Trindade

Tucked into a lush valley on the northern coast of São Paulo state, Trindade is a laid-back beach village that feels a world away from the bustle of nearby Paraty. With its dramatic jungle-clad mountains tumbling into turquoise bays, Trindade offers a raw, unpolished slice of Brazil's Costa Verde. This is a place for travellers who crave wild beaches, forest hikes, and a mellow, bohemian vibe — and who don't mind a bit of unpaved road to get there.

Highlights & What to See

• Praia do Cachadaço — a stunning cove framed by boulders, with calm, crystalline waters perfect for swimming. The short trail from the village is an adventure in itself, crossing a wooden bridge over a tidal creek.
• Praia dos Ranchos — the village's main beach, with a wide stretch of golden sand and gentle waves. It's the social hub, lined with simple barracas serving ice-cold caipirinhas and fresh seafood.
• Cachoeira do Deus Me Livre — a series of natural pools and cascades hidden in the forest, where you can swim in cool, freshwater after a sweaty hike. Look for the rope swing.
• Trilha do Pico do Cuscuzeiro — a challenging but rewarding climb through dense Atlantic rainforest to a 360-degree viewpoint over the bay. Allow half a day and start early to beat the heat.
• Praia do Meio — a quieter beach between Cachadaço and Ranchos, with a natural pool at low tide and patches of shade under restinga vegetation.

Suggested Time to Spend

Trindade is best savoured over two to three days, giving you time to explore its main beaches and at least one hike. A single day feels rushed — you'll want to linger over a seafood moqueca at a beachfront restaurant and watch the sunset paint the sky from the rocks at Praia do Cachadaço. If you have more time, add a fourth day for a boat trip to the more remote beaches to the south, or to simply do nothing but swing in a hammock with a book.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Paraty — the beautifully preserved colonial town is just 30 minutes away by car or bus. Spend a day wandering its cobblestone streets, visiting cachaça distilleries, or taking a schooner tour of the bay islands.
• Ilha Grande — a car-free island paradise with world-class hiking, pristine beaches, and the famous Lopes Mendes beach. Ferries run from Angra dos Reis, about 1.5 hours from Trindade.
• Serra da Bocaina National Park — for serious hikers and nature lovers, this park protects vast tracts of Atlantic forest and offers trails to waterfalls, mountaintop vistas, and the abandoned Fazenda do Bonito.
• Ubatuba — a surf capital with dozens of beaches, from the family-friendly Praia Grande to the epic breaks at Itamambuca. About an hour south along the coast.

Please check official sources for current details.