Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar

São Luís do Paraitinga [1] is within the boundaries of the vast Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, a nature preserve that encompasses 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of native Atlantic forest replete with rivers, waterfalls, and natural pools.

The Núcleo Santa Virgínia (Rodovia Osvaldo Cruz Km 78, tel. 12/3671-9159, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily)—located 30 kilometers (19 miles) from São Luís—administers the area of the park around São Luís leading all the way to Ubatuba [2] on the coast and has monitors that can guide you over the handful of hiking trails. Advance reservations are necessary.

Cia de Rafting (Rua Celestino de Campos Coelho 198, tel. 12/3902-7557, www.ciaderafting.com.br [3]) operates rafting and kayaking trips down the Rio Paraibuna as well as hiking and horseback eco-excursions.