Experience a Slice of Sao Paulo’s History at Caminhos do Mar

Located approximately 40 kilometers south of Sao Paulo, Caminhos do mar sits at the edge of the Atlantic Forest, overlooking the coastal plain. The area here is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, which means that the natural surroundings are closely monitored to ensure that the land thrives and continues to maintain its natural beauty.

The main pathway around the Caminhos do mar is approximately 8 kilometers long, and sits on the Old Santos road. The road leads through the Atlantic Forest, taking visitors past waterfalls, freshwater springs, and historic Brazilian buildings from 1922. In fact, visitors here are encouraged to participate on one of these nature hikes – guides will take you along the old road and talk to participants about the area’s natural environment and the steps that are being taken to preserve the environment for the future.

Each hiking tour can take approximately 20 people, and since the area is so beautiful, tours fill up quickly – so call ahead of time to reserve your spot! If you are in a group of three people, you can tour at no cost, however larger groups pay a small booking fee – all proceeds from the hikes are put toward conservation of monuments and history, the surrounding ecology, and technological development of the adjacent Henry Borden Hydroelectric Complex. While the tours are generally given in Portuguese, most guides have a basic command of English and will do their best to answer your questions!

Hiking tours are run from Tuesdays to Sundays between 8:30am and 4:30pm, and the hike is definitely not for the faint of heart – it will take approximately 4 hours! However, once you’ve completed the journey through the forest and experienced a crucial part of Sao Paulo’s history, there will be a bus waiting to bring you back up to the Caminhos do mar, since you’ll undoubtedly be quite tired!

One of the exciting things about hiking the Caminhos do mar is the wide array of flora and fauna that you’ll be exposed to along the way: everything from enormous trees to exotic plants, vibrantly colored flowers and sweeping vines, monkeys, brilliant parrots and bird life, and perhaps even a wildcat! Don’t worry though – these animals are more curious than anything, and the trail is safe for everyone.

From caminhos do mar back to sao paulo attractions