Where the mountain meets the sea

[highlight]Leia em Português[/highlight]

Trindade is a small fishing village between the Rainforest and the ocean. There are five heaven-like beaches, one natural pool and a waterfall, which can be seen within a day or you may stay longer to enjoy everything in no hurry. In the city centre there are shops, inns and restaurants. It belongs to Paraty (27 km away) and borders the state of São Paulo on one edge.

It was a sunny Friday before carnival, and luckily there still were a few tourists. I could take good pictures and enjoy the view. On the following days I heard comments that it was awfully crowded.

I passed by Cepilho and Fora Beach by bus, relaxed at Ranchos Beach and took a walk at Meio and Caxadaço Beaches, till I reached Cachadaço Natural Pool – gorgeous, too bad I only found it in the evening. Big rocks form a natural dam with sea water where you can dive and see the biodiversity of marine life. People say scuba diving is even better.

On the way back I got a boat that goes on open sea to show Ponta Trindade or Cabeça de Índio (Indian Head, a rock that looks like the profile of an Indian), on the state border (watch the video). Trindade is a real heaven, for those who relax on the beach or adventurers who go into the woods.

As I arrived in the middle of the afternoon, I could not get to know it all. I intend to go again to enjoy this pool and visit Pedra-que-Engole Waterfall, a 15-minute walk from Meio Beach.

Take Note

How to get there: By car or bus on BR 101. Buses leave the bus station in Paraty every hour until 11pm, at 7pm the timetable changes. You may also hire a boat at the harbor and negotiate by the hour or number of people. To Cachadaço Beach only by trekking, 400 m leaving Meio Beach. To Cachadaço Natural Pool, at the end of Cachadaço Beach, a 500-metre trail, or by boat leaving Meio Beach. On Carnival, the boat cost R$ 10 per person. The boatman gave me the card of Guaiamun Inn and Camping in case I wanted to get in touch with him about tours. Phone 11 82717521. It takes about forty-five minutes on foot from Meio Beach and the natural pool.[/box]

Take Note 2

Where to stay: I spent only a day, but the reader Silvia Marcon suggested the camping site Casa Torta; everything simple and no hot water, but at the sea shore of Cachadaço and easy access to the trails. It is the only camping site at this beach and the access is by trekking or by sea, if the tide is low. I do not recommend camping on holidays like Carnival, it was too crowded. However, I thought how wonderful it must be to go camping here with few tourists. Where to eat: At the intersection of Meio and Ranchos beaches there is a pub with a nicely made açaí with banana, honey and lots of granola. Perfect for before trekking.

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Translated by Lúcia Maciel
English teacher