Amazon Adventures

Brazil

Gauchos and Grapes

Rio Grande do Sul reserves adventures of all kinds and degrees. Its concentration is located in the canyons of Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza, two marvels of nature of the south of the country. Huge geological gaps up to 800 meters deep, are filled with waterfalls, atlantic forest, prime forests, and surrounded by the top fields of the mountain ridge. So beautiful and significant that two national parks were created to protect them, Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra and Parque Nacional da Serra Geral. The canyons offer most beautiful spectacles: walking around them we feel tempted to lie down at the edge and look down. The sight is dazzling down there - the cliffs of the rivers look like pebbles and the trees remind one of the shapes of a Japanese garden. The countless rivers of the region drop into. the gorge of the canyons and many of them arrive down there as moist mist: there is not enough water to reach the ground.

But the adventures offered by the south of Brazil are not only formed by canyons: ecotourism, gastronomy, culture... there is everything. For example, rafting on Rio Parana, one of the most beautitul in the country in a clean river and-surrounded by much green vegetation. Or then canyoning, which can be performed at Trilha das Tres Forquilhas, on a thick and high wall 40 meters high and a waterfall of 20. Aren't you tired yet? How about Vale da- Ferradura, a park leaning out over a valley where the Rio Santa Cruz is in the shape of a horeshoe? The trail leading down to the river takes an hour to go on and the reward is a delicious bath. To end a full. day, the night offers varied gastronomical programs: pampa food, colonial coffee1 rodizio of fondues and pizzas, tempered with much music and dancing. Aparados da Serra is a destination- to be revealed, replete with unforgettable scenery.

Aparados da Serra

1ST. Day - PORTO ALEGRE - CAMBARÁ DO SUL
Arrival at Porto Alegre (Salgado Filho Airport). Transfer to Cambara do Sul. Welcome dinner.

2nd. Day - CANYON FORTALEZA
After breakfast, we depart to Canyon Fortaleza. Walking to Esfinge, up the hill Quebra - Cangalho, the highest point, where from you'll have a fantastic sight of the sea, the waterfall of Tigre Preto and Pedra do Segredo (a 5 meter high monolith which hangs on a small base). Picnic box included. At the late afternoon, we are returning to the lodge. Dinner.

3rd. Day - ITAIMBEZINHO - PRAIA GRANDE
Breakfast. Today is the day of getting to know the most famous canyon of Rio Grande do Sul: Itaimbezinho, inside the Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra. Trekking through the trails of Vertice and of Cotovelo. Lunch free. In the afternoon, we are getting down to the town of Praia Grande through the Sierra do Faxinal. There we will be walking inside the Canyon Malacara, inside de National Park of Serra Geral, through the river till we reach the natural swimming pools. Afterwards, way back to the lodging and dinner.

4th day -TRILHA DO RIO DO BOI
Breakfast and departure to a 6 hour walking through the Trail do Rio do Boi, only few people have the opportunity of admiring Itaimbezinho from this angle. We walk along the river, passing natural swimming pools and "slidings", where from we can view huge balsatic walls. Picnic box included. In the evening, we come back to the lodging. Dinner free.

5th day - CANION MALACARA
Breakfast and early departure to the heighs of Canyon Malacara through Sierra do Faxinal. You are going to walk 6 km till its edge at the Fields de Cima da Serra. You are going to have a fantastic vision, which cannot be put in words. You go on walking in order to appreciate the best angles. It´s possible to swim in the riverand at the waterfall. In the afternoon, walk to the Canyon dos Indios Coroados. Dinner free.

6th day: Praia Grande - Porto Alegre
After breakfast, we travel to Porto Alegre, stopping shortly at Torres beach, in order to appreciate it granitic hills at the seaside. Arrival at Porto Alegre.

Price per person in US$:

2 people	4 people	6 people	10 people
$1619	$1195	$1062	$762

Prices are subjected to some changes upon final confirmation.
Valid from Dec. 2005 to June 2006, except National holidays.
Mandatory days: Start Mondays / finish Saturdays. Possibility of changes

INCLUDED:
- Transfer in/out Porto Alegre airport - hotel. Local transfer for tours;
- 5 overnights at the Pedra Afiada Ecologic Refuge; breakfast and dinner; tours:
- Fortaleza Canyon with lunch;
- Itaimbezinho Canyon;
- Malacara view with lunch;
- Rio do Boi tour with lunch; Malacara well;
- Bilingual guide;
- Entrance fees.

High Season = The months: December, January,February and July and when the following holidays occur during your trip: Carnival, Easter, April 21st, May 1st, All Saints, September 7th, the week of October 12th, November 2nd, November 15th.

DON'T FORGET
A small rucksack, trekking boots or tennisshoes which won't slide, flash-lamp, water-flask, anorak, bathing suit, a small towel, insect repelent, shorts, cap, sunfilter, musical instrument and a camera.