Planning a trip to Brazil isn’t an easy task, right?
Dealing with seasonality is tricky, being a large country there are many different cultures, ecosystems and destinations that offer amazing nature and beach landscapes, but how to choose among so many options?
Imagine being able to combine culture and history, with a beautiful bay filled with island and virgin beaches?
This is what Paraty can offer, and chartering a sail boat is the perfect way to enjoy this to the fullest.
Set in one of the most stunning stretches of the Brazilian coastline, backed by rainforest clad mountains on one side and locked-in by the sea on another.
Paraty’s colourful colonial architecture references back to its important role as a main port for gold export from Brazil to Europe. It has a vibrant culture and nightlife, great local shopping, waterfalls and a bay filled with islands and virgin beaches which are best explored by chartering a sailing boat.
Can you imagine gather some of your best friends or family and sail around pristine beaches with all comfort and the liberty to do the trip as you please?
One of our favorites is a Lipari 41, a modern catamaran, with wide open decks, excellent panoramic visibility and a cockpit with seating for eight at the table.
Contact us to know more about our sailing charter suggestions.
The Olympics are just around the corner and Matueté provides expert consulting to devising the best strategy to enjoy the games and Rio as much as you should!
Rio has been preparing for this great event since 2009 and most of the venues are now finished and test events are now in full swing.
The downtown area, in particular, has been spruced up and some off-radar areas, such as the suburb of Barra da Tijuca, are now firmly on the visitor’s map.
Not to mention the breathtaking Museum of Tomorrow, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, which is already opened to the public in the redeveloped port district.
Copacabana beach will be the location for beach volleyball contests, the cycling road races will pass through Ipanema neighborhoods and the inshore waters off the Lagoa and Gloria neighbourhoods will host the sailing competitions, which already guarantees a brand new look of Rio.
Lots of visitors combine a stay in Rio with a flying visit to the Amazon, Pantanal or northern beaches, but there are plenty of overland options close to the city that will be less crowded after the games.
Hidden in a peninsula in southern Bahia, Caraiva is the perfect destination for those seeking peace, quiet and a visual paradise. And we have a fantastic Villa over there! By the sea, very exclusive and combines the simplicity of Bahia lifestyle with charm and comfort.
Villa 1 has 7 bright and spacious rooms, with fantastic views; ideal for a family or a group of friends.
Are you in the mood? So follow the link to our website for more details on the amazing Villas available for rent. 🙂
As it’s widely known, UNESCO aims to promote the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage, which are considered especially valuable for humanity. It’s a beautiful mission, that we truly admire! Brazil has several natural and cultural treasures considered world’s patrimony by UNESCO and we are super proud of that, so we’ve decided to share some of them with you.
Which one would you like to visit first?
1. Brasília
Brasilia was a landmark in the history of town planning. Urban planner Lucio Costa and celebrated architect Oscar Niemeyer intended that every element should be in harmony with the city’s overall design. Not to mention the beautiful sunlight and natural landscape from cerrado (or brazilian savanna, as you wish), contrasting with the concrete.
2. Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
Brazil’s first capital, Salvador witnessed the blending of European, African and Amerindian cultures and it was also the first slave market in the new world. The city has managed to preserve many outstanding Renaissance buildings and a remarkable feature of the old town are the brightly coloured houses.
3. Historic Centre of São Luís
This historic town has preserved the original street plan in its entirety. An exceptional number of fine historic buildings have survived, making this an outstanding example of an Iberian colonial town. And not too far from São Luis, there’s Lençois Maranhenses National Park which Unesco should seriously consider including as a natural patrimony. 🙂
4. Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
The site consists of an exceptional urban setting encompassing the key natural elements that have shaped and inspired the development of the city: from the highest points of the Tijuca National Park’s mountains down to the sea. Rio de Janeiro is also recognized for the artistic inspiration it has provided to musicians, landscapers and uurbanites.
5. Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
These reserves represent a large proportion of the island surface of the South Atlantic and their rich waters are extremely important for the aquatic environment. The islands are home to the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic. The portrait of paradise…
6. Central Amazon Conservation Complex
The Central Amazon makes up the largest protected area in the Amazon Basin and is one of the planet’s richest regions in terms of biodiversity. The site protects key threatened species including the black caiman and two species of river dolphins. 🙂
7. Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
One of the World’s oldest and most diverse tropical ecosystems. For thousands of years these sites have served as refuge for several species and will be vital for maintaining the biodiversity of the Cerrado region during future climate fluctuations. To include on your must see destinations!
