Discover Mamanguá on a 3-Day Kayaking Journey

The itinerary combines beautiful beaches, tropical islands, and traditional caiçara culture in the world’s only tropical fjord, Saco do Mamanguá.

Paraty is a hidden gem nestled between the lush greenery of the Atlantic Forest and the crystal-clear waters of the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro state. The city offers a journey back in time and an immersion in culture and natural beauty, being recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), preserving the richness of colonial architecture, list its historic center. But Paraty is much more than just a historic city!

Natural Beauties

The beaches of Paraty are true tropical paradises, with calm, crystal-clear waters surrounded by the vegetation of the Atlantic Forest. Beaches like Sono, Trindade, and Jabaquara are havens for nature lovers, ideal for relaxing, swimming, or simply watching a magnificent sunset.

And of course, the city has attractions for the more adventurous. You can explore trails through the forest, take boat trips around the region’s islands, and even dive into its marine life-filled waters. The diversity of fauna and flora found around the city offers unforgettable experiences!

Kayaking Journey

Speaking of enjoying natural beauty, how about embarking on a unique experience paddling to Saco do Mamanguá? The trip is a classic of the region. Over 3 days, you will travel along the Green Coast to Saco do Mamanguá. And the entire journey will be done in a kayak!

The Green Coast area is considered by National Geographic Traveller magazine as “a sea kayaker’s dream.” Throughout the route, you will be amazed by the golden sandy beaches, tropical islands, magical mangroves, and hidden waterfalls.

Spectacular Tour

The journey begins in Paraty, heading towards Saco do Mamanguá. Considered the world’s only tropical fjord, Mamanguá is a sea arm extending about 8 kilometers between a valley of mountains, forming dozens of small coves. It’s the perfect place for those who want to experience nature intensely!

Day 1

Starting from downtown Paraty, you will paddle along the Green Coast and be enchanted by the surprises along the way. The first stop is to rest and refresh at one of the region’s 30 beaches. There you will find abundant marine life, including fish, turtles, and if you’re lucky, even dolphins.

After recharging, you’ll paddle back out into the Paraty sea. Soon, you will reach the entrance of Mamanguá Bay. The next stop is Praia do Cruzeiro, where you will stay in cabins for two nights. Take the opportunity to rest and enjoy the beauty of the place because the next day will be full of adventure!

Day 2

The day starts early with a hike to Pico do Mamanguá, also known locally as Pico do Pão de Açúcar. The climb is steep and takes about an hour to reach the top, but the view is worth the effort. The panorama from there is incredible, with a vast green area meeting the expansive sea. It’s time for that panoramic photo to capture the entire Saco do Mamanguá!

Back at the beach, you can enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant on Praia do Cruzeiro. And it doesn’t stop there! The afternoon is reserved for exploring the local mangrove. That’s right! In your kayak, you will paddle along Saco do Mamanguá for about an hour until you reach the Rio Grande mangrove.

Paddling for another half hour into the mangrove, you will reach the trailhead to the Rio Grande Waterfall. A 10-minute walk will bring you to a perfect pool for a refreshing freshwater bath. Climbing the rocks for another 5 minutes, you will encounter the waterfall. The cascading water provides a delightful shoulder massage. Enjoy every moment!

By late afternoon, you will be back at the beach. Don’t miss the sunset and enjoy your last night in this paradise with a candlelit dinner!

Day 3

This is the last day of the trip, but there’s still plenty of paddling. Early in the morning, say “see you soon” to Mamanguá, take your kayak, and get ready to paddle back to Paraty. Along the way, you will stop at several beaches to rest and recharge. Each beach is more beautiful than the last! By the afternoon, you will be back in the historic city, where you can take the opportunity to visit some of the charming tourist spots in the center.

Stay Alert!

This trip is incredible and can be done at any time of the year. Make sure to hire companies that provide all the necessary safety equipment for kayaking. You can also hire guides who speak English, Spanish, or French, making for a much more immersive experience. And don’t forget to pack your backpack with light clothes, plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the hot sun. Other than that, just dive in and enjoy every second of this amazing experience!

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