Rafting on the Mambucada River near Paraty: 4x4 jeep and rapids combo

Navigate river rapids yourself with an experienced guide at your side

Rafting on the Mambucada River combines off-road exploration and whitewater descent near Paraty, on the border between Angra dos Reis and the coast. You begin by jeep through Atlantic Forest trails, then board rafts to run the river's rapids under instructor guidance. The activity lasts three hours and includes life jackets and all rowing equipment.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Paraty and Mambucada River adventure

• Explore Paraty historic center
• Travel by 4x4 jeep through Atlantic Forest
• Discover landscapes and hidden spots
• Raft down Mambucada River rapids
• Enjoy nature and local flora and fauna

What’s included

• Descent by raft with an experienced guide.
• life jacket and rowing equipment.
• jeep transport through Atlantic Forest trails to the river.
• instruction on paddling technique and safety.

Times

• Every day 11:00

Before you book

Group Up to 20

Live guide English, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 4h before

Ages Adult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

Operated by FORTALEZA DREAM TOUR

Prices and times updated yesterday

The experience

The Mambucada River sits on the boundary between Angra dos Reis and Paraty, cutting through preserved Atlantic Forest. Your morning starts with a 4x4 jeep ride that takes you inland through trails and hidden spots in the forest, letting you see the local flora and wildlife before you reach the water. Once at the river, you board rafts that hold up to eight people per boat, each one accompanied by an experienced instructor who handles safety and teaches you how to read the current and paddle through the rapids.

You do the rowing yourself. The instructor shows you how to position and time your strokes, and you work with the other passengers to move the raft through the whitewater. Life jackets and all equipment are provided. The rapids vary in intensity, and the guide adjusts the pace based on the group's comfort level. Three hours covers the descent and the forest section, leaving time to change clothes and dry off before heading back.

Boats launch from a meeting point near Paraty where you'll receive a safety briefing and gear check. The activity runs in shared groups, so you'll be paddling alongside other travelers. Children from age five can join if they sit with an adult. Wear swimwear or bring a change of clothes, and pack a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes that can get wet. Public transportation reaches the area, though the operator does not arrange hotel pickups.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Mambucada River like for someone who has never rafted before?

The Mambucada River has rapids suitable for beginners, and the instructor adjusts the difficulty based on your group's experience. You receive instruction on paddling technique before you launch, and the guide stays with your boat throughout the descent to manage safety and help you navigate the current.

How do I get to the starting point from Paraty town?

Public transportation options are available to reach the meeting point near Paraty. The operator does not include hotel pickup, so you'll arrange your own transport or use local buses to arrive at the jeep departure location.

What happens during the jeep ride through the forest?

The 4x4 jeep takes you on trails through the Atlantic Forest, showing you the preserved landscape, local wildlife, and hidden spots in the biome before you reach the river. This overland section is part of the three-hour activity and lets you see the region's natural environment before the rafting begins.

What do I need to bring and wear?

Wear swimwear or bring a change of clothes, comfortable shoes that can get wet, a towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Bring cash or a card for any incidentals. The operator provides life jackets and all rowing equipment. Food and drinks are not included.