Summer with Roteiros de Charme in Santa Catarina

Ask the beach loving Brazilians where they would like to spend their holidays and most often than not you will hear Santa Catarina. With a coastline of over 500km of gorgeous beaches, Santa Catarina has been a favourite summer destination for Brazilians and South Americans for many years. One of the reasons is that you are certain to find a beach to suit your taste.

Santa Catarina Island in Florianopolis, for example, has alone more than 42 official beaches, from party hotspots to unspoiled nature reserves. Add to that local culture, a multitude of outdoor activities and a laid-back atmosphere and it is easy to see why everybody loves Floripa.

Less known, but equally trendy and gorgeous, is the small resort of Praia do Rosa on the Southern Coast of Santa Catarina. Rosa is well known for its top-notch surfing and as a great base for whale watching but it is also frequently ranked  as one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil.  It is the only Brazilian member of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World Club after all! Lots of great eateries and charming rustic-chic accommodation help to make Rosa a unique beach destination. 

Brazil Ecojourneys teamed up with two members of the Roteiros de Charme Association, Pousada da Vigia, in Florianopolis, and Quinta do Bucanero, in Praia do Rosa, to offer you an exclusive early summer package to enjoy the most charming side of Santa Catarina, without the crowds and at lower prices.

One week from US$ 1100.00 per person- a saving of 20% over normal rates. Valid up to 20^th December. Consult us for details.

Spring Special- get Active in Floripa!

Spring is back in the Southern Hemisphere, opening the season for enjoying the outdoors. 

The Island of Santa Catarina, part of the city of Florianopolis, has 45% of its area covered in Atlantic Rainforest, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities. Coastal paths with dramatic scenery lead to deserted beaches. Inland, some trails opened by the original Azorean settlers still are the only link to isolated communities. Others cross nature reserves with lagoons and waterfalls, allowing for wildlife spotting specially bird life. Additionally, the nearby Serra do Tabuleiro State Park offers great opportunities for rafting.

To celebrate the new season, and taking advantage of the last month of low season rates, Brazil Ecojourneys is offering a last minute deal on its Active Florianopolis trip -a 5 days tour for rafting, biking and trekking your way around Floripa!

You can also learn to surf or kitesurf, Stand Up or sailing, sandboarding... Floripa is THE place for an active holiday!

From US$ 745.00 per person. Valid for the month of November. Consult us for more details!

Riding the Tropeiros Trail

Coxilhas, the typical rolling hills from Southern Brazil, are the land of old, historical cattle ranches. Many "Fazendas" here are inhabited since colonial times, when they were support bases for the gauchos that moved live troops (the “tropeiros”) from Rio Grande do Sul to Sao Paulo.

This off-the-beaten-track 8 days/7nights horse-riding trip takes you through a very remote area of Southern Brazil: Coxilha Rica, in the Santa Catarina highlands. A region  that offers a mix of beautiful scenery and authentic gaucho culture.

Depending on the itinerary, you will ride our amazing criollo horses inside the remains of the stone corridors that ran for hundreds of kilometres and were used by the tropeiros to avoid dispersion of the troops. In each Fazenda you will be welcomed with the warm hospitality of the gaucho and have the opportunity to try the typical local cuisine, and experience its lively culture.

 This is an adventure for true riders of all abilities!

The 2012-2013 riding season in Coxilha Rica starts in October.

Brazil Ecojourneys can offer spaces at the 28^th October to 4^th November departure at special last minute rates. Consult us!

Surfing With Whales in Praia do Rosa

Praia do Rosa, on the Southern Coast of Santa Catarina, is famous in Brazil for its perfect waves, its rustic-chic guesthouses and restaurants and for receiving the visit of the Southern Right whales in winter.

Due to its shape, the half-moon bay of Rosa is considered a “Disneyland” for surfers, as there is always an option for good surfing, independently of wind or swell direction. Winter sometimes brings big swells that attract pro-surfers, but most of the year it offers good conditions for all abilities.

Adding to that, there is Capitão David: surf coach and owner of the oldest local surf school, established in Rosa since 1995. The Captain, as he is known by his more than 13,000 student/friends, is a friendly character that has taught generations of beginners and trained some serious surfers. His first lesson can last hours and it will teach you more than any other surf school ever did!

To make the week even more special, you might have a very close encounter with one of the gentle giants of the seas- the Southern Right Whale. This will be a holiday that you will never forget!

Brazil Ecojourneys takes you there with a very special 8days/7nights Surfing with Whales package from US$ 799.00 per person.

Package includes transfers in/out Florianopolis airport to Praia do Rosa, 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast at the charming Pousada Casa do Ceo, 5 surf lessons with Capitão David School and one whale watching boat trip from Garopaba or Imbituba.

Top Relais & Chateaux Chefs in Santa Catarina in August

Our special program of the month is a gourmet's dream.

This year the Cycle of Chefs is bringing the flavours of Italy, France and the Iberian Peninsula to Ponta dos Ganchos, through the hands of top Chefs from Relais & Chateaux properties. The Guest Chefs focus on fresh, authentic, high-quality produce, brings to the event the essence of each region’s gastronomic culture.

ITALY – 3^rd to 5^th of August

A weekend of Barolo wine, Black Truffles, Veal, Pastas, Parmesan Cheese, Risottos and many more of the best Italian products, to provoke a range of sensations.

Chef Roberto Pession, from the Relais & Chateaux Hotel Hermitage in Cervínia has prepared a menu especially for the weekend, working with the old time flavours of the Valle d’Aosta and based on regional products.

Roberto will prepare two dinners, one of which will be matched to a selection of Italian wines by the Decanter Sommelier, Guilherme Corrêa, who was voted Best Sommelier in Brazil in both 2006 and 2009. On Saturday afternoon, Roberto and Guilherme will hold a workshop, explaining a little more about the traditions of this remarkable country.

FRANCE – 10th to 12th of August

One of the dinners during this spectacular weekend will be matched to the peerless champagne Taittinger. Try the very best of delicacies such as Foie Gras, Coquille Saint-Jacques and Lobster plus many more delights from the world-famous French cuisine.

Chef Vincent Farges, from the Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho, will make his Michelin star shine even brighter with the innovative menu he has prepared for us.

There will be two incredible dinners, one matched to the very best French wines, a workshop, in which Vincent will talk about his native country and his specialties, and a Taittinger champagne tasting overseen by Sommelier Ana Rita Zanier, making this an unforgettable weekend.

IBERIAN PENINSULA – 24 a 26 de August

To round it off perfectly Chef Koerper, from the Eleven restaurant in Lisbon, has prepared a mouth-watering weekend for us. He is bringing only the very best that Portugal and Spain have to offer, like Pata Negra ham, Serra da Estrela cheese and, of course, cod.

Joachim is considered one of the best chefs in Europe. He has worked in several Michelin restaurants and has become famous for his elaborate dishes that feed all of the senses; offering truly memorable gastronomic experiences.

In common with the other two weekends, the Iberian weekend includes two spectacular dinners, one matched to the best wines from the region, as Ferreirinha Reserva Especial, from the same winery as Barca Velha, and a workshop during which Joachim will reveal all of the Iberian Peninsula’s secrets.

Brazil Ecojourneys has special weekend deals for the Cycle of Chefs.

Consult us.