In the south of the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), the region of Paraty is home to the protected natural reserve of Cairuçu, where the Atlantic rainforest predominates. Like its emblematic colonial city of Paraty, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this region has an important historical past that connects with its rich flora and fauna. In this exceptional natural setting I discovered the villages of Trindade and Paraty-mirim, true corners of paradise cradled between the intense blue of the sea and the bright green of its jungle. In this article, I take you to discover the 5 best places to enjoy Trindade and Paraty-mirim, so you can have an encounter with a green and natural Brazil.  
The region of Paraty is home to the protected nature reserve of Cairuçu, in the heart of the Mata Atlântica / Photo: Tiffany Flour

TRINDADE

Caixadaço natural pool

Discover the natural pool of Caixadaço with its clear, calm and warm waters, ideal to spend a cool and sunny afternoon. You can access this small and charming place from a gentle path that starts from the end of Caixadaço beach, where you just have to climb through the vegetation and descend directly to this natural pool with sea water, surrounded by rocks and with a beautiful panoramic view of the horizon. It is possible to go there directly from Meio beach, aboard a boat-taxi for about 50 BR. You can also take a day trip from Paraty with Daytours4u, which will allow you to see all the beaches of this charming destination, as well as the natural pool of Caixadaço.  
Caixadaço natural pool is a place of clear, calm and warm waters, ideal to spend a cool and sunny afternoon / Photo: Tiffany Flour
  Travel Tip: At the tip of Trindade, you can go see a large rock formation known as the Indian Head (because, seen from Trindade, its shape resembles the face of an Indian). Accessible by trail or boat, it is recommended to venture there with a local.   

Brava Beach 

Continuing with the blue and salty water, this second place to enjoy Trindade is Praia Brava. This is an unspoiled beach, rarely visited, but very popular with the locals. An expanse of fine white sand overlooking a rough sea, it welcomes surfers and those seeking tranquility in the wild vegetation of the place. It can be reached by leaving Trindade by the only main road (by car or on foot) until you reach the entrance of the trail, marked by a parking lot and a sign (be careful, it is recommended to arrive by car as the road is not at all suitable for pedestrians), from there it is a 15-minute walk along a path of medium difficulty, in the middle of a tropical and abundant nature.  
It is a virgin beach, very little frequented, but very appreciated by the locals who seek tranquility / Photo: Tiffany Flour
 

Pedra que Engole

We will leave the paradisiacal beaches to enter the intense and humid green of the protected reserve of Cairuçu and find the magical atmosphere of the forests. Located between the mountain and the sea, Trindade also offers a freshwater river and small waterfalls, to alternate with the maritime atmosphere of the place. From Praia do meio you can enter this small tropical forest and find the path (indicated by signs) that will take you along the river to the Pedra que Engole, an opening between the fresh water and the rock that gives the impression of entering a small cave.   
Located between the mountain and the sea, Trindade also offers a freshwater river and small waterfalls. / Photo: Tiffany Flour
  Travel tip: Praia do Sono is also a place with a lot of charm and very popular with the locals. Another deserted beach that makes you feel like you are alone in the world in a corner of paradise. How to get there? A hike of medium difficulty, which Daytours4u can guide you through this wild and hostile vegetation.   

PARATY-MIRIM

And the pleasure of the eyes is not over! 20 km north of Trindade, on the way to the colonial city of Paraty, you should stop at Paraty-mirim to enjoy the many shades of blue of the water and a unique atmosphere.   

Saco do mamanguá

The mouth of the Atlantic Ocean in Paraty-mirim offers turquoise waters and breathtaking views to all who venture to Saco do mamangua. An ideal place to spend a whole day, it offers several possibilities depending on your desires and physical conditions. The first option is a hike from the beach of Paraty-mirim, up to the top of the mountain and then down the Saco do mamangua to a small bar-restaurant and lodge to enjoy the afternoon before returning. There is also the possibility of accessing it by boat for BR $100 round trip from the main beach. The other option is to venture up to the Pão de Azucar (not the one in Rio, but just as beautiful) to enjoy an incredible view of the entire stretch of the mouth of the river. This hike is accessible to solo adventurers, but it is always recommended to be accompanied by a local guide.   
The hike to the Saco do mamangua takes approximately 1.5 hours, from the main beach of Paraty-mirim, and offers breathtaking views / Photo: Tiffany Flour
 

The surrounding islands 

Paraty-mirim is the starting point for boats that can take you to visit the neighboring islands, true paradises of turquoise waters. Ilha da Cutia, do algodão, ilhas dos cocos, ... There is no lack of options to fully enjoy the natural wealth of the Paraty region. You can ask directly at the small port located to the right of the main beach or in an agency located on the only main avenue of the village. Ideal for snorkeling, lazing all day and enjoying the views. 

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Located halfway between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, don't miss these 5 best places to enjoy Trindade and Paraty-mirim, ideal to recharge your batteries in the middle of a wild and tropical nature. Paradisiacal corners located between the mountain and the sea that allow you to know the favorite corners of Brazilians!
  By: Tiffany, passionate communicator, inveterate marketer, enthusiastic traveler and collaborator of Daytours4u.