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Explore the Gaucho culture and traditions through the cuisine.
Colonised by German and Italian immigrants, the southern Brazilian State Rio Grande do Sul has hybrid cultural characteristics, due to integration with local indigenous people in the 18th Century.
The Gaucho gastronomy, spread around the Pampas region, is
made famous by the Churrasco (barbecue) and the Chimarrão (Yerba Mate tea).
But our expedition goes further: travellers will discover the nut called Pinhão, one of the main sources of energy for the gauchos during the winter, the recent research of wild mushrooms and truffles that puts the Pampas on the gastronomic map of the world, the Queijo Serrano production (traditional local cheese), artisanal beer, and hands-on classes of barbecue “iron & fier”.
The three nights expedition take place in a hotel built at the end of the 19th Century, inside a natural area packed with Araucária trees waterfalls with excellent bird watching opportunities.
Forage and help prepare a BBQ feast
Explore the trails and take in the waterfalls
Visit cheese and beer producers and taste with the locals
We're chatting with the host of this amazing experience and as soon as we get their bio we'll put it here
Arrival in Porto Alegre airport (POA).
Our host/chef will be waiting at the airport to depart
to San Francisco de Paula.
Stop on the way for lunch in a very special restaurant for a welcome meal.
Arrival at the lodge, check-in and presentation of facilities.
Meeting at the lakeside for “sapecada de pinhões” (roasted nuts).
Special dinner at the restaurant and overnight.
Awaken at dawn to watch the firsts steps of a Gaucho Barbecue – handle the meats & vegetables, skewer and prepare the fire.
Departure after breakfast to nearby properties to collect wild mushrooms.
Return to the lodge to finalise the preparation of the Barbecue and have lunch.
Afternoon free to enjoy the property – there are different trails of Atlantic forest that lead to three waterfalls and a lake.
Whoever wants to, can rest at the sound of the birds.
Meeting in the kitchen in the late afternoon to prepare dinner using local ingredients and the collected mushrooms and taste regional wines.
Overnight.
Meet at dawn to drink mate and go out on hike for bird watching.
The area shelters vast area of Atlantic Forest and due to its conservation status, it hosts a high diversity of birds.
Breakfast and departure by van to the rural area of the municipality of Canela/ RS to visit a family property that produces Serrano Cheese and learn the process of making the cheese in a simple and cozy environment.
Visit to a ranch where we will see a handmade boardwork. On the property, we will grind corn to prepare a dish for lunch.
In the middle of the afternoon, visit a brewery for class with the Master Brewer, finishing with dinner in the bar of the brewery itself.
Walk in the morning for Bird Watching in the garden Breakfast and check out for a trip to Porto Alegre.
