PARQUE ESTADUAL DA SERRA DO MAR

The Serra do mar is an exceptionally rich natural area. The eponymous park is divided into ten bases(núcleos) open to visitors.

The Curucutu núcleo, in Itanhaém, covers 12,029 ha. There are two hiking trails (one easy and one intermediate). Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The park's other gateways, from southwest to northeast, are :

Núcleo Itariru (in Pedro de Toledo). 50,000 ha. Features a trail, the Trilha da Usina, which passes through the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant built in 1944. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Núcleo Itutinga-Pilões (in Cubatão). 43,800 ha rich in endemic species, ruins from the country's colonization era and historical trails. Three hiking trails (reservation required). Open Saturday 9am to 12pm or other days 9am to 5pm by prior arrangement.

Núcleo Bertioga. 30,000 ha. This base was created in 2010 to improve management of an extension of the Núcleo Itutinga-Pilões.

Núcleo Padre Dória (in Salesópolis). 26,154 ha. This base was created in 2014 to improve the management of certain areas of the São Sebastião, Bertioga and Caraguatatuba núcleos.

Núcleo de São Sebastião. 26,268 ha of forest and marshland. Beautiful ocean views. Several trails of varying levels with swimming facilities. The Praia Brava trail leads down to the beach. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., visits by prior arrangement.

Núcleo Caraguatatuba. Various waterfalls and rivers. Eight hiking trails, some with swimming facilities. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Núcleo Picinguaba (near Ubatuba). 47,500 ha, this is the only base located at sea level. Hikes and canoe trips organized by park guides. Reservations required in advance. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Núcleo Santa Virginia (in São Luiz do Paraitinga). 17,500 ha. Six trails of varying levels, often running alongside the banks of the Paraibuna and Ipiranga rivers. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Núcleo Cunha (inland). In the middle of the Mata Atlântica, 20 km by track from Cunha, the Cunha base of the Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar covers 14,000 ha and offers three trails for hikers. Even less experienced hikers can follow the 50-minute trail without a guide, and enjoy a swim in one of the small natural pools. For sporty types, contact the administration in advance to book a guide. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.