Praia do Rosa beyond the (marvelous) beach

Praia do Rosa is one of Brazil Ecojourneys' favourite destinations.

Not only is the single Brazilian member of the exclusive "Most Beautiful Bays of the World", a nursing ground for the giant Southern Right Whales and home to some of the best waves (and the best Surf Camp ever!) in the country but also offers loads of other outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling and horse-riding.

Here we give you a glimpse of a couple of  day treks that start directly from your guesthouse, ideal for those cloudy days or whenever you want a break from the beach. And if you are there for whale watching, they offer great viewing points.

1. Caminho do Rei - Praia do Luz - Praia do Rosa 

Beginning of the trail from Caminho do Rei.

Viewpoint at Luz beach

Luz & Ibiraquera beaches

Arrival at Portinho back in Praia do Rosa

2. Rosa-Ouvidor-Vermelha-Rosa. 

Beginning of trail at the Ouvidor side

Wild flowers on the coastal path between Vermelha and Rosa beaches.

Praia Vermelha- a private beach  with Public Right of Access

Arrival at Rosa North Side

Insider´s tip: finish with a well-deserved cocktail at the deck of San Diego Grill Bar for great views of the Rosa bay. Works for both treks. All roads lead to Rosa. :-)

Contact us for accommodation and packages including  Praia do Rosa and  other destinations in Santa Catarina.

Best of Brazil (by The Times!): Waterfalls, Whales and... Wine!

A recent article in the The Times of London highlighted Southern Brazil: The Iguazu Falls, the coastal area of Santa Catarina - which host the amazing spectacle of Southern Right Whales in Winter and some of the best beaches in Brazil in Summer- , the canyons of Aparados da Serra and the wine regions of Santa Catarina and Rio Gande do Sul, which offer high quality wine unknown to the general international wine drinker.

Surprised? Before and after the Olympics come and discover with Brazil Ecojourneys what South Brazil has to offer in an easily combined, relaxed 2 week itinerary.

Iguazu Falls: http://brazilecojourneys.com/008.php?oq=destinations
Whale Watching in Santa Catarina: http://brazilecojourneys.com/004.php?oq=interests&onde=nature
Wines  & Canyons of Rio Grande do Sul:
http://brazilecojourneys.com/015.php?oq=destinations
http://brazilecojourneys.com/007.php?oq=destinations

Contact us for a customised itinerary.

Winter Hiking on Santa Catarina Island

Winter is a great time for hiking on Santa Catarina Island, as temperatures are mild and visibility is excellent.

Naufragados beach - photo by Augusto Nogueira

We have just uncovered a great new route for a full-day Coastal Path around the southernmost point of the Island- from Solidão to Naufragados beach. Coastal paths like this are great spots to enjoy the views and, with luck, to observe Southern Right ‪Whales just off the coast. We will walk through local isolated communities, pristine Atlantic rainforest and learn the natural and cultural history of this amazing Island and its setllers.

Atlantic Rainforest - Photo by Augusto Nogueira

For a 3-day loop trekking trip of the South of the Island contact us.

For other hiking opportunities in‪ Florianopolis and Southern ‪Brazil check the Adventure & Sports section of our site.

The Autumn Colours, Wine & Canyons of Rio Grande do Sul

Pizzato Wineries. Courtesy of Flavio Pizzato.

Autumn is the best season to visit the highlights of the Brazilian South,  one of the few regions to show its full seasonal colours.

Just a short drive from Porto Alegre, this itinerary combines gastronomy, enotourism, culture and beautiful scenery highlighted by the amazing Autumn light.

Day 1:  Arrival at Porto Alegre. You will be met by your guide and driven to Bento Gonçalves.

Porto Alegre- Vale dos Vinhedos (Vineyards Valley), Bento Gonçalves (120 km – approx 2 hours)

Bento Gonçalves is the main wine producing region in Brazil and an area strongly influenced by Italian immigration. An influence that can be seen on the local accents, food, architecture and the tradition of wine making. Although the quality of the wines in Brazil in general has not reached the level of Argentinean and Chilean wines, the region of Vale dos Vinhedos has a number of new small wineries that are changing this situation, especially in  the production of sparkling wines.

Wine tasting and visits to the vineyards are the highlights of the area.

Day 2: Full-day visit to the wineries on/off the Valley. The guide will select the wineries to visit depending on your tasting preference. They are all small, family-run business where we normally talk to passionate owners about what make their wine special. A very personalized tour a world away from the massified visitations of the large wineries.

Day 3: Vale dos Vinhedos (Vineyards Valley), Bento Gonçalves- Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra/Parque Nacional Serra Geral

A scenic drive through the highlands with a chance of seeing the“Grand Canyons” of Brazil. Instead of red dust, here you will find green, lush canyons, some up to 7km long and 800 m high. They have a unique biodiversity: Atlantic rainforest at the bottom, cloud forest in the steep escarpments and Araucaria Forest on the highlands known as Campos de Cima da Serra. The canyons are within the Aparados da Serra and the Serra Geral National Parks. En route you can visit one of these canyons- the choice will depend on the day of the week and weather conditions.

At the end of the day we will reach Refugio Pedra Afiada, on the Santa Catarina side of the border.

Day 4: free day to explore the region, the Refugio offers guided walks and other adventure activities that can be booked locally.

Day 5: Refúgio Pedra Afiada-Florianopolis airport (250 km- approx 3 1/2hours)

Hotels suggested:

Bento Gonçalves:

Hotel & Spa do Vinho, Bed and Breakfast basis

The most comfortable hotel in the Valley, it has good leisure facilities, a restaurant and its own cave with the largest number of wine labels in Brazil. The hotel is also home to the only Caudalie vinotherapie Spa in South America.

Aparados da Serra: Refúgio Pedra Afiada, half-board basis

REPA is an example in South Brazil of a sustainable tourism initiative. Located close to the entrance of Malacara Canyon the lushest of canyons in the Aparados da Serra National Park, it offers a great variety of active adventures in nature, besides a friendly service and beautiful grounds to relax in. This family-owned “green resort” is great for families and outdoor-lovers of all ages.

The rates are on half-board basis, including breakfast and dinner (which is a buffet-style of simple but tasty home-cooked food). Lunch can be ordered “a la Carte” (not included as most tours include a picnic lunch).

This itinerary can be done as a self-drive tour.

Please consult us for prices and availabilities.

Need a beach holiday? Last minute offer on vacation rentals in Florianópolis

Cabin for rent steps away of the gorgeous Pantano do Sul beach, in the most preserved area of the Island.  

Contact us for details!

Fantastic last-minute deals for New Year in Florianópolis & Praia do Rosa

Still planning a last minute escape for New Year´s?

We have great deals in vacation rentals  in Florianópolis and Praia do Rosa, two of the best places to party into 2015.

Just across hipster Praia Mole, in Floripa, you can find this high end Villa that accommodates up to 8 people from US$ 899 per night.

In Praia do Rosa, you can book a comfortable family home with breathtaking views of the bay that accomodates up to 6 people, from US$ 250 per night.

Consult us for more details and other last-minute offers.

In Brazil for business? Find here tips of places to escape for the weekend.

You came to Brazil on business and have a very limited time to explore this gigantic country, besides the odd weekend off. At the same time, you feel it is a shame to not get to know a bit of the Brazil of your imagination, away from the big business cities.

SO...If you have only a weekend to spare, where would you go? 

Brazil is continental in size: you will not be able to do the Amazon or the Pantanal and would barely have time to unpack if you go to the Northeast coast but there are some 2-night or 3-night break destinations just over an hour’s flight from São Paulo (or even without flying if you are in business in Porto Alegre or Curitiba) that can show you some highlights as well as some hidden gems of Brazil.

Iguazu Falls, gorgeous beaches to relax, active adventures in the Southern canyons, a stunning train journey,  learning to surf, wine tasting ... Whatever makes you tick, you can do it in a Weekend Break.

Brazil Ecojourneys is a boutique tour operator, specializing in tailor-made tours. Consult us for these and other customised itineraries to make the most of your weekends in Brazil.

Make the most of the World Cup in South Brazil - Day trips from Porto Alegre & Curitiba

South Brazil has a lot to offer and some of the best attractions can be visited in a full day trip from the host cities,  Porto Alegre or Curitiba.

Porto Alegre is a pleasant enough city for a couple of days but if you are staying longer or have an interest in nature or wine, you should know that you can have great day trips from there.

The best Wine-producing region in Brazil is just 2-hours away from the city. We offer you a private trip that takes you behind the scenes to the small wineries that produce the best wines in the country.

