SOUTHERN BRAZIL - Brazil - page 333

A flock of migratory birds in the Parque Nacional de Superagüi, Ilha de Superagüi

young visitors and in the
summer it transforms into a
party island, with beachside
bars open through the night.
In spite of this, there can be
few more peaceful spots on
the southern Brazilian coast
than on this island. The
beaches, some with waves
suitable for skilled surfers,
others with warm, calm water
ideal for swimming, are never
overcrowded. Some of the
best beaches, such as Praia
Grande and Praia de Fora ,
are located on the eastern
part of the island.

made from Ilha do Mel.
Most of the low-lying island
is covered with shrub forest
and mangrove. Very basic
accommodation is available at
Barra de Superagüi , a village
located on the southeast of
the island. The only other
part of the island that is
accessible to visitors is Praia
Deserta , a glorious 24-mile
(38-km) long expanse of

white sand. The island attracts
various migrating birds, but
the flocks of rare, red-faced
parrot ( Amazona brasiliensis )
are endemic. Visitors can
observe them during the
early hours of the evening.
O Parque Nacional
de Superagüi
Barra de Superagüi. # 24 hrs. &
8 arranged at Pousada Superagüi.

Ilha de
Superagüi 5
Paraná . g from Paranaguá. ®
Pousada Superagüi, [phone].
www . pousadasuperagui.com.br

Just a few dozen people who
make a living from fishing
and tourism inhabit the island
of Superagüi. The island is
part of the Parque Nacional de
Superagüi , the largest stretch
of intact Atlantic rainforest, or
Mata Atlântica (see p109) . The
park is home to jaguars and
parrots, and is known for its
mangroves and salt marshes,
where an amazing variety of
orchids grow. The park is
also part of the Atlantic forest
reserves that were given
UNESCO World Heritage list-
ing in 1999. The island is
reached by boat, most easily
from Paranaguá, although
arrangements can also be

Barreado , a regional specialty of Paraná

BARREADO
In Paraná's coastal towns, barreado is listed on the menu
of most restaurants. Now available throughout the year,
barreado , considered a poor man's meal, used to be eaten
during Carnaval. Barreado is a dish that can provide food
for several days and requires little attention while cooking.
The dish is made of beef, bacon, tomatoes, onion, cumin,
and other spices. Traditionally these ingredients are placed
in layers in a large clay urn, covered, and then sealed with
a paste of ash and farinha (manioc flour), before being
cooked in a wood-fired oven for up to 15 hours. Today,
pressure cookers are sometimes used, and gas or electric
ovens are substituted for wood-fired ones. Barreado is served
with farinha , which is spread on a plate; the meat and gravy
is placed on top, and eaten with banana and orange slices.