Pousada Picinguaba

In tupi-guarani, Picinguaba means “fish shelter” (“refúgio dos peixes”). Pousada Picinguaba is located in a tranquil bay at the heart of the Atlantic Forest Natural Park – a tropical seaside forest that extends from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo – within a small fisherman’s village in the Ubatuba region and a half hour away from Paraty. To the eyes, Picinguaba emerges as an entryway to a Brazil of decades past. At Picinguaba, everything appears to be in perfect harmony.

Designed in the late 1970s, before the creation of the Serra do Mar State Park, it was built in a timeless and cozy colonial style, with what is probably one of the most spectacular views on the coast (Costa Verde), facing a protected 3.5km beach.

It is the only large structure built within the Park, an extraordinary privilege in the middle of preserved nature, found in few places in the world. It has already been rented in the past by numerous famous guests in search of authenticity and privacy.

VILLA CASA VERDE
The Villa Casa Verde is a restful accommodation next to the Pousada, ideal for couples and families looking for more space and privacy. Elegant and comfortable, the house provides an intimate and cozy atmosphere.

Extremely charming, it was one of the first houses owned by a non-native of Picinguaba in the 1980s, when the road was opened. It was completely renovated years ago to become the family home of the owner of the Pousada. It has the charm of a private house that was not made for rental, with objects and works of art and an elegance that is both simple and refined.

Very fresh in the summer, it also has a beautiful fireplace for the comfort of cooler winter days. It seems to be the house of a friend who traveled and left it for you, but with all the service of the pousada. Ideal for family stays or longer stays.

MASTER SUITE
The Master Suite has the most privileged view, with a large balcony and a hammock to contemplate the Picinguaba bay. The internal space is ample and elegant, in perfect composition with Brazilian artworks and nature everywhere around.

CLASSIC ROOM
We preserve tranquility with only 9 accommodations. Simple, but comfortable and decorated with Brazilian art, all rooms have view to the sea or to the garden and pool.

THE RESTAURANT
Fish still salty from the sea are only a short walk away from the kitchen. Every year and season comes with its own offerings: anchovies, baquara and carapeva; sororoca in the winter, but pargo, vermelho, robalo (snook) and garopa year-round.

They are grilled, baked, and boiled. Seu Cirilo, a Picinguaba resident, keeps our farm overflowing with bananas, cacao, manioc root, cambuci, hearts of palm and whatever else pops up in his backyard. Fresh organic vegetables and fruits are brought from Fazenda Catuçaba.

To share the richness of our food with those who haven’t stayed with us yet, we opened the restaurant to the public, valuing the best that our region has to offer in terms of products and flavors!

Seasonal menu based on the best organic products from our farm, local agroforestry and fish and seafood from Picinguaba’s artisanal fisheries: all to be enjoyed with an excellent selection of carefully selected terroir and natural wines.

ACTIVITIES
Time flows softly at Picinguaba. Despite this, it will still seem as though there is not enough time to take in everything the fishermen’s village and its surrounding region has to offer. Boats, kayaks and stand-up paddles take us to deserted beaches; walks through the forest teach us about the calls of birds that echo in the green and reveal landscapes and waterfalls.

Native dwellers invite us to fish scallops and taste the entire potency of their flavor. Trips to neighboring towns such as Paraty teach us more about culture, history and everything we define as richness.

LIVING THE SEA
Floating in the sea, admiring the coast from a different angle, feeling the energy of nature — this may be the best definition of peace. At Picinguaba guests can experience this feeling in many different ways, be it through surfing, stand-up paddling, kayaking or on a schooner ride.

NATIVE FISHING
Experience the Picinguaba way of life. The village is an internationally recognized UNESCO heritage site. Fish with a local fisherman, from one of the colorful boats docked out on the bay.

This activity is great fun for both children and adults — a relaxing, educational experience that connect us with the knowledge of people who embrace fishing as a traditional practice. Upon our return, we can cook up what you’ve fished for dinner, a special experience in and of itself.

FOREST HIKES
Entering the forest and following trails through essentially untouched greenery, breathing in fresh air, hearing the echoes bouncing off the trees. At Picinguaba we offer various itineraries that take guests to secret beaches, only accessible on foot, to spectacular waterfalls or even on a birdwatching tour led by a local and passionate guide.

CULTURAL IMMERSION
Picinguaba is a small village located inside Ubatuba. It is also located in the region internationally recognized UNESCO heritage site. Amongst the many cultural experiences that are to be had here, we also offer three guided tours: Vila de Picinguaba, Paraty and Trilha de Ouro (Gold Trail).

The “Paraty, Colonial Heritage” tour takes us to a city rich in culture, outfitted in XVII and XVIII century buildings, arts and crafts shops, as well as restaurants featuring local gastronomy.

SUNSET ON THE BEACH
Watching the sunset on the beach is a beautiful Picinguaba moment. We can arrange a boat trip to admire its spectacle of color from several secluded beaches in the area. Feel the serenity of being alone in a beautiful place, watch colors take over the sky and breathe in tranquility.

TRADITIONAL CANOEING IN THE MANGROVE
The traditional caiçara canoe is a symbol of the relationship between the people of Picinguaba and the sea. They are the traditional means of reaching the ocean for artisanal fishing. Made of wood and colorfully painted, the canoes color the village’s ocean.

To go on a caiçara canoe trip through the mangrove means encountering a place that is the natural filter between sweet and salt water, discovering its unique vegetation, fauna and richness — an enchanting experience.

Rooms: 10

Price: from 258 EUR per night

Source: www.wearenature.com