neighborhood · Paraty, RJ
Vila de Trindade
A caiçara village at the far south of the Rio de Janeiro coast, surrounded by the Serra da Bocaina and beaches such as Meio, Fora and Cachadaço. A short trail leads to the Cachadaço natural pool, formed by large rocks by the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vila de Trindade
Trindade is a caiçara village in the south of Paraty, near the border with São Paulo. Until the 1970s it was a fishing community with no road. The opening of the Rio-Santos brought a fight over land: a company tried to remove the residents to build a luxury gated community, and the caiçaras resisted. The village stayed theirs, and the Condomínio Laranjeiras ended up outside it, with separate access. Trindade became a destination for backpackers and surfers.
The area lies within the APA Cairuçu and the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina. Trindade is the only stretch of the national park with beaches. That's why it's overseen by ICMBio, which publishes visiting rules specific to Trindade. The village sits next to Praia do Cepilho, surfers' favorite, and a step from Praia do Meio. Farther on, by trail, is Praia Brava.
From Praia do Meio a trail leads to Cachadaço, a beach with strong surf surrounded by forest, and from there to the Cachadaço natural pool: a saltwater lagoon among large rocks, sheltered from the waves, where you can snorkel among fish. It's Trindade's best-known spot.
The village has pousadas, campgrounds and simple restaurants, most run by members of the community. The pace is beach and trails, with no big buildings. The residents' association has its own rules, such as noise limits, and tour buses are banned from the village road.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A full day, for the beaches and the natural pool.
Best time
Sunny days with calm seas, especially for the natural pool. Respect the red rip-current flags on the open beaches. On holidays and summer weekends the village gets crowded.
How to get there
Along the Rio-Santos (BR-101) to km 589, south of downtown Paraty, and then on a paved, steep and winding road. There are regular buses from the Paraty bus station. Tour buses, vans and minibuses can't go down the road: groups stop at a parking lot and continue on the regular bus.
Tip
Take the regular bus if you can: parking in the village is limited. For the natural pool, bring a snorkel mask and shoes for the trail.
Official website
A look at the place
Vila de Trindade in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vila de Trindade
Can I get to Trindade without a car?
Yes. There are regular buses from the Paraty bus station to the village.
Can tour buses go down to the village?
No. Tour buses, vans and minibuses are banned on the Trindade road. Groups stop at a parking lot and continue on the regular bus.
How do I get to the Cachadaço natural pool?
By trail from Praia do Meio, passing Praia do Cachadaço. Wear proper shoes and choose days with calm seas.
Is Trindade in a national park?
Yes. It's the only stretch of the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina with beaches, and it's also within the APA Cairuçu.