Serra da Bocaina National Park

Welcome to Serra da Bocaina National Park, a giant of Brazilian conservation and a vital remnant of the Atlantic Forest. Established in 1971, this park covers 106,000 hectares across a dramatic altitudinal gradient, stretching…

The Trilha do Ouro, or Gold Trail, is the definitive experience of Serra da Bocaina. This 50-kilometer trek typically takes three days to complete, starting in the high fields of São José do Barreiro and descending through the…

Located just 1.5 to 2 kilometers from the park entrance in São José do Barreiro, Cachoeira Santo Isidro is the first major natural wonder encountered by visitors. It is a stunning 80-meter waterfall that plunges into a large,…

One of the most unique aspects of the Bocaina trek is the opportunity to stay with the traditional communities that still live within the park's boundaries. Pousadas like 'Barreirinha' and 'Dona Palmira' offer a vital refuge for…

Often cited as the 'magnificent jewel' of the Gold Trail, the Cachoeira do Veado (Deer Waterfall) is a breathtaking three-tiered waterfall that reaches a total height of approximately 200 meters. It is located deep within the…

Located near the Paraty-Cunha road entrance, Pedra da Macela offers one of the most rewarding 'hiking classics' in the region. The ascent is a well-paved 2.5-kilometer climb that, while steep with a 400-meter elevation gain, can…

The final day of the Gold Trail is a rigorous descent toward the sea. The terrain becomes 'slameado' (muddy) and requires intense concentration to navigate the escorregadil (slippery) stone paths built centuries ago. …

As we conclude our journey through Serra da Bocaina National Park, we are left with the sense that we have undertaken much more than a hike. We have completed a 'dive into the origins'—both biological and historical. …