
Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar Núcleo São Sebastião
Explore the lush Atlantic Forest, discover hidden waterfalls, and immerse yourself in nature's tranquility at this protected park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility

Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar Núcleo São Sebastião
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the lush Atlantic Forest, discover hidden waterfalls, and immerse yourself in nature's tranquility at this protected park.
"A true gem for nature lovers, offering breathtaking trails and serene waterfalls."

✅ Hire a Certified Guide
For trails like Trilha dos Poços, a guide is mandatory. Book in advance!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven and muddy. Good grip is essential for safety.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 28 reviews
Type
Government Office
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trilha dos Poços
Barra do Una
Discover five natural pools hidden within the Atlantic Forest. Requires a certified guide for access.

Cachoeira das Sete Quedas
Maresias
Hike a 3.5km trail to seven crystal-clear waterfalls and refreshing natural pools.

Cachoeira da Pedra Lisa
Boiaçanga
An easy 1km trail leads to this beautiful waterfall, part of the Ribeirão do Itu trail system.

Barra do Una Viewpoint
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Barra do Una beach and its unique coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Serra do Mar Adventure
Respect Nature's Boundaries
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Hire a Certified Guide
For trails like Trilha dos Poços, a guide is mandatory. Book in advance!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven and muddy. Good grip is essential for safety.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during longer hikes. Refill stations are rare.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects in the lush forest.
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Hire a Certified Guide
For trails like Trilha dos Poços, a guide is mandatory. Book in advance!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven and muddy. Good grip is essential for safety.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during longer hikes. Refill stations are rare.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects in the lush forest.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Having offline maps is crucial for navigation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the park's stunning natural beauty, particularly its waterfalls and lush Atlantic Forest trails. The well-maintained paths and the dedication of the park monitors are frequently highlighted. However, some visitors have experienced issues with access restrictions and the mandatory requirement for guides on certain popular trails.
"Aloha"
Vitor Coutinho
"O núcleo do PESM São Sebastião é uma Unidade de Conservação, sendo assim, é necessário ter proibições para assegurar a segurança do público, da fauna e da fauna. A administração ótima e os monitores fazem um excelente trabalho."
Caroline Paranhos
"A pelo menos 20 anos eu uso a estrada para ir na casa de um grande amigo. No dia de seu aniversário como de costume íamos para sua casa para comemorar a sua data tão especial, como já fazíamos a anos. Mas infelizmente fomos proibidos de ir até sua casa pelos guarda parques sem nenhum motivo plausível. Conclusão... não fomos , não levamos o seu bolo de aniversário, não levamos nossos presentes, nem mesmo conseguimos dar um abraço nele ."
Audrin Nunes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible by car from São Sebastião. Major access points include roads leading to Barra do Una and Boiaçanga. Public transport options are limited, so driving is often the most convenient.
Parking availability can vary by trail entrance. Some areas, like Praia de Calhetas, have paid parking. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends.
While direct public transport to all trailheads is scarce, you can take buses to São Sebastião and then arrange local transport or taxis to specific park entrances.
Beaches like Barra do Una and Praia de Calhetas are accessible by car. For some islands, boat taxis are available from points like Barra do Sahy or Juquehy.
Access to some areas and trails within the park may be free, but specific guided tours or access through private condominiums might incur fees. It's best to check the official park website for the most current information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For general park access, advance booking might not be required, but for specific guided tours like Trilha dos Poços, it's highly recommended to book ahead due to limited spots and guide availability.
Opening hours can vary depending on the specific nucleus and trails. It's best to check the official website of Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.
For certain trails, such as the Trilha dos Poços, a certified guide is mandatory. For other trails, you might be able to explore independently, but always check park regulations.
As a conservation unit, there are rules to protect the environment. Visitors are expected to follow park guidelines, and certain activities might be restricted to ensure safety and preservation.
Generally, pets are not allowed in protected conservation areas like Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar to safeguard the native wildlife and flora.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Trilha dos Poços (requiring a guide), Trilha da Cachoeira das Sete Quedas, and the easy Trilha do Ribeirão do Itu leading to Cachoeira da Pedra Lisa.
Yes, many of the waterfalls and natural pools, like those found on the Trilha da Cachoeira das Sete Quedas, are perfect for a refreshing swim.
The park is a haven for biodiversity. You might spot various bird species, monkeys, and other Atlantic Forest inhabitants. Remember to observe from a distance and not disturb the animals.
Facilities can be limited, especially at trailheads. It's advisable to use restrooms before entering the park and carry any necessary supplies.
Some trails, like the Cachoeira da Pedra Lisa, are easy and suitable for families. However, always assess the trail difficulty and supervise children closely.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfalls, lush Atlantic Forest scenery, and coastal views from viewpoints like Barra do Una offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in protected areas to avoid disturbing wildlife and for safety reasons. Always check park regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The viewpoint overlooking Barra do Una offers a spectacular panoramic shot of the beach and surrounding nature.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing both landscapes and potential wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the dense forest.










Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit