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.

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.**

Short Breaks from Sao Paulo for Business Travellers

In Sao Paulo for business? Here are 5 great places to escape it for the weekend. 

Sao Paulo is the megalopolis of Brazil and the business centre of Latin America. People from all over the world come to this highly energetic city for work every week. Although it has its hidden charms, Sao Paulo is definitely not love-at-first-sight and most foreign visitors would rather escape from it as soon as possible.   

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 the city that can show you some highlights and also some hidden gems of Brazil.

1) The un-missable sight “do-able” in 2 full days is without doubt the Iguazu Falls. Direct flights from GRU will take you there in 1h30 min. Planning your flights right, you can do both sides of the Falls and still have time for some relaxation by the pool.

2) A great beach destination in just over an hour? Do what a lot of Paulistas executives do- go to Florianopolis for the weekend. If you enjoy beautiful beaches, sports and outdoor activities, this is definitely your Island.

3) If you rather have just 2-days of perfect relaxation, your first choice should be a weekend at Ponta dos Ganchos, one of the most exclusive resorts in South America, less than an hour by car from Florianopolis airport. Even better if you bring your significant half: it is one of the most romantic hotels in the world, according to The Daily Telegraph.

4) Ever dreamed of learning to surf? If you manage to leave Sao Paulo earlier on Friday go a bit further down the Santa Catarina coast. One hour south from Florianopolis airport you will be in the rustic-chic beach resort of Praia do Rosa,  a laid-back destination with charming guesthouses, starred restaurants and some of the best waves on the Brazilian Coast- that you can tame with the help of  a great surfing coach, Capitao David. Already a surfer?  Come in winter and you get the bonus of big swells and whales!

5) Colonial towns+Rainforest+the most spectacular Train Journey in Brazil? All of these you will find in this short tour from Curitiba, a mere 30-min flight from Sao Paulo. Arrive earlier on Friday and add contemporary Brazilian culture to the mix by visiting the excellent Oscar Niemeyer Museum.

Brazil Ecojourneys is a boutique tour operator, specializing in tailor-made tours. Consult us for an itinerary to make the most of your weekend in Brazil.

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.

Tour of the Month: Whale Watching in Santa Catarina

Every year, between June and November, the Southern Coast of Santa Catarina becomes the stage for an amazing natural spectacle, with the arrival of the Southern Right Whales.Escaping the Antarctic winter, they migrate north in search of warmer and calmer waters for reproduction and nurturing of their young calves.

In the small, half-moon shaped bays of Santa Catarina, they come very close to the shore and in clear days they can be seen from your hotel room or the beachfront.The boat trips, though, are a must for a close encounter with these giant mammals.

To celebrate the start of the season, Brazil Ecojourneys is offering last minute deals for Whale Watching in Santa Catarina.

4 days/3 nights Whales & Dolphins tour from US$ 508 per person based on 2 people travelling.

Valid for travel between 21st July and 15th August 2012 . Consult us now!