Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
The Serra dos Órgãos
Right
Boats moored at Paraty Quay
Activities in Rio State
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Bird-watching in the
^
Wildlife in Regua
Mata Atlântica
The Atlantic coastal rain forest is
one of the top bird-watching
destinations in the world. The
Tucanos lodge located here has
good guides and facilities.
d
Map
C2 • Tucanos Lodge: Caixa Postal 98125,
Cachoeiras de Macacu; (021) 2649 1557;
www.serradostucanos.com.br
The rare woolly spider-
monkey is found in the Reserva
Ecológica de Guapi Assu (Regua)
preserve. The bird-watching here
is great.
d
Map C2 • Regua: Caixa
Postal 98112, Cachoeiras de Macacu;
(021) 2745 3998; www.regua.co.uk
&
A Tour of the Royal Cities
and Coffee Towns
Petrópolis, Teresópolis, and Serra
dos Órgãos are accessible by car
from Rio in a day, but it is prefer-
able to spread your trip over a
few days. Rosa Thompson runs
the best tours.
d
www.rozbrazil.com
*
Luxury Stays in Paraty
@
Hiking in the Serra
dos Órgãos
This mountain range offers hiking,
rock climbing, and a chance to
spot rare mammals and birds.
Hiking is safest with a company.
d
Map B2 • www.riohiking.com.br
£
Hiking in Itatiaia
Rent private villas in the colo-
nial center and on the surround-
ing islands. These usually come
with a boat and chef and are
popular during the town's Interna-
tional Literary Festival
(see p33
).
(
A Weekend in Petrópolis
Brazil's first national park
is set in scenic mountains
(see
p96)
and offers great hiking
routes. Walks can take a day
or more. Tour companies can
organize guides
(see p102)
.
$
Diving in Cabo Frio
The Locanda della Mimosa is
a fine-dining restaurant and a
luxury boutique hotel with six
rooms. Gourmet weekends are
organized with special rates for
groups.
d
Map B2 • Alameda das
Mimosas 30, Vale Florido, near Petrópolis
• (024) 2233 5405 • www.locanda.com.br
The best diving in southeast
Brazil is around Cabo Frio and
Arraial do Cabo. Turtles are a
common sight and brightly color-
ed dolphin fish can also be seen.
d
Map C2 • www.cabofriosub.com.br
%
Cruising the Bay of Paraty
)
A Spa Break in Paraty
Most cruises that leave from
Paraty take half a day. Charter a
boat through a boat operator such
as Tuca or a tour company such
as Angatu, and visit the beaches
of Ilha Grande.
d
Map A2 • Tuca: (024)
9948 0529 • Angatu: www.angatu.com
Bromelias Spa offers
packages that include
reiki,
massage, and other treatments.
This can be combined with other
tours in Paraty, which is just 30
minutes away
(see p117)
.
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