Costa Verde, Brazil
UPDATE - This trip is now FULL, as the first 14 people have now paid their deposit. If anyone has to pull out, the next person on the list will have the option of taking that place.
14-26 June, 2020 (13 days, 12 nights)
Itinerary Summary
Day 01: Rio arrival and overnight
Day 02: Day in Rio, overnight in Rio
Day 03: Day in Rio, overnight in Rio
Day 04: Transfer to Paraty and overnight in Paraty
Day 05-12: Paddling route (8 days paddling, 7 overnights).
Day 12: Paddle day, then transport back to Paraty with overnight in Paraty
Day 13: Transfer out / Paraty to Rio de Janeiro airport
Brazil's tropical Costa Verde, located just south of Rio de Janeiro, is literally covered in hundreds of islands and beaches. Natgeo has called this area "a sea kayaker ìs paradise" and for good reason!
After taking in the iconic sights of Rio de Janeiro – the beaches, the Sugarloaf and the Christ statue amongst others – we head down to the beautiful colonial town of Paraty where our paddling trip begins.
Over the next 8 days we will paddle between remote fishing villages as we kayak around the car-free Juatinga peninsular. We stay in a mix of local houses and guesthouses – no camping! – exploring the islands, beaches and Atlantic Rainforest on the way.
Whilst the focus is on the world class paddling there will be many other highlights giving you insights into the local way of life. We will visit the Maria Izabel cachaça distillery, where the rum is still made the traditional way. On the Wild Food Walk we will be foraging in the Rainforest, identifying and collecting amazing and tasty fruits and flowers, leaves and mushrooms and even insects that you will be invited to try. There will be fishing with locals; a handicrafts workshop and a chance to pick up some dugout canoe paddling skills.
This is an unforgettable trip for paddlers who want to go enjoy amazing kayaking as well as experiencing the local culture.
Price per person (valid for 2020) USD2,700 per person based on 2 people sharing, 8 or more participants
Single supplement USD available on request
Included in price:
All accommodation (12 nights), based on 02 people sharing. Meals (12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 evening meals) Drinking water on paddling route: All guided activities as described Kayak equipment rental (2 doubles, other single kayaks) English speaking guides throughout All land transport (airport transfers; tours transport in Rio; round trip transfers from Rio; and trailhead transport in Paraty) Christ statue entrance fees in Rio de Janeiro Sugarloaf enrance fees in Rio de Janeiro
Not included in price: Personal expenses Drinks
Itinerary
Day 1: Rio de Janeiro Arrival & Walking Tour
Arrival in Rio Airport transfer (airconditioned) Sightseeing tour in the afternoon – time to stretch your legs after your long flight on this walking tour of the neighbourhoods and beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.
Overnight accommodation in Rio (CL, D)
Day 2: The unmissable sights of Rio de Janeiro Guided Tour through the Tijuca Forest to the Christ Statue followed by Sta Teresa, the Selaron steps, lunch in the downtown area and a walking tour of the historical city center (duration 6 hours)
Evening: Churrascaria – Meat BBQ, Brazilian style!
Overnight accommodation in Rio (B, CL, D)
Day 3: Sugarloaf and soaking up the atmosphere in Rio
A day at the beach in Rio followed by sunset from the top of the iconic Sugarloaf peak.
Overnight accommodation in Rio (B, D)
Day 4: Paraty
9 am: Transfer to Paraty (airconditioned minibus, approx 4 hours) Pm: Tour of the picturesque colonial town of Paraty, a UNESCO nominated World Heritage Site for 19th Century Colonial Architecture
Overnight accommodation in Paraty (B, CL, D)
Days 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 10, 11 and 12 Sea Kayaking on Brazil’s Green Coast (8 paddling days)
The exact kayaking route will vary depending on local weather conditions. We paddle for approximately 3 to 4 hours per day, with plenty of time for relaxation and other activities.
Day 5: The Bay of Paraty a visit to a Cachaça Distillery Our Green Coast Sea Kayaking adventure begins on the beach at Paraty. After paddling and safety instruction we will paddle in the first of 3 protected bays, the bay of Paraty, hopping between islands and beaches. After lunch we stop at the small, independent Maria Izabel cachaça distillery where the rum is still made the traditional way. Maria Izabel ìs rum is considered one of the best in Brazil (voted top 10 by Playboy magazine in 2011 & 2013) and on your tour of the distillery she will reveal her secrets for making fine craft cachaça!
After a tour of the distillery with your English speaking guide there will be time for a cachaça tasting session. And, of course, an opportunity to buy cachaça at discount rates, before heading to Vermelha Beach where we will spend the night. . Overnight accommodation in mix of shared and dorm style rooms and Happy Hammock Eco- Guesthouse (B, CL, D)
Day 6: The Costa Verde to Mamangua bay As we paddle further away from Paraty the landscape becomes increasingly wild and beautiful. Today we paddle along some of the finest scenery the Costa Verde (Green Coast) has to offer. Rainforest covered mountains running down to deserted sandy beaches and an unforgettable coastline.
