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Backpacking Brazil’s Yosemite - Valley of the Gods
Let's go for a 3-day backpacking and camping trip in a place believed to be designed by the gods themselves, the Três Picos natural reserve. We begin in the city of Teresópolis, the capital of Brazilian mountaineering, named in honour of the Portuguese Emperor's daughter-in-law, Teresa Cristina. Teresópolis is also the host city for Brazil national football team. Before starting the journey, we enjoy a visit of Teresópolis charms. The next day we depart to the largest Rio de Janeiro State Park located near the city of Nova Friburgo. Because of its geological formation, Três Picos State Park is often referred to as the "Brazilian Yosemite.” We set up our tents in one of the most beautiful campsites in the park. From here, we have access to several trails leading to nearby summits. The place is very rustic and remote, allowing us to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. For those fond of rock climbing or keen to try it, there will be a climbing guide standing by. Hope your adventurous soul is ready! Highlights:
● Backpacking to the Valley of the Gods ● Hike and camp in the largest state park in Rio de Janeiro ● Immerse into the popularly known "Brazilian Yosemite"
Flight Information Saturday, November 3: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro by 13:00 (1:00pm) Wednesday, November 7: Rio to Campo Grande (CGR) - Depart Rio de Janeiro no earlier than 11:30am (see recommended flight below) Saturday, November 10: Depart Campo Grande (CGR) anytime
Nattrip Agencia de Turismo LTDA Contact: [email protected]
Itinerary: Day 1 (Nov, 3rd): From the city to the wild
In this first day of our journey we'll take the transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Teresópolis, a city that is host for Brazil's national football team. The one-hour trip itself is already a spectacle, with cinematic views from the Serra dos Órgãos mountain formation and the entire Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay. It's always worth a visit to some of Teresópolis charms and a nice meal before heading to the hotel.
● Meeting: Receptive in Rio de Janeiro airport ● Meals included: Dinner ● Note: Transfer Rio x Teresópolis will depart 15h00.
Day 2 (Nov, 4th): Três Picos State Park: The "Brazilian Yosemite"
After hotel breakfast, hop in our transfer to go to the city of Nova Friburgo, in a valley known as Vale dos Frades, location of a big water bottling industry because of the clear and healthy local water fountains. Between farmlands, that's where we start our short hike to the campsite known as Valley of the Gods. The location was named after a local tale that says the gods battled for who could build the most beautiful mountain. Between huge walls of rock, we set camp and take a rest around the valley. There are several hiking options to the summits around the campsite, the Caixa de Fósforo (Matchbox), the Cabeça de Dragão (Dragon's Head), the Pico Médio (Medium Peak) and so on... We'll spend the next two days exploring these locations.
● Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ● Hiking time: 2 hours | Distance: 3,5 km | Elevation gain: 500 m (carrying overnight
backpack) ● Note: Meals will be prepared by everybody using a rustic wood burning stove, but camping
gas stoves will be available. Teamwork in food preparation!
Nattrip Agencia de Turismo LTDA Contact: [email protected]
Day 3 (Nov, 5th): From Peak to Peak
This is the day we spend hiking around the area and visiting several attractions on Valley of the Gods. At night, if Mother-nature and the God-of-the-stars allows, there will be an outdoor celebration with a big firepit (built and permitted by the park), foods and drinks!
● Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ● Hiking round-trip time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 8-12 km | Elevation gain: from 500 m to
1200 m depending on the hike (carrying only a day pack) Day 4 (Nov, 6th): Back from the wild
Before saying goodbye, we still have time for another quick hike for those who yet have energy. A meditation session or a hammock nap are options to those who decide to recover. After lunch let's gear up to make our way to the cheese farm downwards (yes we can buy some local cheese!), where we'll hop on the transfer to get back to Teresópolis hotel.
● Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ● Hiking time: 2 hours | Distance: 3,5 km | Elevation loss: 500 m (carrying overnight
backpack) Day 5 (Nov, 7th): From Teresópolis to Rio de Janeiro airport
After breakfast delegates will board the transfer to the airport in Rio de Janeiro.
● Participants will be at the airport before 10am ● Flight option:
○ Azul ○ 11:30 AM – 1:55 PM (3h 25m) ○ SDU–CGR ○ VCP 1 stop (35m)
● Meals included: Breakfast
Nattrip Agencia de Turismo LTDA Contact: [email protected]
Group size: 4-6 persons Itinerary Difficulty Rating: 3 - Moderate This is a backpacking activity. Participants are required to carry their own personal belongings throughout the main hike (from the entrance of the park until the campground). Your pack may weigh as much as 13-18 kg/30-40 pounds. You should pack only what you absolutely need for the three days camping and hiking including clothes, warm layers, sleeping bag and pad, personal toiletries and medicines, headlamp (or similar), and other items you may need. On the day-hikes, a small backpack is recommended to carry only snacks, water, raincoat and photography equipment. Bringing personal sleeping bag and sleeping pads is recommended, but we can supply these items if requested in advance. Nattrip will supply and carry the camping tent and meals. Remaining luggage will be stored at the hotel in Teresópolis. Laptops and other non-essential items should remain stored in your locked luggage. Map of the route: The dots represent the geographic location of the cities visited. The blue line represent the driving circuit.
