A Travessia: an exclusive guided adventure on horseback in the mountains of Brazil

When our friends at Best Made asked us to help locate a rugged & timeless location to test their gear and shoot their next catalog, we stumbled upon an adventure we simply had to share. A newly developed trail, accessible only on horseback, connecting mountains to sea in a particularly blessed little corner of Brazil. Now Trufflepig in collaboration with Best Made and Pousada Picinguaba are pleased to present this exclusive traverse, or travessia, never before offered to the public. Here is how it works….

The Setting

Catuçaba is a small Brazilian village steeped in history and nestled into the coastal mountains just 3 hours from Sao Paulo. A charming fishing village named Picinguaba lies just twenty miles southeast of Catucaba, down on the coast. Within each village you will find a wonderful property embedded into the local community, and focussed on luxurious simplicity. Thanks to recent conservation efforts, these two enchanting locations have been linked by trail through one of the largest remaining tracts of Atlantic forest, making it possible now to ride and hike from mountains to sea.

The Travessia (Portuguese for Traverse)

After relaxing and exploring the 1,000-acre property around Catuçaba for a few days, you will set out on horseback along the newly established route through the Serra do Mar State Park, a bio-diversity hotspot replete with virgin waterfalls and jaw-dropping coastal views. After a night spent sleeping under canvas in a stylish private camp set up in the wild, you will continue the rest of the way on foot, descending through the coastal Mantiqueira Mountains to Pousada Picinguaba, where you will be received in comfort.

The Bookend Hotels

Fazenda Catuçaba is a historic rural home that has been converted into an 8-room luxurious country inn, surrounded by mountains, lakes & streams. Pousada Picinguaba is a quiet coastal retreat with 9 rooms, beach access and endless ocean views. Both Catuçaba and Picinguaba abound in activities including hiking, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, cooking, boating, rafting, bird-watching, surfing, and relaxing in total tranquility. Both properties feature organic produce, warm hospitality and a distinct sense of place.

The Details

• the trip is on offer between June and November, 2016.

• there are no fixed dates or departures – the adventure will be assembled on demand, and a minimum of 4 travellers is required to run the travessia.

• the cost is US$5,895 per person, based on double occupancy.

• the trip price includes:

• 4 nights at Fazena Catucaba, 4 nights at Pousada Picinguaba, and 1 night under the stars in between.

• return transfers to and from either Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro or Paraty

• all guided activities, meals and non-alcoholic beverages.

Trufflepig believes every good trip worth it’s salt should include a traverse of some kind. Are you due for a breakthrough? Email us or call us for more information