Morretes and Rain Forest in Sebui

Morretes

This small town close to Curitiba lies in the middle of the Atlantic Rain Forest. It can be reached by train. After enjoying a typical meal on the riverside, visitors will be taken on a light trek on the colonial path of Graciosa.

Private nature reserve of Sebuí

Enzo, an Italian from Rome, is the owner of this privately preserved area, located approximately 30 min by boat from Guaraqueçaba.

Enzo is a nature lover. He worked in several countries before deciding to fix his residence in Brazil and live there with his family. He is responsible for a 400-hectare area located along the bay of dos Pinheiros and which has an impressive natural diversity.

On the paths throughout the forest, visitors will gain some knowledge about the ecological system of the region. They can visit several waterfalls. Until the first waterfall, the path is relatively easy. As the tour proceeds, it becomes tiring but the path does not get dangerous. The reward for the effort is a soothing bath in the crystal-clear water.

On an artificial boardwalk, visitors can observe the flora and fauna, and learn about the importance of the mangrove and the sea. They can see dolphins, toucans, monkeys, macaws, parrots, capybaras and many more creatures. They can also see numerous bromeliads and orchids.

In the centre of the nature reserve, there is a building with a kitchen, lounge, shower and bathroom, a deck for tents and hammocks in the veranda. In addition, there are two little chalets with two bunk beds, a toilet and a basin. All sleeping accommodations are protected by mosquito nets. The main building has drinking water, and energy provided by solar cells.

For those who prefer a more direct contact with nature, there exist two tree houses beyond the refuge. Structured on two levels, there is a double bed and a toilet. Instead of walls there are mosquito nets installed, which keep the insects outside but let in the sounds of the forest. Visitors can get a good overview of the environment. Electricity is not available here; only candle light is available.

The delicious meals are based on fish and are served in a very traditional way.

This place is not recommended for people who prefer luxury but for people who are looking for close contact with the overwhelming beauty of the region.

Superagüi

The nature reserve of Superagüi has an area of 33.998 hectares and includes the Ilha do Superagüi, the Ilha das Peças, o Vale do Rio dos Patos, and the Ilhas do Pinheiro and Pinheirinho.

There are many fishermen living on the island. The structure is very simple.

Beyond this lies a perfect place to spend an afternoon in - the lonely beaches. Or visitors can choose to watch the return of the papagaios-de-cara-roxa (purple-faced parrots) at the end of the day.

The beach "Deserta" on the Ilha do Superagüi is the main attraction of the region, with 38 km of desert white sand.

Day 1

Transfer from the hotel to the train station at 7.30 hours. There will be a scenic train ride through the Atlantic Rain Forest to Morretes, arriving there at about 11.15 hours, in time to visit the historic town centre before a typical Paranense lunch of barreado, a slow-braised meat stew. This delicacy is served with cassava flour, rice, prawns and fish.

In the afternoon, visitors will be taken to Porto de Cima, where they will have the option of taking a light trekking tour on the historic, colonial Graciosa trail, before being transferred  to the pousada in Porto de Cima. Dinner and overnight stay in Porto de Cima.

Day 2

After breakfast, visitors will depart for Paranaguá, to meet the boat to Guaraqueçaba, where they will arrive by noon. From Guaraqueçaba, they will be transferred by boat to the Sebuí Nature Reserve, in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, there will be a tour of the Sebuí and Velho rivers by canoe.

After dinner, there will be a guided walk to watch the nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. Overnight stay at the Sebuí Refuge.

Day 3

After breakfast, there will be a hiking tour to the Reserve's three waterfalls. Free time will be given for a swim. Visitors will then return to the refuge for lunch.

In the afternoon, they will leave by boat for Superagüi, where they will be given free time for a  walk, a swim or sunbathing at Deserta beach. In the evening, they can watch flocks of parrots return to their nests on the Ilha dos Pinheiros. Visitors will then return to the Refuge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4

The morning is free for visitors to take a swim in the Sebuí river, take another hike, or just relax in one of the hammocks on the veranda. Lunch will be served at the refuge. Later, they will return to Guaraqueçaba and from there continue by boat to Curitiba.

What the cost includes

• transfers by car or van, depending on the number of participants
• train tour to Morretes in tourist class
• boat transfers and tours as described
• one night in Morretes at the Pousada Ilha do Rio or the Pousada Graciosa
• two nights in Refúgio Sebuí, including meals as described
• English or German speaking guide during the tour. (For Spanish, French or Italian speaking guides, guests are requested to inform in advance. There is a discount available.)