For nature lovers, you can visit the largest canyons in the country in the Aparados da Serra National Park. Ideally you should stay at least one night, but it is possible to do it on a full-day too, if you don´t have the time.

In Curitiba, the Serra do Mar train journey is an unforgettable day trip that can easily be done in a spare day.

Check out this mini-guide from The Guardian for more information and tips  on the Southern capitals hosting the World Cup.

Availability is restricted- contact us and book now.

Spring Break in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Summer is ending this week in the Southern hemisphere but our early Autumn is the best time to enjoy the beaches of Santa Catarina. Warm sea, blue skies and NO crowds.

The gorgeous autumn light and the pleasant temperatures make for a great season to enjoy the outdoors as well as the beach.

On top of that there are some last minute promotions.

Consult us now and come to relax on your own (almost) private beach!

Gay Carnival 2014 in Florianopolis, Brazil

Florianopolis is the 3^rd major destination for gay tourists in Brazil and a favourite summer destination for Brazilians. During Carnival, Florianopolis is second only to Rio in the preference of Brazilian and South American gay men. 

In recent years major label parties and mega clubs moved their parties to Florianopolis helping to make it a big contender to be the biggest and hottest gay Carnival in Brazil.

Praia Mole beach is the hub, both at the sand stretch in front of Bar do Deca and at the hotel in front, packed with gay visitors from all over Brazil.

Gay girls concentrate in Lagoa, at the fun themed parties @ Caravana Fusion Food.

Downtown you have all the Gay & Lesbian clubs and bars favoured by the locals, as well as the street parties and traditional Carnival events such as Samba Schools Parade and the Pop Gay festival, a very camp Carnival costumes competition for drag queens. 

Floripa Carnival 2014 Schedule:

From 28 February to 8 March: Bars & Clubs open every night with Carnival specials

Saturday 1 March: Samba Schools Parade & Competition

Monday 3 March: Pop Gay Festival

Plan your trip in advance- quality accommodation (especially in Praia Mole) sells out early. Consult us now.

Read more about Gay & Lesbian Florianopolis in the international LGBT media:

Passport;

Spartacus Traveler;

ManAboutWorld; 

The Edge on The Net;
Curve Mag;

Help preserve the River Otter- Eco-Voluntourism on Santa Catarina Island

 

The Brazilian river otter is listed as an endangered species by CITIES, mainly because of the destruction of their natural habitats, such as the Atlantic Forest, by pollution and human development.

A research project, carried out by the Ekko Brasil Institute in Florianopolis, tries to elucidate many aspects of its ecology to help the conservation of the species.

Brazil Ecojourneys teamed up with Projeto Lontra to offer a unique holiday experience for eco-minded travellers out there.

Our 8-day special River Otter voluntourism program will allow you to visit places that most tourists never get to see; you will enjoy active adventures, such as walking, trekking and canoeing, in one of the most beautiful destinations in Brazil, and, above all, you will give a serious contribution to a scientific and conservationist project for this most charming animal.

Surf, Yoga and Whales : 8 days/7 nights Surf Camp for Gays, Lesbians and Friends in Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina, in South Brazil, is a secret Brazilian kept for many years. Known for its gorgeous beaches and mild climate it has grown in recent years as a gay and lesbian-friendly destination.

 

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!

For experienced surfers we offer a chance of touring the nearby beaches searching for the best waves in Brazil with a friendly local.

We add to the surf camp, a 2-night stay in Florianopolis, the Magic Island, and a place known for its surfing culture and gay-friendliness since the 80’s!

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 Surfing holiday that you will never forget!

Group size: minimum 6, maximum 12

Package includes:

·         All transfers starting/ending Florianopolis airport with English-speaking driver or guide

·         2 nights accommodation at a Town Home in Praia Mole, Florianopolis, with breakfast (shared house, private ensuite rooms)

·         5 nights accommodation at the charming Pousada Casa do Ceo in Praia do Rosa (private ensuite rooms)

·         4 surf lessons/clinic for beginners with Capitão David School or 4 Surf  sessions /clinicwith a local for experienced surfers  + 1 Surfari

·         2 Yoga  Group Sessions

·         2 dinners

Package does not include:

Flights, Visas, meals not mentioned, optional tours, insurance, tips, equipment (except during surf lessons)

Read testimonials about this trip.

**Extensions to Rio or other destinations in Brazil available- please consult us.**