Charity trek in Brazil, trekking & kayaking
| country: | Brazil |
| trip type: | Charity treks |
| departures: | 2010: 13 Aug 2011: 24 Mar, 13 Oct |
| price: | From £575 (11 days) deposit + £3650 fundraised (55% to charity) inc UK flights |
| more info: | Self funders from £575 deposit + £1742 (inc £100 to charity). Other payment options available |
introduction to Charity trek in Brazil, trekking & kayaking
Trek & Kayak the coast of Brazil and raise money for your favourite charity at the same time as taking part in an amazing adventure!
Highlights include:
Trek in Brazils most Atlantic Rainforest scenery Swim in spectacular waterfalls Stay overnight in a native house and camping Sea kayak around the islands of the Bay of Paraty Free day in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country, occupying almost half the South American continent and bordering every country on it except Chile and Ecuador. In its 8.5 million square kilometers Brazil possesses fantastic landscapes and cultural diversity.
This exciting challenge combines trekking in the Serra da Bocaina National Park and kayaking in the Bay of Paraty around a substantial rainforest area between Rio and São Paulo, very close to the Tropics. Serra da Bocaina National Park, which integrates the Sea Mountain Range (Serra do Mar), is located between the Northern coast of São Paulo and the Southern coast of Rio de Janeiro. In the Tupi-Guarani language, Bocaina means "paths to the heights". Access to the "heights" remains difficult, preserving the natural integrity of the land where you will find yourself surrounded by the gloriously lush Atlantic Rainforest. More than 50% of its trees are endemic and are located nowhere else. This transforms it into a forest with the biggest biodiversity on the planet, with a larger diversity than the Amazon. Cedar, the surinam cherry, cinnamon, and many ferns, orchids and bromeliad, are common. In the higher parts of the range you can find araucarias and pines. Animal species common to this area are forest deer, wild pigs, mini ant-eater, sectarian, bugio monkey, nail-monkey, muriqui monkey, land canary, cui-cui, sabiá-cica bird – which in fact is a parrot, the purple chest parrot, the green beaked toucan, and the rare jacutinga bird, among others.
After finishing your trek you will head to Paraty, located on the border between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states. Founded in 1531, Paraty was a busy port in the 1700s, exporting gold from the mines of Minas Gerais. Paraty contains beautifully preserved colonial architecture and was declared a Historical Heritage Site in 1958. Over the next three days, you will kayak from the Bay of Paraty, to the Saco do Mamangua. The Bay of Paraty offers you a tropical forest, more than 60 islands, 300 beaches and unforgettable marine sceneries.
Having completed the kayaking section of the challenge, you will transfer to Rio to visit its sights. You will celebrate the completion of your challenge in Rio de Janeiro, affectionately known as Rio, stretching among mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. On an inlet of tropical vegetation Rio is considered by many to be among the most beautiful cities in the world. Brazil's 2nd largest city after Sao Paulo, Rio is perhaps most famous for its Christ the Redeemer statue which overlooks the city on Corcovado mountain. You will have the chance to visit this famous statue, deservedly elected by the city’s population as the “Wonder of Rio”.
Please note: This trip can also be booked without flights. Some of the dates are exclusive for specific charities, please contact us for details.
Highlights include:
Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country, occupying almost half the South American continent and bordering every country on it except Chile and Ecuador. In its 8.5 million square kilometers Brazil possesses fantastic landscapes and cultural diversity.
This exciting challenge combines trekking in the Serra da Bocaina National Park and kayaking in the Bay of Paraty around a substantial rainforest area between Rio and São Paulo, very close to the Tropics. Serra da Bocaina National Park, which integrates the Sea Mountain Range (Serra do Mar), is located between the Northern coast of São Paulo and the Southern coast of Rio de Janeiro. In the Tupi-Guarani language, Bocaina means "paths to the heights". Access to the "heights" remains difficult, preserving the natural integrity of the land where you will find yourself surrounded by the gloriously lush Atlantic Rainforest. More than 50% of its trees are endemic and are located nowhere else. This transforms it into a forest with the biggest biodiversity on the planet, with a larger diversity than the Amazon. Cedar, the surinam cherry, cinnamon, and many ferns, orchids and bromeliad, are common. In the higher parts of the range you can find araucarias and pines. Animal species common to this area are forest deer, wild pigs, mini ant-eater, sectarian, bugio monkey, nail-monkey, muriqui monkey, land canary, cui-cui, sabiá-cica bird – which in fact is a parrot, the purple chest parrot, the green beaked toucan, and the rare jacutinga bird, among others.
After finishing your trek you will head to Paraty, located on the border between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states. Founded in 1531, Paraty was a busy port in the 1700s, exporting gold from the mines of Minas Gerais. Paraty contains beautifully preserved colonial architecture and was declared a Historical Heritage Site in 1958. Over the next three days, you will kayak from the Bay of Paraty, to the Saco do Mamangua. The Bay of Paraty offers you a tropical forest, more than 60 islands, 300 beaches and unforgettable marine sceneries.
