be provided. Rentals are available in case you need, please let us know prior to departure. Assistance before departure is available, contact us.
What are the vaccines needed? What about the Zyka Virus?
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory. Aedes Aegypti is an urban mosquito, it does not proliferate in wild natural environments. No diseases transmitted by this mosquito will be found in the natural places visited (dengue, zyka, etc)
Do I have to bring cash?
We always recommend to bring cash with you. In Teresópolis there is possibility to buy local handcraft and souvenirs. Drinks and tips are not included also.
Where do we sleep?
While trekking the overnights will be either in mountain shelters or the camping sites nearby. It will depend entirely on the park’s availability. In Teresópolis the overnight will be in a medium class hotel.
Any wildlife risks?
The highest risk are venomous animals. They usually get away from humans, but there is the possibility to find snakes or spiders along the way.
What’s the physical effort involved?
The trekking in Serra dos Órgãos National Park is extreme because of obstacles, distance and altitude variation. In Três Picos State Park there is less physical effort involved.
What ages is it suitable?
Each person knows their limits. We don’t limit anybody, but we don’t recommend to youngers less than 12 years old.
Prices
04 days tour
734USD per person (for 02 or more persons group)
1083USD per person (for 01 person group)
08 days tour
1945USD per person (for 02 or more persons group)
2799USD per person (for 01 person group)
Book at our partners
Availability
This tour has daily departure
• Daily departure available.
• Please consider that this tour requires booking 5 days in advance.
• Hotels located in regions São Conrado, Barra da Tijuca and Recreio are not supported. If you’re in a non-supported location we will forward you to the nearest supported location.
Group type and promotions
- Small groups (10 persons max)
- Bilingual activity leaders (Professional tour guides)
- Satellite monitoring with SPOT Gen3
- Bookings for more than 5 persons, contact us!
Maps and Orienteering
Destinations:
- Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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