The Quilombola Circuit
Get ready for an immersion in Brazilian culture that gets its roots from Africa! The Vale do Ribeira region in the State of São Paulo congregates several remaining quilombo groups. The quilombos were fugitive slaves who represented one of the most important ways of resisting slavery in Brazil. The quilombo groups were settlements made-up of slaves who had escaped from their masters during the entire Brazilian colonial period. During this trip you will get the opportunity to become acquainted with the organization of the quilombo communities of Ivaporunduva, André Lopes, Sapatu, São Pedro and Pedro Cubas, as well as to visit waterfalls, to do some trekking on trails, to monitor the preparation of typical foods and to learn how to read and to interpret the current historic-cultural heritage amidst the Griôs, learning about the cultural diversity of the quilombola communities. Furthermore, you will get the opportunity to actively participate of shows of Nhá Maruca(a traditional dance), the capoeira, the Tutuca (rice grinding), the preparation of manioc flour (among others). The overland route is available both in Portuguese and in English.
