Fazenda Bananal: Immersion in Paraty

Live an immersion in the Atlantic Forest, culture, and history of Paraty

Fazenda Bananal is a 17th-century property that was restored and transformed into a sustainable agrotourism project amid the Atlantic Forest.

Paraty is one of those places in the world where you can have the best experiences in a single trip. Rich in culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty, the historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to colonial mansions and paradisiacal beaches, Paraty hides a true treasure in its surroundings, immersed in the Atlantic Forest: Fazenda Bananal. It is a unique opportunity to experience incredible moments in connection with nature!

The farm is a true gem, spanning 180 hectares—equivalent to 180 soccer fields—within one of the most preserved regions of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. The property has been fully restored and now offers visitors a unique experience of immersion in the nature, culture, and gastronomy of the region.

Here, you’ll find a large historic mansion, nearly 200 years old, that preserves all the features of colonial architecture. In addition, there is an activities room, restaurant, café, open-air exhibition, hummingbird garden, vegetable garden, chicken coop, corral, goat shed, cheese factory, and space for sustainable building techniques. There are plenty of activities available for all ages, making it ideal to spend the entire day there!

Did you know? The Atlantic Forest is considered one of the most biodiverse biomes on the planet. The second-largest forest in Brazil extends across the entire eastern, southeastern, and southern coasts, covering 17 states in the country. With a predominantly humid tropical climate, the Brazilian biome is home to about 20,000 plant species and over 2,000 animal species.

ARRIVING AT THE FARM

If you’re driving, getting to the farm is very easy: just input the route into your GPS and hit the road. You can also hire a transfer to and from the farm through a tourism agency in Paraty. The journey takes about 20 minutes, and you’ll notice the scenery changing, leaving the city behind as you dive into the forest. Plan to arrive at the farm around 10 a.m., so you’ll have enough time to enjoy all the activities throughout the day.

DELICIOUS BREAKFAST

As you pass through the farm gates, you’ll be in awe of the lush vegetation. The landscape is complete with a large lake surrounded by gardens and built spaces. Begin your experience at Fazenda Bananal’s café, where you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast made with regional delicacies, all produced with ingredients grown on the farm itself. Breads, jams, fruits, cakes, sweets, juices, and coffee are just a few of the options to savor.

WORKSHOPS AT THE SUSTAINABLE HOUSE

After breakfast, start the activities at the Sustainable House. You can take part in workshops such as painting, collage, and modeling, using materials like urucum, clay, palm hearts from the juçara palm, and flowers. It’s time to get creative and awaken your artistic talents! Children especially love these workshops!

SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES

The next stop is the area dedicated to sustainable building techniques. You will learn about the function of each technology used to create organic gardens, agroforests, biodigesters, solar ovens, and more. The visit to this space is accompanied by one of the farm’s guides, who will explain all the details about the technologies. You’ll be amazed at the power of nature!

IMMERSION IN THE AGROFOREST

After discovering the sustainable technologies, there’s nothing better than immersing yourself in the agroforest. The guide will lead you on a walk through the three food production areas of the farm: the garden, orchard, and agroforestry systems. This is a great opportunity to see firsthand how much of the food consumed at the farm’s café and restaurant is produced. It’s a true lesson in agroforestry!

LUNCH BREAK

Back near the lake, it’s time for a break and a delicious lunch. You’ll be dazzled by the beauty of the restaurant, which is completely integrated with nature. Choose a table in the dining room, close to one of the large windows, or sit outdoors. The dishes are made with ingredients grown on the farm, making everything even more delicious. The menu also offers options for vegetarians and vegans, as well as desserts to die for!

THE FOREST PATH

After this delightful lunch, a walk through the forest is just what you need! The trail is entirely on a suspended walkway, making the experience accessible for everyone. With each step, you’ll be amazed by the diversity of young and ancient trees. To enrich this walk, Fazenda Bananal has prepared an exhibition. “The Layers of the Forest” tells the story of the local forest, showcases the region’s biodiversity, and discusses the peoples who lived and passed through Paraty over the years.

A NIGHT IN THE FOREST

The surprises keep coming! Imagine walking through the forest at night, but in full daylight? At Bananal, this is possible! The “A Night in the Forest” exhibition offers sensory experiences with smells, sounds, colors, and temperatures in an interactive simulation. This immersion is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

HISTORIC MANSION

Of course, you won’t leave without seeing the beautiful historic mansion! It is so important that its annex has been declared a Cultural Heritage site by IPHAN. To learn about the history and every detail of this colonial building, the best option is to take a tour with one of the farm’s guides.

The space also hosts exhibitions on various topics. One of the displays you’ll find there is “Paraty Amid the Forest,” which showcases pieces made by local quilombola, indigenous, and caiçara artisans. It’s a great opportunity to discover some of Paraty’s handicrafts!

PICNIC

And the day ends with a blanket spread out on the grass, the shade of a tree, and a basket of delicious treats. The stage for this moment of relaxation is the garden in front of the mansion—an ideal setting for taking plenty of photos and updating your social media profile!

SHOPPING

Before leaving, stop by the farm’s shop. There, you’ll find organic products like chocolates, honey, jams, cheeses, as well as local handicrafts. It’s the perfect opportunity to take home a souvenir from your trip!

HOW TO GET THERE

Tom Jobim International Airport – RIO Galeão Santos Dumont Airport Bus: Costa Verde operates the Rio de Janeiro-Paraty line Car: From Rio de Janeiro, the 250 km to Paraty can be traveled via BR-101.