The fundraising and training is behind you and now the day is finally here. The group will be met by a Charity Challenge representative at the airport, and then it’s off to Brazil! Touching down in busy Rio de Janeiro, we will be met by a local charity challenge representative who will oversee the 227km transfer to Sao Jose do Barreiro. We will have a box lunch et route and arrive to your pousada in the evening for a proper night’s rest.
After breakfast we depart for our first day of hiking in the National Park Serra da Bocaina, dotted with myriad waterfalls and views of many peaks. After a hard day's trek we will arrive at our accommodation for the night, Casa Pintada, a small farm in the middle of the forest
After breakfast we head off for our day's trek in the Atlantic Forest, along the Gold Trail, where we will meet various tiny hamlets of farmers. Now it’s time to swim at Veados’s waterfall, near the farm where we stay for the night.
We will start our descent to the coast between broad pastures and beautiful views of the area. We plunge into the dense vegetation, typical of the Mata Atlantica, where the air will be getting more humid and much warmer. At the end of this day you will be transferred to the enchanting town of Paraty for your overnight and a briefing about the kayaking section ahead.
It’s a short journey to Paraty Mirim from where we will start paddling towards Saco do Mamanguá along the coast. This deserted beach is the perfect place for a picnic, after which we can swim and snorkel. Our efforts will be rewarded with an evening in the village of Cruzeiro, where a local artisan will teach us how to carve a wooden boat. Camp beneath the stars.
The hike up to Pao de Acucar Peak, otherwise known as Sugar Loaf Mountain, is incredibly steep but the sweeping views are awe-inspiring. Afterwards it’s time to kayak to the entrance of Paraty Bay. Be sure to dive in for some world-class snorkeling. After a picnic lunch, we’ll paddle on through to Saco de Velha where we will enjoy a team dinner and another night of stargazing.
The best way to explore Paraty is from the water, so we’ll be straight out in the kayaks to continue our expedition at sea. There will be a pitstop and at an extra dose of snorkeling at Jurumirim Beach, after which it’s time to paddle back to Paraty. Spend the rest of the day exploring before celebratory team dinner this evening. Overnight at hotel.
Leaving Paraty behind, we take the scenic route back to Rio. After lunch, we’ll visit Christ the Redeemer, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Situated at the top of Corcovado Mountain, the views are spectacular. And for the sunseekers among us, there is also the chance to chill out on the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Overnight at a hotel following a final team dinner.
There is still time to explore and pick up some last minute souvenirs before heading to the airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.
With amazing memories and a massive sense of achievement, it’s time to say goodbye to everyone, making sure we’ve swapped details before heading home.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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