Description
A three - or four - day visit to the Serra da Bocaina National Park, which is the largest area of preserved Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil, located in between the States of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, only a few hours drive from Rio de Janeiro. The Park and the area around it give visitors the opportunity to experience a few days in the lush mountainous rainforest, with breathtaking views, rich vegetation and wildlife, and offers a variety of activities, which will captivate birdwatchers, hikers, adventurous travellers, and friends of nature in general.

We operate with two “pousadas”- the Pousada do Rio Mimoso and Pousada da Terra - both nested at 1.250 meters altitude, within the conservation unit, and located next to good trails, leading to impressive waterfalls, rivers and forest areas, rich in wildlife and typical vegetation of the rainforest at this altitude. Both pousadas are small, family run, with six cosy, well-decorated chalets and rooms. The food is the typical Brazilian dish, healthy, and has an excellent quality.
Our tours include a bi-lingual guide with knowledge of the area, all transfers to and from Rio, lodging, and full board. Activities include easy till intermediate level hikes to sites of interest (guided), visits to waterfalls and areas of original primary forest, and evening discussions about the rainforest and the wildlife that can be observed. There are also excellent trails for jogging. Just relaxing and enjoying the nature is also one favourite way to pass the time.
Horseback riding and trout fishing are also available (a small extra fee). Optional activities include longer, more adventurous excursions, such as a six-hour hike to the “Pedra do Frade” (1.589m) –or a seven-hour descent to the beaches of Angra dos Reis. They have to be booked in advance, and are operated in the dry season only (April –September). This visit can also be extended to continue to Ilha Grande, a beautiful tropical island in the Angra dos Reis Bay area.

Program
Day 1:

8:00: Pick-up at the hotels.
Departure from Rio for a two and a half-hour transfer to the town of Bananal, São Paulo State. Brief guided stroll through the historical town of Bananal, which was the richest town in Brazil during the “coffee period” from 1830 – 1880. After the stroll we will enjoy a light lunch. One-hour transfer on a dirt road in a Volkswagen bus to the “Bananal Ecological Station”, a 880 ha state conservation unit, situated at 1.250 m. altitude in the Serra da Bocaina mountain.

After an introduction at the Visitors centre, we will:
• Take a short hike on the “Sete Quedas” (Seven Falls) trail to see the last two falls
• For those who may wish to do so, there will be an opportunity to take a bath under the falls
• Hike on a recuperated stretch of two kilometres of one of the original “Gold Trails” from 1713.
• Have an overview of the area and the National Park
Departure for the Pousada, where we will arrive at approximately 6 PM.
Welcome drink and dinner

Day2:

Breakfast
Guided hike to the Bracuí Waterfall, overlooking Angra dos Reis (easy to intermediate level).
Return to the Pousada.
Lunch. Afternoon “on your own” – for further hikes, bathing, relaxing, etc. Dinner with social event.

Day 3:
After breakfast departure to Sertão do Rio Vermelho for a visit to an original area of primary rainforest. In case of staying at the Pousada do Rio Mimoso departure to the Rio Bonito. Return for lunch
15:00 Departure for Rio de Janeiro (if you booked the 3days/2 nights-tour), arriving at the hotels between 19:00 and 20:00.

Day 4:
After breakfast you pass the morning “on your own”, having the possibility of horseback riding, hikes, swimming, or just relaxing.
Departure at 11 AM for the Acqua Lake, where we will visit a trout farm and the Usina Waterfall.
Typical local lunch. Continuation to Rio, arriving at the hotels at aprox. 6 –7 PM.

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More information:
The visit may be extended to continue to Ilha Grande via transfer to Angra dos Reis, aprox 4 hours from the pousadas in Bocaina.

The climate: is cool, crisp and dry in the winter season, stretching from April – October. Evenings can be cold with temperatures below freezing, but sunny and warm during the days. July – September are the driest months.
The summer period from November – March is the rainy season. Serra da Bocaina is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Paraíba Valley and is therefore subject to large climatic variations and thunderstorms in this period of the year. This is when the rainforest gets his amount of rain!

What to take with you:
Clothing and shoes for hiking, warm clothes for the cool evenings, bathing suit & towel, binoculars, flash light , and insect repellent –no, there are not many mosquitoes ! Do bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat or cap to protect from the sun.

Not included:
Drinks are extra and also optional tours and activities such as special extended hikes and horseback riding.

Group size:
Min 2 pax

Rate:
Rate