Overnight accommodation in Mamangua (B, CL, D)
Day 7: Marine Life Sanctuary and Brazil’s only Tropical Fjord In addition to its sandy beaches and clear waters the fjord, with its protected waters and mangrove, is a natural sanctuary for marine life with over 100 species of fish. Today we paddle to the mangrove at the back of the bay and see at first hand how the three ecosystems in the fjord support marine life.
For lunch we visit a family of craftsmen skilled in the art of sculpting small decorative boats for which Mamanguá is well known. With deft moves of his machete the local craftsman will demonstrate how these boats are made from local caixeta wood and there will be a chance to take part in a workshop to produce your very own boat!
Overnight accommodation in Mamangua (B, CL, D)
Day 8: Mamangua Sugarloaf peak and a Wild Food Walk From your bayside base you have a great view of the imposing Mamanguá Sugarloaf Mountain (425m peak) which you climb in the morning for unmissable views of the whole region.
Today we will also spend time with leading Brazilian forager, Jorge. A passionate mushroom hunter and experienced collector of wild plants, Jorge will share with you some of his vast knowledge of amazing local plants – their scientific and popular names, their nutritional qualities and medicinal characteristics.
After a short talk on safety and responsible foraging Jorge will take you through the forest, identifying and collecting amazing and tasty fruits and flowers, leaves and mushrooms and even insects that you will be invited to try. Jorge will help you identify edible plants and there will be plenty of wide ranging chat from nutrition, medicine and herbalism to botany, cookery, horticulture and history. We finish this wild food walk with a picnic made from many of the plants you have collected on the way.
Overnight accommodation in Mamangua (B, PL, D)
Day 9: Caiçara Fishing Village Today we paddle to Pouso da Cajaiba, a remote fishing village on the edge of the Atlantic Rainforest. On the way we stop at a beautiful sandy beach, known locally as The Big Beach, for swimming and for a refreshing swim at a waterfall a short walk into the Rainforest. At Pouso da Cajaiba we will experience the local Caiçara culture – their way of life and their simple, yet delicious, cooking.
Overnight accommodation in Pouso da Cajaiba (B, CL, D)
Day 10: Crossing the peninsular
As we paddle round the Juatinga point we are out on the open seas, paddling the most remote part of this stunning coastline. On this side of the peninsular there is more swell and potentially surf landings. Our destination is the fishing village of Ponta Negra where, due to the open sea conditions, arguably the best local paddlers live.
Overnight accommodation in Ponta Negra fishing village (B, PL, D)
Day 11: Saco Bravo Waterfall With Ponta Negra village as our base we will explore the area on jungle trails visiting Saco Bravo waterfall with its naturally formed infinity pool perched on the rocky coastline overlooking the sea. There is no better way to cool off after a sweaty hike through the jungle!
Level of difficulty: moderate (steep hills, uneven terrain) Walking time: 4-5 hours
In the afternoon there will be time to paddle the dugout canoes with tips from the highly skilled local fishermen.
Overnight accommodation in Ponta Negra fishing village (B, CL, D)
Day 12: Trindade fishing village We complete our paddling trip around the peninsular arriving in the village of Trindade, the largest in the region. After lunch we will return to Paraty by road.
In the evening we have a farewell Brazilian style BBQ
Overnight accommodation in Paraty (B, PL, D)
Day 13: Return to Rio de Janeiro for onward travel In the morning there is time for some last minute shopping in Paraty and then it’s back in the bus to head back to Rio de Janeiro arriving mid- afternoon.
Overnight accommodation in Rio de Janeiro (B)
Accommodations:
Rio de Janeiro: 3 star hotel with excellent location midway between Ipanema and
Copacabana Beaches
Paraty: Guesthouse located near the Old Town.
On paddling route: Clean, charming accommodation in mix of simple guest houses,
lodges and local houses. Electricity for recharging phones and cameras. Hot water showers!
Meals Food is an important part of any travelling experience and on this trip you will try a variety of the very best Brazilian dishes. From the overwhelming all you can eat Brazilian meat BBQ experience in Rio to the fresh fish, shrimp and squid of the coastal communities and the rice, bean and manioc flower staple ingredients eating can be a pleasure in Brazil. As long as you know where to go and what to ask for! Fortunately our guides know all the best places – some well known, others hidden away.
B = Breakfast, PL = Picnic Lunch, CL = Cooked Lunch, D = Dinner/ Evening Meal
Weather conditions Although we paddle all year round the best time for sea kayaking is April to end of August. December, January and February are the tropical summer months which are very hot, very humid and very wet. They are best to be avoided. April, May, June and September are the quietest months which is why we recommend them for trips. This is the lowest of low season and usually the best weather. Warm and sunny during the day with big blue skies - mid 20s Celsius (mid 80s Fahrenheit), much less humid - and cooler at night (60s Fahrenheit).
Paddling conditions For days 5 – 9 it is mostly flat water, leisurely paddling in 3 different protected bays. As we round the peninsular on day 10 there is greater potential for swell and some stops require surf landings We monitor conditions and group’s abilities and change the route as appropriate. We work with a support boat on the longer paddling days. In addition to carrying bags the support boat has an important role for group comfort and safety.
Guides Over 10 years experience in leading kayak groups in the region. Trained and certified in Wilderness First Aid (NOLS, ASHI) American Canoe Association advanced kayak skills and rescue workshop training English and Portuguese speaking.
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