About Us
We are your local connection in São Luiz!
Olá and meet Sandra de Miranda Rodrigues and her team at Sacada Turismo, your local connection in multicultural São Luiz. Since Sacada Turismo's foundation in 2005, our main core of values has focused on the development of ecotourism in the beautiful and versatile state of Maranhão in northeastern Brazil. The company was the result of the creativity and partnership of three idealistic women who also happen to be lovers of tourism. The team cherishes the local culture and outdoor activities available on the wonderful island of São Luiz as well as in the state of Maranhão. We have achieved great credibility in the local market and are quickly becoming the recognised name when the subject of adventure tourism is raised in São Luiz. Together, our local knowledge and various interests provide for a broad range of eco-friendly adventure tours in São Luiz. By booking with us, you will be receiving expert advice as well as personalised service ensuring your holiday in São Luiz will be meaningful and memorable!
From the inception of Sacada Turismo we have sought to fulfil the touristic potential of our region in a responsible manner whilst ensuring the preservation of the local environment and culture. Our staff was trained through experimental and explorative travels to other destinations likewise specialising in eco and adventure tourism and also participated in Ministry of Tourism projects such as Excellence in Tourism and Living Brazil. In 2007, Sacada Turismo focused on management procedures and at the end of the year became ABNT 15331 certified, and in accordance with the Safety Management System has pledged to apply our work in tourism with an approach that is both safe and sustainable. The team also participates actively in miscellaneous activities, giving contributions to tourism councils both in São Luiz and Barreirinhas, holding seats on the Welcoming Committee of ABAV (Brazilian Association of Travel Agents), the Regional Commission of ABETA (Brazil Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association), São Luis Conventions & Visitors Bureau, and also works closely with the GVBS in Barreirinhas (Volunteer Search and Rescue Group in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park).
We are a local company committed to our community's development and would be thrilled to share our knowledge and experience of São Luiz and Maranhão with you!
Sandra de Miranda Rodrigues was born in São Luiz and is completely passionate about the destination she calls home. She likes the "powerful values of the local culture" in São Luiz most and one of Sandra's favorite pastimes is spending some time outside of work going to the local market (Mercado das Tulhas). Her other obsessions include swimming in the river and eating crab meat, going out at night and walking around the handsome historical centre, and especially spending free time at typical reggae parties since São Luiz is considered the Brazilian capital of reggae. Sandra graduated with a degree in Tourism at Maranhão Federal University in 2002 and after graduation worked in several tourism agencies in São Luiz. After seeing a good market opportunity and with these years of experience under her belt she decided to open her own tourism agency.
Because the ecotourism segment is sometimes treated in an unprofessional manner with companies using tourism as a means to make money while exploiting the potential of a given region without concern, Sacada Turismo came into existence as a responsible adventure tourism company in São Luiz. The team believes that the enterprise of tourism is a chain of solidarity and the relationship must always be on a win-win basis. We are concerned about all the actors in the production of tourism and support socio-environmental projects such as Get on Board recycling classes for our tour guides in São Luiz, the Environmental Circuit which keeps the paths and trails of Lençóis Maranhenses free of garbage, River Day which promotes awareness of the importance of keeping the Preguias River waters as clean as possible, and finally, we also promoted the first Regional Meeting of Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism in São Luiz and Barreirinhas in May 2008.
We see in whl.travel a partner that shares our same values and is equally committed to development at the local level. We are serious about our responsibility towards the continuous improvement in the quality of life of local communities. We must highlight the need for improvement through education, training for the creation of employment and income, maintain a balance of economic activity in tourism while minimizing environmental impact, as well as preserve the culture of each location by protecting local traditions and respecting their cultural diversity.
We at Sacada Turismo are delighted to be part of the wider WHL family, and we look forward to offering our services to WHL travellers. We are ready to help you plan your trip to São Luiz!
