Spring Break Southern Brazil

Fri 16 Mar to Sat 24 Mar. 3721 Military Rd NW #B, Washington DC, 20015. Robin Richman, 866-299-5674, robin@steppinoutadventures.com. Steppin' Out Adventures Ltd. [events]

Description: The geography of Southern Brazil dictated the cultural and natural diversity of the region. The nearby sierra seems to rise right out of the ocean and not only generates unique local weather patterns but presented a formidable barrier to early colonizers of the state of Santa Catarina. Hence, the coast is decorated with small fishing villages and a surf culture while the neighboring mountain plateaus are picturesque with the Gaucho (South American cowboys) ranches and the colorful Gaucho culture.

Our week in the south will be a wonderful experience of culture, natural beauty, and adventure. We will spend some time exploring the most beautiful beaches in Brazil and the dune ecosystems that surround them on Santa Catarina Island. We have many optional activities that may include rafting down the Rio Cubutão in class III and IV rapids through lush sub-tropical rainforest. The air is rich with the sweet smells of the blossoms that ornament the verdant background. We’ll sail through the coastal islands to the Baia dos Golfinos (Bay of Dolphins) and have lunch on a distant beach. The bay is appropriately named as dolphin sightings are frequent in this area. At night we’ll slip away to dance to traditional forró music. Whether you want to dance or not, it will be extremely difficult to keep your body from moving and getting involved with the local crowd, gyrating and effortlessly gliding around the dance floor. We’ll travel up the chiseled mountains of the Serra Gaucho to our home base the Pousada Morro Grande, a 5th generation working ranch. On horseback, we’ll ride through fields of native wildflowers, majestic Brazilian Pine forests and breathtaking canyons. We’ll ride out to the Uncle’s ranch for an overnight stay and have the opportunity to rappel into Canyon Bicudo next to the 35 meter waterfall, Salto de Bicudo. You will see the striking difference of the vegetation inside of the canyon and pass many beautiful little waterfalls and swimming holes to cool off on our hike out. Rare and endemic giant tree ferns are numerous in the canyon and take on surreal shapes and growth forms like trees out of a Dr. Suess book. Each night, the stars of the Southern sky will begin to poke through the impending dark canopy. New constellations only visible in the Southern hemisphere will present themselves. Our finale will be the barn party. We’ll feast on the famous Brazilian barbecue, dance the traditional Gaucho dances to live accordion music and be swept away in the warm atmosphere of the traditional Gaucho lifestyle.

Cost: Members: $1,740.00
Non-Members: $1,800.00
Not included: International and domestic are not included in the above prices. International airfare varies from US$550-700 and the domestic airfare to the South is around US$150. Also, Brazil requires a tourist visa to enter the country at US$115. Alcoholic drinks are not included.
Cost Includes: Airport transfers, accommodations, ground transportation, all meals, all non-alcoholic drinks at the Pousada Morro Grande, all activities, tours and the services of extremely fun and knowledgeable guides.