The National Park of Bocaina - The Gold Trail 3 days

Trekking at the Gold Trail © Roberto Mourão

Serra da Bocaina National Park lays between the solids of Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira, and has a great variation of temperature – the warm tropical climate by the coastline and at the same time temperatures down to 0 Celsius degrees registered up in the mountains. The park was created in 1972, with a total area of 100.000 hectares. It is a colonial way that was made by slaves with river stones.
Of the nascent of  Mambucaba River - the highest point of the Bocaina Mountain - a singular trail goes in direction to the sea with great part of it covered for stones placed by slaves more than 200 years ago. Initially just used by Indian Guaianazes, later on, by the stonesbed of the Gold Trail passed the troops loaded with the gold of "Minas Gerais" and "valeparaibano" coffee; today people that coming from several parts of Brazil and of the world are the ones that venture, attract by the beauty of the Atlantic Rainforest and for the beautiful waterfalls, in an adventure of 3 days crossing the National Park of the Bocaina Mountain.

Program Summary

Day 1 - Rio De Janeiro - Bocaina National Park
Transfer from Rio to Volta Redonda, departuring around 05:30.  120km (75mi.) outside Rio de Janeiro.  Upon arrival, embark on a 4WD to the historical city of São Jose do Barreiro with its great architecture from XIX century.  We will continue to the Bocaina National Park.  Arriving on the top, we’ll trek for 20km (12mi.), visiting waterfalls and enjoying the National Park with its natural surround; Typical dinner and overnight in simple pousada. (L, D).

Day 2- Bocaina National Park
Breakfast. Preparing for trekking around 13km (8mi.) in the top of the mountain.
Arriving on the edges of the Mambucaba river, we will prepare our equipment to spend the night in a simple house of the local people. Already installed, we will visit the Cachoeira dos Veados (Deer waterfall) with 200mt (656ft). Return for dinner and overnight (B,L,D)

Day 3- Gold Trail
Breakfast. Departure for crossing the Manbucaba river, beginning going down through Atlantic Forest with amazing landscape, water fountains, and waterfalls. 5 hours trekking.
We will arriving at 15:00 at sea level. 

Optional: Manbucaba rafting – moderate level 3, with 1 hour of extreme adventure.
Embark on private vehicle for transferring to Rio de Janeiro.

General Information

Capacity:	Minimum of 02 and maximum of 20 travelers
Level:	Difficult Program
Guide Language:	English. Other languages upon request
Included:	Transportation, bilingual guide, overnights, meals (as above), entrance fee to the park, snacks during tours
Not Included:	Air ticket, insurance, beverages
Personal Gear:	Shorts, pants, t-shirt, sandals or slippers, small rucksack with personal things, swimming trunk/suit, tower, cap, sun block, raincoat, jacket