Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
Trekking in the Bocaina Hills started over 10 years ago with a young man named Jose Milton. As a local, Jose Milton, trip leader, has brought new meaning to the area with the first organised trip to the hills. Within the years his efforts have involved the government with the creation of a National Park. With that, conservation and awareness of the protection of the region was officially established.
A fee is collected from everyone entering the park, strict garbage disposal is required and all trekkers embarking on the Golden Trail journey must be registered and request a visiting permit to the parks authorities ahead of their trip.
All trips are done on foot with a minimal of negative impact. Non-recyclable garbage made by the inn is carefully collected and disposed weekly at the closest city. The main lodge on the hills is small and simple and can accommodate a maximum of 40 persons at a time. Delicious home cooking–style meals are prepared daily using locally grown produce and vegetables.
The local community of Sao Jose do Barreiro has also improved with the arrival of the tourists; new businesses have appeared to supply the demand of passing by travellers. Small inns are a perfect place for those wanting to stay a bit longer. Local handcrafts and homemade sweets are not only great souvenirs to take back but also a perfect snack to have along the road. Still the town and its people remain humble; that is certainly the most rewarding part of this trip.
Due to the geographic positioning of the Bocaina Hills, it can be cold at nights especially during winter months. Jose Milton’s company has started a yearlong campaign by collecting donated clothes (warm sweaters and such) to be distributed to local families living along the hills.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
