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Into the Fjord: Saco do Mamangua

BrazilPosted by Kacy

5 Jun

Brazil's Only Tropical FjordAlthough it was the shortest, our last day in Paraty may have been my favorite. Maybe because our little guy got to go with us! Any time we can experience a new place with our main man, it’s a thousand times more enjoyable. After a perfect day of island hopping, we knew we needed to get back on the water one more time. The day started out with another fairly questionable dirt road drive from our pousada to Paraty Mirim.

Paraty MirimAndre, our guide from the previous day, had recommended Paraty Mirim as a starting point for finding a boat to take us to Saco do Mamangua, the only tropical fjord on the Brazilian coast. I knew the fjord would be gorgeous but Paraty Mirim’s views totally surprised me.

Paraty MirimThe waters were calm and clear and the sands basically deserted when we arrived at 10 a.m. I would have enjoyed simply spending time at this beach, had we not had other schemes in mind. I saw a lot of online reviews saying that the downfall of Paraty Mirim is the lack of facilities, but there was a quiosque open serving food that also offered bathrooms. Maybe it’s new.

Also, there are dogs everywhere in Brazil. I love it, but apparently we’re not allowed to take them all back to the States with us. I’m guessing that the guy above would probably rather stay in paradise anyway. Can you imagine a better place for a lab to live? I digress. If you’re in Paraty looking for a quiet beach with ample sand that you can reach by car, I would definitely suggest checking Paraty Mirim out.

Paraty MirimBecause it was a Monday in the offseason, there wasn’t a line of boats waiting to be hired as we had heard about. Instead, there was one fisherman who met us at the quiosque and offered his services. Good enough!

Hiring a fishing boat Paraty MirimWe probably didn’t get as good of a price as we could have, seeing as how we barely speak enough portuguese to survive on a given day let alone haggle prices, but for around $70 USD we had ourselves another private vessel and guide for a total of three hours. Originally, we had hoped to have lunch at Dadico’s restaurant in the fjord, but it turned out that pretty much everything was closed that day. No matter, we had plenty of views to keep us occupied.

clear waters in ParatyWhile Sunday had been a relatively busy day on the water, Monday was completely calm and peaceful.

Saco do Mamangua, Paraty, RJ, BrazilFor the majority of the ride, we just kicked back with the dog (who surprisingly really enjoyed boating) and marveled at the beauty of the Saco do Mamangua. Of all the moments of the trip, this one resonated the most.

Saco do Mamangua, Paraty, RJ, BrazilWe did make one stop at a secluded beach somewhere along the fjord.

Praia Saco do MamanguaThis beach won as the prettiest of the trip with the smoothest sand, clearest water and being just the epitome of what I picture when I think of paradise.

Praia Saco do MamanguaIt was just me, Tom, Ashton and another new dog friend as we wandered the empty shore. Our guide disappeared for a while, which would have been slightly alarming had we not been able to see the boat the whole time.

Praia Saco do MamanguaWe unfortunately didn’t have too much time to enjoy the beach, as the ride from Paraty Mirim to Saco do Mamangua took about 45 minutes and we had a seven hour drive to Bauru after that.

Praia Saco do Mamangua
Praia Saco do MamanguaOn the way back, we rode on the bow of the boat and discussed how fortunate we are that we had the opportunity to spend this time in Brazil.

Dog on a boatEver since I was young and we took a family vacation to Mexico, I’ve been chasing moments like this. Unlike the combined 21 mosquito bites Tom and I accumulated during the course of the boat ride, being bitten by the travel bug is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.

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« Island Hopping in Paraty
Planning a Trip to Paraty »

Comments

  1. Jessica says

    June 6, 2015 at 8:51 am

    I love that pic of all three of you!! Ashton looks like he’s having the best time. Such a lucky guy to be found by you two ❤️

    Reply
  2. Parita @ myinnershakti says

    June 10, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Love how peaceful and serene the beaches are. Reminds me of “Lost.” 🙂

    Reply
  3. Steph says

    June 12, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    I LOVE this! I’m totally going to copycat your trip.. and bring my dog too!
    Amazing photos, the water looks so calm and clean and clear!

    Reply
  4. James F. Trumm says

    June 29, 2015 at 11:59 am

    What’s especially impressive to me about these scenes is their substantial lack of people. It’s great to know there are still some relatively unspoiled and unpopulated beautiful places left in the world. It looks like you discovered one of them.

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      June 30, 2015 at 9:58 pm

      That really resonated with me too. It’s rare to find those truly quiet moments, but so rewarding. Thanks for reading James!

      Reply
  5. Ray says

    January 12, 2016 at 9:01 pm

    I second James’ comments, as well. Even though not facilities were open while you were there, the fact that you two had this piece of Paradise to yourself for a few hours is what travel is all about. Here’s hoping that you get to find another piece of Paradise in the future. Absolutely gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      January 21, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      Thank you, I am hoping for the same! It was definitely one of my top travel moments ever!

      Reply

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