Having completed the kayaking section of the challenge, you will transfer to Rio to visit its sights. You will celebrate the completion of your challenge in Rio de Janeiro, affectionately known as Rio, stretching among mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. On an inlet of tropical vegetation Rio is considered by many to be among the most beautiful cities in the world. Brazil's 2nd largest city after Sao Paulo, Rio is perhaps most famous for its Christ the Redeemer statue which overlooks the city on Corcovado mountain. You will have the chance to visit this famous statue, deservedly elected by the city’s population as the “Wonder of Rio”.
what this trip includes
International flights to and from Brazil, all internal transfers, all meals, accommodation in local houses, hotels or tents as described in the itinerary, sea kayaks, group first aid supplies, an English speaking expedition leader and full local support team (drivers, vehicles, radios, etc), relevant back-up facilities, a T-Shirt, US$20 to the local community project, transfers to and from the project visit, and discount from Nomad Travellers Stores for personal equipment. We also make a contribution through Climate Care to offset the equivalent CO2 emissions of your international flight. Please note: This trip can also be booked without flights. Some of the dates are exclusive for specific charities, please contact us for details.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | International Travel - UK to Brazil. Your flight departs from London to Sao Paulo. A representative will be at the airport to assist you with the check-in and any last minute questions. |
| Day 2: | Arrive São Paulo and transfer to Bocaina Region. Arrival into São Paulo where you will be met at the airport by our local agent who will transfer you (approx 3hrs) by private van or minibus from the airport to main town where the trek starts, Cunha (950m altitude). From here you will take a local transfer 14km to the beginning of the trek (1,300m) in the Bocaina region. Dinner and overnight will be spent at a local house on a farm complex in shared rooms and tents with hot shower bathrooms. This evening you will have a full briefing about the challenge ahead. |
| Day 3: | Bocaina Trekking - 25kms. You challenge begins today with breakfast at around 0800hrs. The trek will descend from 1,300m to 700m at Rancho Mameluco, one of the most challenging days of your expedition. Most of the time you are trekking next to or crossing the Guaripu River, stopping to swim as you go. The terrain is rocky and uneven today and the trekking is challenging due to humid conditions making the ground muddy and you hot. Just before arriving at your home for the night, you will glimpse the impressive Cachoeira dos Veados waterfall (200m), a teaser for tomorrow! Tonight will be spent at Rancho Mameluco. |
| Day 4: | Trek around Cachoeira dos Veados - 5km+ and afternoon optional trek or swim. After yesterday’s tough trek, you will begin with a hearty breakfast before extensively exploring the Cachoeira dos Veados from all sides. This amazing experience culminates in the centre of this waterfall where you can swim in its second pool beneath the tumbling falls and its spray. You will then return to the Rancho for lunch. In the afternoon you can continue to swim if you wish in the Mambucaba River or take an optional trek. This afternoon’s optional trek is on a steep, local path and will last from 2-3 hours. Tonight will be spent at Rancho Mameluco again. |
| Day 5: | Trek from Bocaina to Paraty - 18kms. After breakfast you will resume your trekking descending 700m to sea level. The trail for today is the official path used to export the mined gold. This route is almost untouched by adventurers. You will stop for a swim at Mambucaba River along the trail. At the end of the trail you will be transferred by minibus to Paraty, a colonial city and a natural port used during the ‘Golden Age’. Lunch and dinner will be eaten in Paraty and you will receive a full briefing about the kayak challenge ahead. After dinner you will have time to see the town at its best - by night, as you stroll around the small streets of the village. Overnight in a pousada with shared rooms for up to 4 people per room with private facilities. |
| Day 6: | Paraty - Saco do Mamanguá Kayaking – 4-6 hrs kayaking. This morning you will leave most of your luggage at the pousada and just take your kayaking essentials. You will return here on Day 8 to collect the rest of your luggage. You will then transfer by car to Paraty Mirim where you will pick up your 2-man inflatable sea kayaks and start to paddle to Saco do Mamanguá. You will stop throughout the day for a picnic lunch and to swim and even snorkel. You will complete the day camping at a deserted beach along the coast. |
| Day 7: | Saco do Mamanguá to Paraty Bay - 4-6 hrs kayaking. After breakfast you will start to paddle to the entrance of Paraty Bay passing between Ilha dos Cocos and Ilha dos Meros, two excellent points to snorkel and to have a relaxing lunch. You will end the day at Praia Vermelha, da Lula or da Conceição for dinner and overnight camping. |
| Day 8: | Paraty to Rio de Janeiro – 5 hrs kayaking. After breakfast you will start the last challenge day of your expedition. Today you will see the colonial town of Paraty from the sea, a spectacular view. You will arrive in Paraty and have time to take a shower (at the same pousada as Day 5) and have lunch. You will then transfer (approx 3½hrs) along the scenic route to Rio and arrive in time for dinner. Overnight in hotel. |
| Day 9: | Free day in Rio. After breakfast you have the day to yourself to explore the Copocabana or Ipanema beach’s which are close to the hotel. Tonight you will have your celebration meal and overnight in hotel. |
| Day 10: | Morning in Rio. Transfer to airport. After breakfast you will visit the statue synonymous with Brazil, Rio’s Christ Redeemer. From here you will have a view over all of Rio including the Copacabana Beach and Sugar Loaf Mountain. You will then transfer out to Rio de Janeiro Airport for your return flight. |
| Day 11: | Arrive home. Arrival back to London. |
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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Environment
As a company we have drastically reduced the carbon footprint of our UK operations, and are making a huge effort to do so in their destination countries too. We are also investing to offset the emissions from the international flights required to take part in our challenges. We also provide travellers with a responsible tourism policy detailing ways in which you can be an ethical traveller. From packing conscientiously to advice on local customs & environmental awareness overseas to maintaining contact with your new international friends upon your return – our policy is a comprehensive document providing all the info you need to trek, climb of cycle responsibly. Community Our responsible commitment extends to helping the local communities we visit. We employ local guides, porters and other essential support staff, and use locally owned accommodation. We donate USD$500 per trek to various projects including Task Brasil. Task Brasil is a UK based charity running programmes for street children in Brazil, most of whom have been either orphaned or abandoned. Deprived of any alternative, these children 'escape' to the streets where they attempt to carry on with their lives. Task Brasil improves the lives and supports the needs of children, adolescents and pregnant teenage girls living on the streets of Brazil. By participating you have helped us in making a vital contribution to Task Brasil’s work. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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