Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak: Everything You Need to Know About the Best Hike in Paraty, Brazil

How to Get to Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak

Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak is certainly not the easiest to get to, but it definitely is worth it! There are two options for going- you can take a tour, or you can go on your own. In this guide we're going to share our experience of going on our own.

🚐 Taking a Tour to Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak

Taking a tour is definitely the most simple way to experience Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak. While it does dictate your schedule and is a bit pricier, it does have its benefits. You won't have to worry about the logistics of getting there, and will have a group with you to make the hike more enjoyable.

If you'd rather make it easier on yourself though, here are some tours you can sign up for:

🚗 Going to Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak on Your Own

If you want to save a bit of money, or are in a big group, we're also sharing this option as well. Here are the steps to getting to the hike of Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak:

Step 1: Rent a Car

We rented our car in Rio de Janeiro, but you can also rent a car right in the town of Paraty. We suggest booking in advance, as there is limited availability.

Step 2: Go to Paraty Mirim

Paraty Mirim is a beach zone that is part of Paraty, but is a bit outside the central area. In order to get to Paraty Mirim you can take a local bus from the Old Town of Paraty, take a taxi, or drive and park nearby the beach. If you don't have easy access to the bus, you can download the app 99, which is basically the Uber of Brazil.

Driving to Paraty Mirim

If you drive, it will take around a half hour from the old town. You'll want to take highway 101 south to Estr. de Paraty Mirim, and the road will lead you right to the center of the beach town of Mirim.

For parking you'll find a number of lots, most of them charging between 25-30 Real for the day.

How to Prepare for Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak

We suggest being well prepared for the hike, and to start early to avoid to intensity of the sun and heat.

Some things to keep in mind are that in order to get into the boat you will mostly likely have to walk through the water, and that the trailhead is located on a beach, where you may want to spend some time.

🎒 Packing List for the Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak Hike

Here are a few things that you should bring on the hike:

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Light athletic clothing
• Sneakers
• Power bank (we use Anker Homepage" https:="" rel="nofollow" shareasale.com="" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" class=""> Anker power banks, as they are long lasting)
• Sandwich or snacks
• Insulated water bottle (we use 17oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle" https:="" www.shareasale.com="" target="_blank" style="outline: none;">Cafago Water Bottles as they hold the temperature) 
• Small backpack- here are a list of our favorite backpacks for travelers.
• Flip flops (our favorite are Havaiana flip flops)
• Bathing suit 
• Towel
• Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
• Standard Lens for a dynamic range (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
• Wide Lens to capture great panoramas (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)
• Telephoto Lens to capture the mountains closer up (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
• Tripod to get pictures while no one is around or for multiple shots from far away (We use the JOBY Rangepod Tripod)

Other Things to Know About Hiking Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak

Now you know almost everything there is to know about visiting Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak, we have a few more things to share:

👀 Keep Your Eyes Peeled

At the very end of our hike, right before reaching the top, we saw a huge snake! We stepped to the side (luckily there was a large rock), and we waited a few minutes. Be aware of your surroundings, and never get close to animals you may find.

🍴 Amenities to Know About

While the hike itself doesn't have any food, drinks, or toilets, you can find these things on either of the two beaches. Paraty Mirim has a few restaurants, and also has small hotels where you can stay. It is a relaxed beach town, and definitely a place that you can enjoy for the rest of the day before or after the hike.

💵 Bring Cash

Everything we did to get to Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak involved strictly cash, from the parking to the boat ride. The only time we were able to use our credit card was at one of the restaurants in Paraty Mirim after we finished the hike.

🚐 Going on a Tour vs On Your Own

We'd say that if you are a solo traveler, a nervous traveler, or like group activities, then we highly suggest booking the tour. This way you won't have to haggle, or spend a ton for a boat on your own. It's also a great way to meet other people, and have people to support one another during the hike.

If you are on a tight budget, want to go extremely early, or are traveling in a group, then it will be better to go on your own. As spend an excessive time creating content, we like doing things on our own so that we have plenty of time and don't feel rushed. However, for practicality and the social aspect, we do like the idea of doing this particular activity as a tour.