Serra do Mar State Park

Stretching along the coast of São Paulo state, the Serra do Mar State Park is a colossal swath of Atlantic rainforest that plunges from misty mountains to the ocean. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a haven for biodiversity, with trails that lead through ancient trees, past cascading waterfalls, and to viewpoints offering sweeping vistas of the green-clad escarpment. It’s a must for hikers and nature lovers seeking an immersive escape into Brazil’s most threatened ecosystem.

Highlights & What to See

• Pico do Corcovado – A challenging but rewarding hike to a granite peak with 360-degree views of the park and the coast. The trail passes through cloud forest and past orchids and bromeliads.
• Caverna do Diabo (Devil’s Cave) – A spectacular limestone cave system with lit walkways, stalactites, and underground rivers, located in the park’s southern section near Eldorado.
• Cachoeira do Saltão – A powerful 50-metre waterfall accessible via a moderate trail; perfect for a refreshing dip in the plunge pool.
• Trilha do Jequitibá – An easy walk through old-growth forest to see a massive jequitibá tree, one of the largest in the park, with a trunk over 3 metres in diameter.
• Núcleo Picinguaba – The only park sector that touches the sea, where you can combine rainforest hiking with a stop at the pristine Picinguaba beach.

Suggested Time to Spend

Serra do Mar is vast, so plan at least a full day to explore one sector properly. For a comprehensive visit, allow two to three days: one for a major hike like Pico do Corcovado, another for caves or waterfalls, and a third for the coastal Núcleo Picinguaba. If you’re short on time, a day trip from São Paulo to the Núcleo Cubatão or Núcleo Itutinga-Pilões offers a taste of the park’s lush scenery and accessible trails.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Paraty – A beautifully preserved colonial town on the coast, with cobblestone streets, whitewashed churches, and access to nearby islands and beaches.
• Ubatuba – A surf-and-sun destination with over 100 beaches, many fringed by Atlantic forest, and a lively town with seafood restaurants.
• Ilhabela – An island off the coast with dense rainforest, waterfalls, and hiking trails, reachable by ferry from São Sebastião.
• Santos – A port city with a historic centre, a world-class coffee museum, and the largest urban garden in the world (Jardim da Praia).
• São Paulo – Brazil’s cultural and culinary powerhouse, just an hour from the park’s northern sectors, offering museums, restaurants, and nightlife.

Please check official sources for current details.