8. Iguaçu National Park
Iguaçu National Park has one of the world’s largest and most impressive waterfalls. It is home to many rare and endangered species, among them the giant otter and the giant anteater. The clouds of sprinkle jet produced by the waterfall are conducive to the growth of lush vegetation. Breathtaking!
9. Pantanal Conservation Area
Located in Central Western Brazil, the site represents one of the world’s largest freshwater wetland ecosystems. The headwaters of the region’s two major river systems are located here and the abundance and diversity of its vegetation and animal life are spectacular. The best place in America to observe wildlife!
10. Serra da Capivara National Park
Many of the numerous rock shelters in Serra da Capivara National Park are decorated with cave paintings, some more than 25,000 years old. They are an outstanding testimony to one of the oldest human communities of South America. Wow!
It may sound too early to be thinking about this, but if you haven’t yet spent at least one New Year’s eve in Rio de Janeiro, you have no idea what celebration really means.
Many of us here at Matueté already lived this magical experience, but this week we received Copacabana Palace’s account manager in our office, Rosana Takahashi, and she brought fresh news about this hotel which is a real carioca icon, so glamorous and stylish, that our excitement has already been renewed automatically… you want to know why?
Click on picture below to experience just a sample of what Réveillon represent for Copa and for Brazilians.
And the best part is there’s still time to guarantee an INCREDIBLE welcome for 2016.
Without a doubt, Rio de Janeiro will be the most exciting place to be during the World Cup. Not only will it host some of the most interesting first round matches of the tournament, it will also be an incredibly fun place to join the crowds and watch the matches taking place in other cities. We have prepared a selection of packages for some of the First Round matches taking place in the city. And for those looking for an extra dose of excitement, see our Round of 16 packages and also our stunning collection of Private Apartments and Villas, the perfect base for the Finals and Semi-Finals.
Belgium vs Russia Match | June 20 – June 24 | 4 night package
: 4 nights at the Fasano Hotel | June 20-24 | Rio’s Best 5 star deluxe Contemporary Style Hotel
:: 4 VIP tickets at Match Club Hospitality Level (sourced directly from FIFA) for Russia vs Belgium match on June 22nd
:: 5 days of car at disposal with driver and private guide for touring Rio and access to match
:: Entrance to any of Rio’s major tourist attractions: Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, and any museum
Special Price: U$ 9,000 per person based on a package for 4 people. Based on 2 people sharing Deluxe Ocean View Room and King Bed at the Fasano. Consult us for other categories of accommodation including the Presidential Suite or other categories of match tickets.
France vs Ecuador Match | June 24 – June 27 | 3 night package
:: 3 nights at the Fasano Hotel | June 20 – 24 | Rio’s Best 5 star deluxe Contemporary Style Hotel
:: 4 VIP tickets at Match Club Hospitality Level (sourced directly from FIFA) for France vs Ecuador match on June 25th
:: 4 days of car at disposal with driver and private guide for touring Rio and access to match
:: Entrance to any of Rio’s major tourist attractions: Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, and any museum
Special Price: U$ 7,500 per person based on a package for 4 people. Based on 2 people sharing Deluxe Ocean View Room and King Bed at the Fasano. Consult us for other categories of accommodation including the Presidential Suite and other categories of match tickets.
Round of 16 Match | 1st of Group C (Colombia, Greece or Japan) vs 2nd of Group D(England, Italy or Uruguay) | June 26 – June 30 | 4 night package :: 4 nights at the Copacabana Palace Hotel | June 26 – 30 | in an Ocean Front Suite plus an Ocean Front Room (can be connecting)
:: 4 VIP tickets at Match Pavillion Hospitality Level (sourced directly from FIFA) for the 1st of Group C vs the 2nd of group D match on June 28th
:: 5 days of car at disposal with driver and private guide for touring Rio and access to match
:: Entrance to any of Rio’s major tourist attractions: Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, and any museum
Special Price: U$ 10,200 per person based on a package for 4 people. Based on 4 people in an Ocean Front Suite and an Ocean Front Apartment. Consult us for the possibilities of triples and also for other room options or other categories of match tickets.
The Most Incredible Private Villa Portfolio in Rio
For those looking for accommodation for the Finals, we can offer an incredible portfolio of Private Apartments and Villas in and around the city. Have a look at some options here and consult us for pricing.
It will be the most amazing and exciting days in the city, and we are looking forward to meet you there!
See you in Rio!
