A Guide To Trindade: Rio De Janeiros Seaside Paradise

Trindade, a paradisiacal beach village on the border between the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, is a must-visit for anyone touring around the gorgeous Costa Verde region. With stunning views and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere, you’ll never want to leave. Here’s all you need to know to make the most of your time there.

What to see and do

Relax on the beach

Trindade isn’t the Portuguese word for “beach,” but it might as well be. The tiny village has a total of five stunning beaches, each with their own unique landscapes. For surfing, check out Praia Brava and Praia do Cepilho. For relaxing with the family, go to the town’s biggest beach, Praia de Fora (also called Praia dos Ranchos), or the next one over, Praia do Meio. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more secluded with beautiful, calm waters, take the quick trail over to Praia do Cachadaço.

At the very end of Cachadaço, you’ll see beachgoers clambering over large boulders and heading off into the woods. They’re on the way to the Piscina Natural do Cachadaço, an absolutely stunning natural pool hidden away at the very end of Trindade’s coastline.

Still, beautiful waters, hundreds of tropical fish and gorgeous scenery make this one of the most special spots in the Costa Verde region. The trail takes around 30 minutes, and while not terribly difficult, both young children and the elderly should not attempt this trek. Take extra care if it has been raining, as some parts may become slippery and treacherous.

Where to eat and drink

Casa Caiçara Bendito Inácio Lopes

Tucked away behind the tree line on the secluded Cachadaço Beach, this is one of the most beautiful places in Trindade with by far the best food.

The restaurant is run by a family who has lived there for decades, working with local ingredients and attempting to maintain the village’s culture. There are a few options on the menu, but the only thing you should be ordering is the fish of the day, which is a freshly caught specimen, butterflied and grilled over wood. It comes with all of the trimmings, including rice, beans, tangy salads and a delicious farofa (fried manioc flour) with dried shrimp. Grab a table facing the water, order a beer and prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable lunch.

Where to sleep

While Trindade can be done in a day, there’s a good chance you’ll want to stay for longer. There are lots of gorgeous B&Bs facing the beach and plenty of camp sites. Chale Mar à Vista has a bit of both, with a couple of beautiful chales and spots to camp so you can wake up with a truly stunning sunrise. Things do get busy in the height of summer (January and February), so book ahead.

How to get there

By car, Trindade is a 30-minute drive from nearby Paraty. Take the BR-101 south until you reach the tiny village of Patrimônio; from there, take the well-signposted mountain road down to Trindade. The road is narrow and winding, with lots of steep inclines and sharp descents, so if you’re not the most confident driver, it’s probably not for you. Thankfully, there are buses from the Paraty bus terminal that leave on the hour, every hour. The trip takes around 50 minutes and costs R$4.50.

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