Discover the Hidden History: Exploring the Reserva Caminho do Mar in São Paulo

Discover the Hidden History: Exploring the Reserva Caminho do Mar in São Paulo

Part of the Serra do Mar State Park, the Reserva Caminho do Mar is one of São Paulo's most impressive historical and natural treasures. More than just a conservation area, it's a journey through time that blends the lush beauty of the Atlantic Forest with crucial landmarks of Brazil's history.

This park is famous for housing the historic Estrada Velha de Santos (Old Santos Road, SP-148) and the Calçada do Lorena, the first paved road connecting the highland plateau to the coast of São Paulo. Today, this road is closed to vehicles and has been transformed into a scenic route for hiking and contemplation—a perfect escape for anyone looking to connect with nature and the past.

Historical Itineraries and Adventure Trails

The trails within the reserve are rich with monuments built in 1922 to celebrate the centennial of Brazil's Independence. Each of these landmarks tells a part of the story of the road and the proclamation of Independence, as Dom Pedro I passed through this very area on his way to the "Cry of Ipiranga."

Some of the most notable points of interest include:

• Pouso Paranapiacaba: An old stopover for travelers, featuring a charming cafe and a panoramic view of the Santos Lowlands.

• Rancho da Maioridade: A monument built in tribute to the early majority of Dom Pedro II.

• Belvedere Circular: A lookout with a breathtaking view of the coastal plain, the cities of Cubatão, Santos, and São Vicente, and the Rio das Pedras Reservoir.

• Calçada do Lorena: The original and oldest section of the road, famous for its basalt stone paving.

Beyond the monuments, the park offers different itineraries for all preferences:

• Historical Route (16 km / 10 miles): Ideal for a complete immersion into the Old Santos Road, passing through all the monuments.

• Ecotourism Route (7 km / 4.3 miles): A shorter, moderate trail that follows the Calçada do Lorena, focusing on nature and scenic views.

• Adventure Route (9 km / 5.6 miles): A more challenging trail with climbs and descents that leads to the Torre Waterfall, where you can cool off with a swim. This route requires advance booking.

For the more adventurous, the park also offers other exciting activities like zip-lining and UTV rides.

Experience the Serra Flight Zip Line

The Serra Flight, the zip line at the Reserva Caminho do Mar, is one of the most thrilling attractions. With a length of 500 meters (about 1,640 feet), it offers a breathtaking "flight" over the Atlantic Forest and the historic Old Santos Road, providing spectacular views of the entire Santos Lowlands.

To experience this adrenaline rush, you must meet a few requirements:

• Minimum Age: 5 years old.

• Minimum Weight: 40 kg (88 lbs).

• Maximum Weight: 110 kg (242 lbs).

The zip line ticket is sold separately from the park entrance fee. It costs R$ 99 per person (approximately US$ 18), and payment can be made directly at the site or through the official website, where you can also find promotions and schedule your time slot. The attraction operates from Wednesday to Sunday, with the last flight at 4:20 PM.

Prices and Best Time to Visit

For a smooth and enjoyable visit, it's essential to plan your trip by considering costs and climate.

Prices (as of mid-2025):

• Regular Ticket: The full entrance fee is R$ 50 (approx. US$ 9), with a half-price option for students and seniors at R$ 25 (approx. US$ 4.50).

• Promotional Combo: You can purchase a package that includes entrance and internal transportation (to go up the mountain) for R$ 65 (approx. US$ 12).

• Internal Transport: If you buy the regular ticket, the value of internal transportation is R$ 35 (approx. US$ 6.50) and is sold on-site, subject to availability.

• Special Discount: On the first Wednesday of each month, the ticket price is reduced to R$ 20 (approx. US$ 3.70), excluding holidays.

Prices are subject to change, so always check the official website before your visit.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to explore the reserve is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, rainfall is scarce, which makes the trails safer and less slippery. Visibility is also at its peak, guaranteeing the most impressive views of the coast and the Atlantic Forest. During the summer (November to March), the climate is hot and rainy, which can make the trails muddy and obscure the scenic views.

Historical Guesthouse and Funicular Ruins

The park holds more historical gems, including a building known as the "Casa de Visitas" (Visitor's House), built in 1926 to host engineers and architects inspecting the works on the mountain and at the Henry Borden Power Plant. Today, this restored house serves as a visitor support center with an exhibition on the plant's history. It is open to the public and is a key stop along the trail.

Don't confuse it with the "Ruins," which are the remains of an old building near Pouso Paranapiacaba. Although it's rumored to have been a house for the engineers, the site is currently closed to the public as it undergoes a restoration process.

How to Visit the Reserva Caminho do Mar

The reserve is located on Rodovia SP-148 and has two main entrances, both with parking and support infrastructure including restrooms and rest areas:

• São Bernardo do Campo Trailhead: At Km 42 of the highway.

• Cubatão Trailhead: At Km 50 of the same highway.

Be sure to check the operating hours, which are typically from Wednesday to Sunday. While most trails don't require advance booking, it's highly recommended for the more challenging Adventure Route.

The Reserva Caminho do Mar is an excellent option for anyone looking to escape the city and have a unique experience of ecotourism and history, just a few miles from São Paulo.

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