Nattrip Agencia de Turismo LTDA Contact: [email protected]
Itinerary inclusions:
● English speaking professional adventure Tour Guide ◦ Trained in first aid and carrying a group first aid kit
● Hotel: Standard class (or superior) - 2 nights ● Camping (2 nights): tents (2-person shared) and sleeping pads will be provided. If you don't
have a sleeping bag, please let us know. ◦ Toilets and showers (no hot water) are available at the campsite. The structure is rustic,
though. ◦ Meals: All meals included as described. During camping, all meals to be cooked in the
rustic wood burning stove. ▪ Vegetarian/Vegan options available. Please advise your food restrictions prior to
departure. ◦ Water: Water in the backcountry of Brazil is considered potable by the locals. However,
we recommend foreign travelers filter it as a precaution. Nattrip will provide bottled water, if needed. However, it is recommended to bring a water filter, water purification drops or tablets, or a Grayl bottle in an effort to eliminate single use plastic water bottles. Note: ATTA member receive a 50% discount on Grayl bottles. Discount code in found in the Pro Shop in The Hub. Free shipping the the USA, shipping available to 115 countries.
● Transportation: Receptive in Rio de Janeiro airport, Transfer to the city of Teresópolis at 15h00 on Day 1; transfer to and from the trailhead, Day 5 (Nov. 7) transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport for flights to Campo Grande.
Itinerary exclusions:
● Guide/trip leaders gratuities (optional) ● Personal items such as laundry fees, internet fees, souvenirs, etc ● Anything not already explicitly included in the itinerary
Cancellation policy for paying participants: Due to the exceptional characteristics of this pre-adventure fam trip, cancellations non-refundable.
Nattrip Agencia de Turismo LTDA Contact: [email protected]
Weather The city of Nova Friburgo is located at 900m (2.900 ft) of altitude and is the closest reference to the campsite. In the region, the rainy season is the summer, but the months of October and early November, which are still spring, already present chances of tropical rain. During late November, December and January there are high chances of heavy rain. The temperature at the campsite during the day is comfortable just like the city, normally around 20ºC (68ºF), but our campsite is located at higher altitude, reaching 1.700m (5.600 ft) elevation, therefore at night the temperature drops to as low as 5ºC (40ºF). Sometimes it can reach zero celsius (32ºF).
Temperatures in Nova Friburgo city year round (ºC/ºF):
The probability of rain in early November can be seen in the graph below:
Nattrip Agencia de Turismo LTDA Contact: [email protected]
Packing List:
Gear and/or equipment that will be provided: ● Camping tents ● Sleeping pads ● Note: If you don’t have one or more
items, or if you want to bring your own tent/sleeping pad, please let us know.
Luggage:
● Medium to large duffle or rolling soft-sided luggage
○ Will be stored at hotel while backpacking
● 60-65 L backpack ● Waterproof pack cover or garbage bag
to line pack ● Small, lightweight day pack for hikes
from camp Clothing:
● Casual clothing/shoes for travel and city wear (lightweight, easily washable)
● Waterproof jacket, lightweight ● Waterproof pants, lightweight ● Fleece/softshell jacket (windproof
preferred) ● Down (or synthetic) jacket - it can be
cold at night ● T-shirts, synthetic or wool ● Long sleeve shirt, synthetic or wool ● Hiking pants (no jeans for trekking) ● Synthetic or merino base layers ● Underwear/sports bra (quick drying)
Footwear:
● Hiking shoes ● Hiking socks, synthetic or wool ● Camp shoes (sneakers/crocs or similar)
Assorted Personal Items: ● Trekking poles (collapsible) ● Sleeping Bag (20-32°F/-5-0°C) with
compression stuff sack ● Water bottles (2 1-Liter or 2L hydration
bladder) ● Headlamp with batteries (& extra
batteries) ● Sunscreen and Lip balm with SPF Sun
hat ● Wool or fleece hat ● Buff ● Light gloves ● Sunglasses with UV filter ● Personal hygiene items (toothpaste,
toothbrush, quick drying travel towel,etc)
● Toilet Kit: Toilet paper, Ziplock bags (at least one for clean TP, one for dirty TP), wet wipes, hand sanitizer (You must pack out all toilet paper.)
● Personal first aid kit, medications, blister kit
● Bandana ● Camera/memory cards/battery ● Packing cubes/stuff sacks ● Earplugs and eye shade ● Binoculars ● Water purification (filter or tablets) ● Mosquito repellent ● Optional to bring your own: Insulating
sleeping pad (compact, lightweight; Therm-a-Rest ideal)
● Optional but highly recommended to eliminate single use plastic water bottles: Water filter or Grayl water bottle (ATTA members get 50% off - code is in the HUB Pro Shop)
Nattrip Agencia de Turismo LTDA Contact: [email protected]
