After you’re picked up from your hotel, hop aboard a fully loaded Jeep for an exciting ride down the rugged roads outside Paraty! You’ll drive with a local guide along a scenic route through the Atlantic Forest of Bocaino Mountains National Park (Serra da Bocaina). Among the beautiful flora you’ll find jequitib□, one of the largest trees in the region, as well as Brazilian bamboo, bromeliads and more!
The first stop on your 6-hour tour is the Gold Trail Exposition, where you can learn about the history of Brazil’s famous export. This road, paved in steep areas with large stones, connected Paraty by mule train to some of the world’s richest gold mines until the 18th century.
Next, pass Toboga Falls ─ where swimmers coast down a natural 60-foot (18-meter) rock slide into the water ─ and Tarzan Falls, whose deep pools are accessible via a high-flying rope swing! When you reach the cachaa distillery called Engenho D’Ouro, discover how this popular Brazilian liquor is produced from sugarcane. You’ll taste several varieties of delicious cachaa, which is distilled onsite and aged in wooden casks.
Then hop back in the Jeep for a short ride to a great local restaurant, Villa Verde. Enjoy specialty pastas and broiled dishes for lunch (own expense) while relaxing beside another beautiful waterfall. After your meal, take a refreshing dip to cool off in the pristine waters.
At the Murycana Farm, another cachaa distillery, you’ll get a glimpse into farm life through a short tour. Your final stop is the Bromeliad Exhibition, where more than 300 species of beautiful plants are on display ─ an excellent photo op! Complete your tour by driving back to Paraty with drop-off at your hotel.