Hidden in the West side of the Marvelous City, a few desert beaches are worth the hike
If being original is the rule nowadays, these beaches are the hipsters of Rio de Janeiro. Not too far from crowded neighborhoods such as Jacarépaguá and Recreio, lies a hidden treasure, even for many locals; more precisely at Barra de Guaratiba, there are five beaches off Rio de Janeiro’s coast which are considered desert: Buzios, Perigoso, do Meio, Funda and Inferno are only accessible by treks or boats.
Being a desert beach means nothing was modified on the coast lining, that there are no signs of urban life whatsoever, no kiosks, or anything. It´s you, and nature, and hopefully the best company you can think of to help you carry food, water and maybe a beach umbrella.
All treks have the same starting point, at Guaratiba beach. After a 40min mild hike, you´ll reach a fork, one way leading to Perigoso and Búzios, while the other way will take you to Funda, Inferno and do Meio beaches. How long you will take from the fork to each destination depends on the individual’s physical conditions as well as how much weight is being carried. The easiest to get to, and first beach you will cross is Perigoso. Another 45min-walk will lead to Praia do Meio. The furthest is Inferno beach (in English, this would be the Hell beach, but the only Hell here is not bringing sunscreen), and it has an alternative trek back to Guaratiba village, about 2h walk.
For the not-so-active crowd, the boats leave from Guaratiba port, and prices may vary according to number of passengers, luggage and the route desired. But the views you will find during the treks, can’t compare. As they say, best things in life are free – and very well kept.
The Portuguese had a very creative idea that is spreading around the world – they have transformed Lisbon cobblestones in QR codes containing historical information and curiosities about the city.
To build the mosaics they had to take out some historical stones from the floor that couldn’t just be thrown away. This led to another incredible idea – to take them to other places in the world and make other QR codes, containing information about each place with those same stones. The first place to get it was Bracelona, and now it’s arriving in Rio de Janeiro.
The idea is not only to give easy access to touristic information, but also to blend technology with tradition, and bring a creative and fun urban intervention.
The 1st QR code in Rio is at Arpoador beach, but there will be 30 more until the end of the year in Rio´s main touristic sights. That way the city will not only have a bit more of Portuguese history influences, but also an innovative way to tell its own history to the many tourist that are about to come.
To understand a bit better this Portuguese idea, check out the movie about the project!
If you’re planning a escape to Brazil in our summer and want to run away from the big crowds, here are some of our favorite runaway destinations that will make you forget about all that crazy life at home…
Amazon Cruises
The Amazon is so big that no matter the season, you will always find a quiet spot – especially if you are travelling on a private yacht or regional boat with a great staff at disposal. You can choose to navigate the Negro River or the Tapajós – both great trips, with amazing landscapes and pristine river beaches.
Simbauma Beach
Sibaúma beach, in Rio Grande do Norte (northeast of Brazil), has no civilization. A 25m high red sand dune is its landmark and the 7km stretch of beach is perfect for walking. You can stay at Kilombo Villas, a hotel that is closer to a serviced community of private beach homes. Their 5 houses are very comfortable and perfectly decorated. There’s nothing around but nature and the beach, but in case you wish to see people, Pipa, a hype beach destination is only 8km away.
Picinguaba
Picinguaba is a preserved beach at Ubatuba, a 30 min drive from the colonial town of Paraty, in between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. There’s a small pousada named after the beach, which has only 10 rooms, with no TV, Internet or telephone, so you can definitely escape from real life. All food served at the pousada is organic, produced on the Fazenda they have nearby. If staying there you can go for some great activities around the region, to visit the fishermen communities and the beautiful bay surrounding the area.
Barra de São Miguel
Of course the beach is beautiful, but it’s thanks to Kenoa Resort that it is on this list. Embraced on the north by the resplendent panorama of miles of virgin Atlantic outback and on the east by the turquoise enchantment of the open sea, Kenoa Resort is as wondrous as it is very private, a place where luxury is defined by its earth-given beauty. Its service is as great as its setting – it will be hard to remember any kind of problems while staying here… It’s located at Alagoas (northeast of Brazil), 30km away from Maceió, the state’s capital.
Corumbau
Pristine beaches and crystal clear waters – that’s what you will find at this historically important stretch of the Bahian coast. This stunning setting was the gateway for the first Portuguese landings on Brazilian soil in the 1500s. Thanks to the difficulty of access (4 hrs drive form Porto Seguro, the nearest airport, or 20min on chartered airplane), this paradise keeps untouched. Here we recommend staying at Fazenda São Francisco, exclusive 10 bungalows hotel with great service and local food.
