Santos Shore Excursion: Guarani Indian Reservation & Rainforest

Meet the Guarani people and walk their rainforest on the same day

A full-day tour from Santos to an Environmental Protection Area housing a Guarani Indian reservation, with hotel pickup, a local guide, and a seasonal food tasting prepared by the community. You travel 2.5 hours through mountain and beach views, then spend the afternoon in the village learning about Guarani culture, agriculture and sustainability projects, walking a 30-minute rainforest trail with a river bath, and purchasing handicrafts directly from artisans. The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and departs from either Santos or São Paulo, with groups up to three people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Guarani culture and rainforest

• Pickup from hotel in morning
• Drive 2.5 hours to Indian reserve
• Experience Guarani culture and meet leaders
• Tour village and learn about agriculture
• Connect with sustainability projects
• Hike 30 minutes and bathe in river
• Enjoy indigenous music and food tasting
• Admire indigenous crafts and visit schools
• Return to hotel with local guide

The experience

The drive from Santos toward Guaruja takes around 2.5 hours and carries you along a coast road that runs south to north through Brazil, passing mountain views, beaches and rainforest. Once you reach the Environmental Protection Area, a local guide introduces you to the Guarani community and the routines that shape their daily life. You walk through the village, see the plantations, and learn how the Guarani practice agriculture and food preparation using ancestral knowledge passed down through generations.

The afternoon unfolds around direct contact with the people who live there. You meet tribal leaders and other inhabitants, visit the school system in the villages, and explore thematic projects focused on sustainability. A 30-minute trail takes you into the rainforest, where you can bathe in the river: trekking shoes make the hike more manageable, and the ground can be muddy during rain season. Afterward, you taste seasonal Guarani cuisine prepared for the group, a meal built on what grows locally and what the community chooses to share.

Before returning to your hotel, you have time to browse and buy indigenous art and crafts directly from the artisans who made them. Your guide handles the logistics and currency exchange safely, and the money you spend supports the Guarani community economically. They receive a significant percentage of what you pay. Bring insect repellent, rain clothes, and snacks for the long day. The operator provides bottled water and a cooler bag.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your hotel.
• a local guide who speaks English or Portuguese.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• a seasonal food tasting prepared by the Guarani community.
• and access to the village, plantations, rainforest trail and indigenous crafts.

Options for this experience

2 options

Departing from Santos, up to 3 peopleGuide in English, Italian or Portuguese · 09:00Includes pickup

Departing from Sao Paulo, up to 3 peopleGuide in English, Italian or Portuguese · 09:00Departing from Sao Paulo, pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Bitan Daily Tours

Is this one for you?Pick Santos departure if you're based there, São Paulo if you're staying inland. The full-day format gives you time to walk the rainforest trail and share a meal with your guide without backtracking through the city.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Italian and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How long is the drive to the Indian reservation from Santos?

The drive to Guaruja and the Environmental Protection Area takes around 2.5 hours, traveling along a coast road with views of mountains, beaches and rainforest.

What do you actually do at the Guarani village?

You walk through the village and plantations, meet tribal leaders and other inhabitants, visit the school, explore sustainability projects, take a 30-minute rainforest trail with a river bath, taste seasonal Guarani food, and browse indigenous crafts made by the community.

Is the rainforest walk difficult?

The trail lasts around 30 minutes and is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though trekking shoes make the hike more manageable. The ground can be muddy during rain season, and rain can occur anytime in a tropical climate.

Can I buy handicrafts from the Guarani artisans?

Yes, you have time to purchase indigenous art and crafts directly from the people who made them, and the money supports the Guarani community economically.

Do I need cash for the tour?

Cash is usually the only way to pay for small entrance fees and purchases at the reservation. Your guide can exchange money safely if needed.