Paraty - Local Communities at the Atlantic Rainforest 3 days

The small coastal village of Parati is a virtual museum within a tropical paradise. It is located 125 miles (78mi.) southeast of Rio and possesses one of the finest "collections" of classical 18th century Portuguese colonial buildings. In the early 1700's Parati was a major gold shipping port. Most of the gold from the inland province of Minas Gerais was transported over the mountains to Parati and then shipped to Portugal. With the advent of the construction of a new road linking central Minas Gerais to the Atlantic coast to where now is the State of Espirito Santo, the town quickly went into decline. Today it has become a major international destination for sophisticated tourists seeking sunshine and spectacular beaches (including snorkeling and scuba) all within a classical architectural setting. Automobile traffic is forbidden inside the city in order to preserve the tranquil ambience.

Program Summary

Day 1
Pick up at local hotel in Rio for regular transfer (08:30am) 4h transfer to the  historical city of Parati. Arrival and check into Porto Imperial Pousada. In the afternoon, walking city tour for a historical knowledge of Parati. Lunch is not included.
Overnight at Porto Imperial Pousada.

Day 2
Breakfast at the pousada facilities. Departure at 8am for a full day tour to Saco do Mamanguá led by an expert guide. At Parati Mirim Beach, embark on boat, and after 50min of navigation we will arrive at Saco do Mamanguá. Walk through the Atlantic forest for 40min and visit the local community (Caiçaras). Stop at Regate handcraft house for a work exhibition of their handcraft production. Lunch offered by the community. Return to Paraty with a stop at an indigenous community.

Day 3 
Breakfast at the pousada facilities. Check out. Regular transfer (options 08:30h; 12:30pm) back to Rio de Janeiro.

General Information

Guide Language:	English. Other language upon request
Level:	Easy Level Ecotourism
Included:	All activities mentioned; Accommodation x 2 nights at Porto Imperial Pousada with breakfast; Regular transfer in/out Parati-Rio-Parati; walking city tour; Private visit to a local community; 1 lunch offered by local community; bilingual guide
Not Included:	Air ticket, beverages, insurance, and any other item not specified in the day-by-day itinerary
Personal Gear:	tennis shoes, bathing suits, comfortable clothes, hat, sunscreen, light coat (May-Aug).