Spend four days trekking around the Saco do Mamanguá peninsula, a natural paradise with beautiful beaches and accessible trails. Explore Brazil's only fjord from kayak and take in the sweeping views of mountains, beaches, and waterfalls, then hike the Sugar Loaf Peak of Mamanguá, a postcard-perfect highlight of the region. Enjoy easy access from Rio de Janeiro and don't worry about meals, lodging, or carrying the equipment—everything is taken care of.

Highlights

  • Trek around Brazil's only fjord, the Mamanguá
  • Hike Mamanguá Sugar Loaf Peak
  • Camp on beautiful beaches
  • Enjoy easy access and round trip transfers from Rio

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 From the City to the Wild: Paraty, Mamangua Fjord, Kayaking Mamanguá
Day 2 Hike to Mamanguá Sugar Loaf Peak Mamanguá
Day 3 Cruzeiro Beach, Praia Grande de Cajaíba Beach Cajaíba
Day 4 Praia Grande, Pouso da Cajaíba, Boat to Paraty, Transfer to Rio de Janeiro  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: From the City to the Wild: Paraty, Mamangua Fjord, Kayaking

Sugar loaf in Rio de Janeiro
Sugarloaf in Rio de Janeiro 

After transferring from your lodging at Rio de Janeiro to the historical city of Paraty, take a 1-hour boat trip to Cruzeiro Beach. You'll cross the beautiful Mamanguá Fjord. Enjoy the unique views of this incredible place and all of the panoramic views of the landscapes. 

Praia do Cruzeiro is your first overnight stay. Check in at the campsite, then head out for a kayak tour of Saco do Mamanguá to explore hidden beaches and cascading waterfalls. Return to the campsite, then enjoy dinner on the beach before turning in for the night. 

  • Hiking time: 2-3 hours
  • Hiking distance: 1.2 miles (2 km)
  • Overnight: camping at Cruzeiro beach in Mamanguá Fjord
  • Meals included: Snacks, Dinner
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Day 2: Hike to Mamanguá Sugar Loaf Peak

Mamanguá Sugar Loaf Summit
Mamanguá Sugar Loaf Summit

Wake up early on the second day of your expedition, then head to the village of Cruzeiro for a filling breakfast before starting on one of Paraty's most beautiful hikes—the Pão de Açúcar do Mamanguá, a relatively unknown hike with tons of great views and a fantastic trail to the summit. 

From the top, you'll be able to enjoy views of the sea and the entire fjord. Take in the beauty of the surrounding region, then head back down the mountain for a free afternoon of relaxation on the beach. 

  • Hiking time: 3-5 hours
  • Hiking distance: 1.86 miles (3 km) 
  • Overnight: Camping at Cruzeiro beach
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner

Day 3: Cruzeiro Beach, Praia Grande de Cajaíba Beach

Cruzeiro x Praia Grande hiking
Cruzeiro & Praia Grande hiking

On the third day of the expedition to the Mamanguá Reserve get an early start, then continue to a more technical section of the expedition. Leave the Cruzeiro Beach behind and make your way to the Praia Grande de Cajaíba Beach. The trail today is denser as it weaves its way through typical Atlantic forest on its way uphill before finally descending to the beach at the end of the day. 

Enjoy relaxing on the Praia Grande de Cajaíba, then have dinner and rest up for the next day of trekking.

  • Hiking time: 5-7 hours
  • Hiking distance: 6.2 miles (10 km) 
  • Overnight:  Camping at Ponta Negra beach
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner

Day 4: Praia Grande, Pouso da Cajaíba, Boat to Paraty, Transfer to Rio de Janeiro

Praia Grande x Pouso da Cajaíba hike
Praia Grande, Pouso da Cajaíba Hike

Enjoy breakfast at Praia Grande then pack your camping gear and begin your last hike on the Mamanguá Trek. Make your way from Praia Grande to Pouso da Cajaíba beach along a beautiful path full of incredibly beautiful beaches.

Today's hike is easier than previous days, and there will be plenty of time to stop at small beaches along the way to enjoy the sunshine and warm water. You'll pass by Itaoca, Calhaus, and Itanema Beaches, with time to stop and appreciate each one.

In the afternoon arrive at Pouso da Cajaíba, then transfer to Paraty. From here catch a car to Rio de Janeiro to finish your 4-day long trip.

  • Hiking time: 3-5 hours
  • Hiking distance: 3.7 miles (6 km)
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Snacks