Brazilian Trek and Kayak Challenge 13 Oct 2011 11 days This exciting challenge combines trekking in the Serra da Bocaina National Park and kayaking in the Bay of Paraty around a rainforest area between Rio and São Paulo, very close to the Tropics. Activity: Trekking Place: Serra da Bocaina National Park, Brazil Organiser: Charity Challenge Date: 13 October 2011 Duration/distance: 11 days Fees & sponsorship: £575 registration fee + £3695 minimum sponsorship Difficulty:

Serra da Bocaina National Park, which integrates the Sea Mountain Range (Serra do Mar), is located between the Northern coast of São Paulo and the Southern coast of Rio de Janeiro. In the Tupi-Guarani language, Bocaina means "paths to the heights". Access to the "heights" remains difficult, preserving the natural integrity of the land where you will find yourself surrounded by the gloriously lush Atlantic Rainforest.

After finishing your trek you will head to Paraty, located on the border between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states. Founded in 1531, Paraty was a busy port in the 1700s, exporting gold from the mines of Minas Gerais. Paraty contains beautifully preserved colonial architecture and was declared a Historical Heritage Site in 1958. Over the next three days, you will kayak from the Bay of Paraty, to the Saco do Mamangua. The Bay of Paraty offers you a tropical forest, more than 60 islands, 300 beaches and unforgettable marine sceneries.

Having completed the kayaking section of the challenge, you will transfer to Rio to visit its sights. You will celebrate the completion of your challenge in Rio de Janeiro, affectionately known as Rio, stretching among mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. On an inlet of tropical vegetation Rio is considered by many to be among the most beautiful cities in the world. Brazil'’s 2nd largest city after Sao Paulo, Rio is perhaps most famous for its Christ the Redeemer statue which overlooks the city on Corcovado mountain. You will have the chance to visit this famous statue, deservedly elected by the city’s population as the “Wonder of Rio”.