Discover Guarapari through a range of highlights: trails through the restinga landscape, beaches, schooner excursions and a 16th-century building.
Nature Trails in Parque Estadual Paulo César Vinha
Parque Estadual Paulo César Vinha was created to protect a continuous stretch of restinga. Restinga is among the most endangered ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest. The trails pass through different parts of this landscape and vary considerably in length.
Trilha da Clusia is a 150-meter loop through the restinga forest and is often used for environmental education. Trilha da Restinga is 2.5 kilometers long, flat and sandy; it leads to Praia and Lagoa de Caraís. Along the way, you can observe different types of restinga vegetation and flooded plains. Wildlife can also occasionally be spotted, including deer, tayras, armadillos, snakes and various birds.
From the park's administrative headquarters, Lagoa de Caraís is accessible via a 2.5-kilometer trail; the final 1,000 meters can be covered along the beach. From Trilha da Restinga, a path leads to the 480-meter-long Trilha do Alagado. An artificial observation point there is used to watch birds and other animals in the park's largest wetland.
The Mirante is a natural rocky rise offering views of the entire Lagoa de Caraís, with Serra de Buenos Aires in the background. From the lagoon, you can reach it via a short trail. This combines the viewpoint with another specific destination at the end of the route.
Beaches, Waves and Excursions
Guarapari's coastline includes 52 beaches. Praia de Setibão is used for surfing; surfing also takes place at Praia Dulé, where surf championships have been held. Praia da Caraís is accessible from the park's administrative headquarters via a 1.5-kilometer trail. Because of the strong surf, you should swim there only with caution. There are no food or drink services in the park.
Schooner excursions in Guarapari include trips to Praia do Morro and the city center; their average duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes. Scheduled trips to Setiba, Três Ilhas and the mangrove area last an average of 3 to 6 hours. The excursions therefore differ considerably in the time required. The schooners have space for about 50 to 100 passengers and include a swimming stop. In central Guarapari, they are anchored at Nova Marina. Routes and schedules may change; check the current schedule before setting out.
History and Recreational Diving
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição was built in 1585. It is considered an example of Jesuit architecture and a legacy of Padre Anchieta. For travelers interested in history as well as nature and the coast, it is a distinct cultural highlight in Guarapari.
Guarapari is considered a hub for recreational diving in Espírito Santo. Popular dive sites include the shipwrecks Bellucia and Victory 8B, which attract experienced divers and adventure tourism enthusiasts.
Discover more destinations: Anchieta, Sooretama, Vargem Alta, Santa Teresa, Aracruz, Itaipava, Viana, Mal. Floriano
For the main travel overview: Espírito Santo.
