As if this whole trip isn’t a sort of trek, this day was true to the word. Another of Tom’s excellent choices, we spent the day hiking up Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak. This is a place geographically close to Paraty the town, but only accessible by boat from Paraty Mirim (Little Paraty), which is accessible by public bus (40 minutes on a semi-paved, winding, mountain road).
Our guide was Michael Smyth, of Paraty Explorer. Originally from Northern Ireland, Michael has been in Brazil for maybe 10 years, and here in Paraty for a few years as a guide on hiking and kayaking and other sorts of outdoor adventures. He’s built a business that is integrated with the local people and economies. For example, a local fisherman took us from Paraty Mirim to the Mamangua trail head by boat, and a woman from the fishing village provided a delicious squid (lula) lunch for us after the hike. Michael is super knowledgeable about the area – history, culture, environment – and we learned a lot.
The hike up was a relatively difficult climb – 2k in distance and 400 meters elevation gain. Basically straight up (not switch back-y like you might expect), and we climbed up over branches, roots, and fallen trees. We made it to the top in about an hour.
The view from the peak is a stunning 360 degrees. Rain forest, the tropical fjord and bay, the big big sky and continuous cloud movement made for an ever-changing view. Breathtaking. We snacked, chatted and rested for a while and then headed down for a quick dip to cool off, and lunch. LUNCH. Delicious. Simple: fried squid (freshly caught) with rice, beans and salad. Hot sauce (in moderation) and farofa (fried manioc flour) to garnish. We left Mamangua exhausted, but glowing in the sunset of a perfect day.
Wow! The hike sounds amazing, but I bet you were tired at the end of the day, for sure. I have no idea how you made it in only an hour. Whew!
Looks like you are having a great time Bringing back some memories for me
John
Thanks John! It was a fantastic trip. Paraty was our favorite spot.