Amazon Adventures

Brazil

Gauchos and Grapes

Rio Grande do Sul reserves adventures of all kinds and degrees. Its concentration is located in the canyons of Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza, two marvels of nature of the south of the country. Huge geological gaps up to 800 meters deep, are filled with waterfalls, atlantic forest, prime forests, and surrounded by the top fields of the mountain ridge. So beautiful and significant that two national parks were created to protect them, Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra and Parque Nacional da Serra Geral. The canyons offer most beautiful spectacles: walking around them we feel tempted to lie down at the edge and look down. The sight is dazzling down there - the cliffs of the rivers look like pebbles and the trees remind one of the shapes of a Japanese garden. The countless rivers of the region drop into. the gorge of the canyons and many of them arrive down there as moist mist: there is not enough water to reach the ground.

But the adventures offered by the south of Brazil are not only formed by canyons: ecotourism, gastronomy, culture... there is everything. For example, rafting on Rio Parana, one of the most beautitul in the country in a clean river and-surrounded by much green vegetation. Or then canyoning, which can be performed at Trilha das Tres Forquilhas, on a thick and high wall 40 meters high and a waterfall of 20. Aren't you tired yet? How about Vale da- Ferradura, a park leaning out over a valley where the Rio Santa Cruz is in the shape of a horeshoe? The trail leading down to the river takes an hour to go on and the reward is a delicious bath. To end a full. day, the night offers varied gastronomical programs: pampa food, colonial coffee1 rodizio of fondues and pizzas, tempered with much music and dancing. Aparados da Serra is a destination- to be revealed, replete with unforgettable scenery.

APARADOS DA SERRA -
REGULAR DEPARTURES ON SUNDAYS ONLY

Day 1: PORTO ALEGRE/ PRAIA GRANDE (SC)
Pick up at airport and transfer to Praia Grande, border city with Santa Catarina State. Arrival at Refúgio Ecológico Pedra Afiada. Free time to relax and welcome dinner. (,,D)

Day 2: MORRO DO PINTO E CACHOEIRA DA ONÇA
After breakfast, group will proceed up hill on the Morro do Pinto. Located by the north side of Molha Coco Canyon, (Serra Geral National Park), this trail goes up to an altitude of 600m passyng by and old road used for wood extraction. Today, the trail represents an example of the Atlantic forest's fauna and wildlife regeneration. From the top, we observe the Cânion Molha Coco's Through, the Índios Coroados Door, and the northeast façade of the Serra do Faxinal, Praia Grande village, the Praia de Torres and part of the littoral north of the State of Santa Catarina as well as the Sombrio Lagoon, and the north side of the Malacara and Refúgio Canyons. On the way down, the trail takes through the Onça Waterfall with possibility of rappel (must book in advance). Dinner will be served back atthe Refúgio Ecológico Pedra Afiada. (B,,D)

Day 3: POÇO DO CÂNION MALACARA/ OPCIONAIS
Breakfast. Morning trekking inside the Malacara Canyon (Serra Geral National Parc), a three hours walk through the along the riverbanks passing by small natural swimming pools. The Atlantic Forest and the cliff of the canyon are always present on the landscape. Stop for swim in a Natural Swimming pool. Lunch a afternoon free for rest. Dinner at Refúgio. (B,L,D)

Day 4: ITAIMBÉZINHO AND ÍNDIOS COROADOS CANYONS
Breakfast. We proceed to meet the most famous Canyon ion Brazil: The Itaimbézinho, located at Aparados da Serra National Park. Trekking through the Vértice and the Cotovelo trails, at the upper part of the canyon. Lunch at Incluso Trail. After lunch, easy walk to the amazing water fall of the Índios Coroados Canyon. Back to hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5: TOP OF PEDRA BRANCA OR RIO DO BOI TRAIL
Today we have two options of tracks and we will, We will pick one according to the climat conditions and fitness level of the group. Mix of climbing and walk inside the Atlantic forest up to the top of the Pedra Branca: 500 meters up to the top of the rock reaching 720 meters high. From the top, it is possible to see the river this valley is named after. Other option is trekking at Rio do Boi trail. Group will walk inside the Itaimbézinho, by the river and rocks of the valley passing by many, many waterfalls and natural swimming pools. (B,L,D)

Day 6: CANYON OF FORTALEZA
Breakfast. Today we have trekking through the Cânion of Fortaleza (Serra Geral National Park), considered one of the mos Beautiful of Brazil. Walk by the main observation points: Quebra-cangalho Hill, Tigre Preto waterfall and Pedra do Segredo. Lunch on trail. Swim on the river. Afternoon, walk back to pousada for farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 7: PRAIA GRANDE/PORTO ALEGRE
After breakfast, travel back to Porto Alegre. Direct transfer to Airport.

Included in the program:
" Land Transportation;
" Accommodation at Refúgio Ecológico Pedra Afiada incl breakfast and dinner;
" 3 box lunches on trail;
" Entrance fees on national parks;
" English guided assistance.

IMPORTANT:
" CHD - from 5 to 10 years old - same room of parents (75% charge);
" Rates are valid up to JUL de 2007 (except for holidays);
" Rates are subject to change without previous notice.

2007 Price per person in US$:

	1 person	2 people	3 people	4 people	6 people
single	$2170	$1439	$1196	$1070	$949
double	-	$1238	$995	$870	$749
triple	-	-	$962	$836	$715
quad/bungalow	-	-	-	$810	$689

ACCOMODATION: Refúgio Ecológico Pedra Afiada
It is located on the border of Serra Geral National Park with impressive view of the gigantic walls with more than 1kim high of Malacara Canyon. The pousada offers 09 rooms, and one bungalow. All rooms fully equipped with shower, fen and a balcony. Large living room with a fireplace, souvenirs store, bar and bistro are also at disposal. Maps and satellite images are available for guests. Pousada also offers outside area belvedere, hammocks, sauna and swimming pool. Trails, rivers and waterfalls are easy to find following the trails close to the pousada.

Recommended gear:
Comfortable "non-slip" shoes (two pairs), light clothing, long pants, jacket for the night; trekking back packer; heat, swimming clothes, rain colt, sun block, extra towel, mosquito repellent, trash plastic bag, camera, snacks and mineral water.

Important:
Itinerary may vary to take full advantage of unfolding natural and cultural events or due to changes in the climate and weather, logistics and other local conditions.

Brazil

Gauchos and Grapes

APARADOS DA SERRA - REGULAR DEPARTURES ON SUNDAYS ONLY

APARADOS DA SERRA -
REGULAR DEPARTURES ON SUNDAYS ONLY