A charming two-bedroom caiçara house on the water’s edge in the wild, forested Saco do Mamanguá.
Reached only by boat from Paraty, Villa Mamanguá sits on a tiny beach in one of the most beautiful and secluded corners of Brazil. A converted fisherman’s house, it is small, simple and full of character, with two bedrooms, a living room and kitchen, and a deck looking straight across the water.
Its setting is the real magic, with the calm waters of the Mamanguá fjord on one side and thick Atlantic rainforest behind. It’s a wonderfully private, off-grid hideaway in a part of the Costa Verde that still feels wild.
What we love about Villa Mamanguá
- Two bedrooms, sleeping four — a master bedroom and a smaller twin – make it well suited to couples or a small family.
- The spectacular setting in Saco do Mamanguá, surrounded by Atlantic rainforest and accessible only by boat.
- It has its own little beach in a peaceful bay, accessible only from the water; while none of Brazil’s beaches are private, other visitors here are rare.
- A cook and housekeeper live just behind the house and can prepare all meals on request.
- Paraty is around 40 minutes away by boat – making Mamanguá feel remote, yet close enough for a day trip.
- A 20-minute walking trail through the forest leads from the villa to another small, secluded beach, with clear waters and shoals of tropical fish.
Wake to the sound of the sea, swim straight from the beach and explore the Saco do Mamanguá.
Often described as Brazil’s only tropical fjord, Mamanguá is a long, narrow inlet enclosed by steep mountains covered in Atlantic rainforest. Its sheltered waters are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking, and hiking trails lead through the forest, connecting tiny beaches and traditional caiçara communities.
A private speedboat and driver can be arranged to explore deeper into the fjord. Snorkel and sunbathe on remote beaches, stop at caiçara restaurants for lunch, and hike through the forest to Pico do Pão de Açúcar – Paraty’s Sugarloaf – where the reward is a spectacular view along the length of Mamanguá and across the Costa Verde.
If you want a change of pace, lively Paraty is around 40 minutes away by boat, for cobbled streets, galleries, restaurants and boutiques.
When to Travel
December to March is summer on the Costa Verde, with hot days, warm seas and frequent tropical rain. April to June is our favourite time to travel, when it is quieter and still warm. July and August are cooler and drier, before temperatures and rainfall begin to rise again from September.
The secret is out about Paraty, and the once-sleepy town can feel very busy with local tourism during the Brazilian summer holidays, local festivals and holiday weekends. Luckily, Saco do Mamanguá still feels far removed from the crowds.
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