The awe-inspiring Private Reserve of Sebuí comprises 500 hectares of ancient "Floresta Atlântica", or Atlantic Rainforest, and is located in Brazil's southern state of Paraná. This ecological reserve is a prime example of ecotourism, offering basic, ecologically-managed lodges in the heart of beautiful forest. Outdoor activities include hiking along thematic trails, swimming, canoeing, bird-watching and nocturnal wildlife viewing.
A Boat Trip to the Ecological Reserve of Sebuí
A motorboat takes guests from Guaraqueçaba to the Reserva Ecológica do Sebuí. This 45 minutes' boat trip in the Baia dos Pinheiros is a marvellous way to start a trip to the Natural Reserve of Sebuí. The Bay of Pinheiros is surrounded by mountains that early in the morning form a kaleidoscope of blueish colours and is home to, among others, dolphins – which have a reputation for greeting visitors.
From the entrance a 200 metres' catwalk leads through beautiful mangrove to the mainland, from where a short walk through the forest brings visitors to the clearing of the lodges.
Accommodation and Facilities at Refúgio do Sebuí
In the clearing are a large wooden shelter with two small huts. In total the refúgio can sleep up to and no more than twelve guests, making a stay here personal and relaxed. There are also two two-story cabanas deeper in the forest, entirely clad in mosquito netting and suitable for viewing nocturnal animals.
The high level of ecological management of this refúgio shows itself in varies ways: all constructions have been built with fallen trees, lights burn on solar energy, water for hot showers is heated by firewood and waste water is recycled through permaculture. The latter is a natural sewer treatment filter in which local plants function as a filter. Especially the cebolana plant loves toilet waste, the more waste it receives the more flowers it produces.
This rural lodge is not only unique for its location in the middle of forest and mangrove, but also for its sparse but comfortable furniture and rustic ambience. Don't expect any amenities like Internet or television. There is an emergency-only radio station. Reserve of Sebuí has several rates and packages for an overnight stay, related to the number of people and length of stay. More details can be found on the website.
Outdoor Activities at Reserva Ecológica do Sebuí
The diversity in landscapes within such a limited region is extraordinary. The mangroves can be studied in detail by canoe, and twelve kilometres of trails lead through lowland as well as dense forest, ultimately leading to fabulous waterfalls. These are suitable for swimming and at one waterfall a rappel station [tiroleza] has been constructed.
To be able to enjoy the activities to the fullest, make sure to bring hiking boots or high rubber boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hat, raincoat, swimsuit, insect repellent, flashlight, a camera and small daypack to use during the hikes.
The Live Class Project at RPPN do Sebuí
The ecolodge of Sebuí is not only a place for leisure and relaxation. Interpretative trails have been laid out to teach visitors how to interact with nature, to understand the fragile environment of the Atlantic Forest biome as well as how to preserve it.
There is a special project called Live Class Project, organised by Cormorano Ecotourism. The project is aimed at highschool children who are brought here to learn about tropical forest ecosystems, the concept of biodiversity as well as the relationship of the local people with the natural resources.
Ecological Reserve do Sebuí in Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest
RPPN do Sebuí offers ecological travel in Brazil for those who like to interact with nature in the Atlantic Rainforest. This family-oriented destination along the Atlantic Ocean of Paraná is unique thanks to its remote location, its variety of outdoor activities, the dedication and charisma of its owner Enzo and of course its fabulous natural scenery.
Other unique accommodations in Brazil are the Pakaas Jungle Resort and Refúgio Porto das Pedras.
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
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