Serra do Mar Atlantic Forest hike: 9 km walk near São Paulo

Nine kilometers on an old mountain road through the forest, with views that reach the coast and Brazil's first settlement.

A private guided hike through Atlantic Forest in Serra do Mar State Park, 50 kilometers from São Paulo, takes you on a 9-kilometer walk along a paved old road with light difficulty. You'll pass springs and waterfalls, spot native plants and animals, and on clear days see valleys, the coastal area, and the city of Saint Vincent: the first Portuguese settlement in Brazil. The walk lasts about 5 hours round trip and includes a local guide, transport, picnic supplies and all entrance fees.

The experience

The walk follows a paved old winding road through the middle of the Atlantic Forest, an area UNESCO declared a Biosphere Reserve. The route is 9 kilometers total and takes about 5 hours round trip, with a light level of difficulty that suits all fitness levels. Along the way you'll observe springs, waterfalls and water courses cutting through the forest, and you'll see native plants and animals that live in this ecosystem. The Serra do Mar range extends along the south and southeast coast of Brazil, and the road itself passes through engineering breakthroughs: highways cutting across the massive mountains that mark the landscape.

On clear days, the views open up to valleys and the coastal area through a set of hills, and you can see Saint Vincent, the first Portuguese settlement in Brazil, from the ridge. The place holds both natural and historical weight: the Atlantic Forest itself is a precious environmental heritage, and the monuments and constructions along the way tell the story of São Paulo and Brazil's development. Your guide, who drives the vehicle and walks with you, speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese and knows the history and ecology of the region. The park sits about 50 kilometers from São Paulo downtown, reachable by car in about an hour.

Picnic supplies are included, along with all entrance and admission fees, transport in a fully-equipped vehicle, and all taxes, tolls and parking. If your group is larger than four people, a private driver accompanies the guide. Otherwise the guide drives. Pickup from your hotel or meeting point is included in the price.

What’s included

• Picnic supplies.
• entrance and admission fees.
• private guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• transport by fully-equipped vehicle.
• private driver for groups larger than four.
• all taxes, tolls and parking fees.
• hotel or meeting point pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDepartures at 07:00, 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Gregtur Turismo

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to hike with a guide who knows the forest and the history, rather than navigate on your own. The private format means the pace and stops fit your interests, and the guide can answer questions about the Atlantic Forest ecosystem and Brazil's early colonial period as you walk.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

How long is the walk and how difficult is it?

The walk is 9 kilometers round trip and lasts about 5 hours total. It follows a paved old winding road with a light level of difficulty, suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What will I see along the Atlantic Forest hike?

You'll pass springs, waterfalls and water courses through the forest, spot native plants and animals, and on clear days see valleys, the coastal area, and the city of Saint Vincent from the ridge. The route also crosses highways that cut through the Serra do Mar range, considered engineering breakthroughs.

How far is Serra do Mar State Park from São Paulo, and how do I get there?

The park is about 50 kilometers from São Paulo downtown and takes about an hour to reach by car. Transport in a fully-equipped vehicle is included, with pickup from your hotel or a meeting point.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes a private guide who speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese; transport by vehicle; picnic supplies; all entrance and admission fees; and all taxes, tolls and parking. A private driver accompanies groups larger than four people.

Is this tour suitable for someone who isn't very fit?

Yes. The walk has a light level of difficulty and is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The 9-kilometer route follows a paved old road, not rough terrain.