Blogs from Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America - page 8

Scalloped, white-sand beaches with warm, clear water, schooners sailing to nearby islands, huge granite outcroppings and domes covered by verdant tropical jungle--what could be better? Maybe a charming, well-preserved colonial town with a pedestrian-only center, a palm-lined river walk, and nearby waterfalls. That’s Paraty! I’d not planned to visit this small town of 32,000 because after all, I’m from a beach town, Santa Barbara. An overnight bus from Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, had taken me to Curitiba, Brazil, for a scenic train ride. However, when the train was canceled, I sought a small-town refuge to prepare myself for visiting the metropolis of Rio. Remembering the fab Paraty stories from other backpackers, I decided to wander there. I was incredibly lucky with tight bus connections and managed to get from Iguazu to Curitiba to San Paulo to Paraty ... read more

Ok well after we last signed off we were on our way to Ipanema (jo recovered from the hangover in a few minutes), and we went to the best all you can eat restaurant I think I´ve ever been to (not quite within a travellers budget) but the queue to get in was 50 strong! We then headed to a Favela party which was amazing (the highglight being a bunch of Brazilian gansters on the dancefloor breaking out a pre-rehearsed dance routine and looking like a boy band!). We met some great people in Ipanema and Botafogo had an amazing time and then took the journey south to Ilha Grande (apparently a Big Island!). After quite a gruelling hike to our Hostel we found what can only be described as one of the most beutiful places ... read more

petit sejour a Paraty, petit port en region tropicale en sao paulo et rio. enjoy Mike, Django&Eve... read more

We awoke around 9.30 and automatically felt the heat suffocating us. The sunlight was gushing from under the door and we knew it was going to be a scorcher of a day. We soaked up the surroundings over a long breakfast of fresh fruits and contemplated what to do with the day. We juggled with the idea of going to the beaches on the outskirts of town, but Emmerson (the hotel propritor) was not abash to inform us that the beaches were somewhat polluted and seldom used. Emmerson recommended a boat tout that could take us to quaint idyllic beaches and private islands for only 30r$, equivalent to roughly 10 pounds so we jumped at the oppurtunity and 30 minutes later we were embarking onto the top deck of the Estrela da Manha. We acquired two ... read more

I organized some transport to escape Rio de Janeiro before my liver failed completely. A gas-powered jeep arrived at my hostel to pick me and some other backpackers up for the journey south. The ride was pretty uncomfortable though. Squashed in the back of a jeep with a pile of heavy backpacks hanging precariously over my head for two hours was not much fun. The jeep bounced its way over hills and round tight corners en route to the paradise retreat of Ilha Grande. The island held promise of pristine beaches and sleepy villages and so, hopefully, the uncomfortable ride would be worth it. I transferred from jeep to boat - an old wooden ferry laden with local passengers, backpackers and supplies. The ride was picturesque, despite the overcast conditions. We bounced slowly over calm waters ... read more