Morretes and Rain Forest in Sebui

Morretes

This small town close to Curitiba lies in the middle of the Atlantic Rain Forest. You can reach it by train and after enjoying a typical local meal on the riverside, have a light trek on the colonial path of Graciosa.

Private nature reserve of Sebuí

Enzo, an Italian from Rome, is the owner of this private reserved area located about 30 minutes by boat from Guaraqueçaba. Enzo is a nature lover who has worked in several countries before deciding to settle down in Brazil with his family. He is responsible for an area of 400 hectares along the bay of "dos Pinheiros" with an impressive natural diversity. On paths through the forest visitors will gain some knowledge about the ecological system of the region and can visit several waterfalls. Until the first waterfall the way is relatively easy; later on it will be more exhausting but never dangerous. The rewards of the exertions will be a bath in the crystal-clear water.

The nature reserve also has a large contingent of mangrove. On an artificial boardwalk, visitors can observe the fauna and flora and learn about the importance of the mangrove in the ecosystem.

In the entire district you are able to see dolphins, toucans, monkeys, macaws, parrots, capybaras and many more. You will also find numerous bromeliads and orchids.

In the centre of the nature reserve is the main building with a kitchen, lounge, shower and bathroom, a deck for tents and hammocks on the veranda. There are also two little chalets which have two bunk beds, a toilet and a basin. All sleeping accommodation is protected by mosquito nets. The main building has drinking water and energy is provided by solar cells.

For those who prefer more direct contact with nature, there are two tree houses. These have a double bed and a toilet on two levels. Instead of walls there are mosquito nets installed, which keep the insects outside but let all the noises of the forest in and give you a good overview of the environment. Electricity is not available here - only candle light.

The delicious meals are based on fish and will be served in a very informal way. The reservation is not for persons who prefer luxury, but for those who are looking for close contact with the overwhelming nature of the region.

Superagui

The nature reserve of Superagui has in total 33,998 hectares and includes the Ilha do Superagui, the Ilha das Peças, o Vale do Rio dos Patos, and the Ilhas do Pinheiro and Pinheirinho.

There are still many fishermen living on the island and the structure is very simple. Beyond this is a perfect place to spend an afternoon on the deserted beaches or to observe the return of the "papagaios-de-cara-roxa" (parrots with the purple face) which come to sleep on the Ilha dos Pinheiros at the end of the day. The beach Deserta on the Ilha do Superagui is the main attraction of the region, with its 38 km of pristine white sand.

Day 1: Transfer to the train station at 7.30 am. Enjoy a scenic train ride to Morretes. Arrival about 11.15 am and time to visit the town. You will taste "barreado", a meat stew that is typical of the region, served with cassava flour, rice, spraws and fish. In the afternoon transfer to Porto de Cima where, if interested, you can go on a light trekking tour on the Graciosa colonial path. Transfer to your pousada in Porto de Cima, followed by dinner. Overnight stay in Morretes.

Day 2: After breakfast leave Morretes for Paranaguá, from where the regular boat to Guaraqueçaba departs. Arrive in Guaraqueçaba by noon and transfer by boat to Sebuí, a private nature area. Lunch, followed by canoe tour in the rivers Sebuí and Velho.  After dinner, walk to see night active animals. Overnight in the refuge Sebuí.

Day 3: In the morning, trek to the three waterfalls and time to take a bath. Lunch in the refuge. In the afternoon leave by boat for Superagui where you have time to walk, swim or sunbathe at the beach Deserta. With the dusk you can see the return of the parrots, making for their sleeping places on the Ilha dos Pinheiros. Afterwards return to the refuge. Dinner and overnight stay in Sebuí.

Day 4: The morning is free at your disposal. You can swim in the river of Sebuí, undertake another trek or just relax in one of the hammocks on the veranda. Lunch in the refuge. Later on, return to Guaraqueçaba and continue by boat to Paranaguá. Return to Curitiba.

What is included:

- Transfers by car or van depending on the number of participants
- Train tour to Morretes in the category "turista"
- Boat transfers and tours as described
- One night in Morretes in Pousada Ilha do Rio or Graciosa
- Two nights in Refúgio Sebuí including meals as described
- English speaking guide during the tour (in case you speak Spanish, French or Italian, ask for the special conditions)