On the far west coast of Rio de Janeiro state, this trail consists of the steep areas of Serra da Bocaina (Serra do Mar stretch), the valleys of its many rivers, and a narrow coastal region. The coastal stretch is peculiarly indented with capes, bays, headlands, coves and river estuaries, where you can find granitic rocks, sometimes covered by vegetation, white sand beaches and sedimentary plains.

Paraty is located in one of those sedimentary plains. In the first few centuries of its history, Paraty was strategically important in Brazil’s history scene: It served as a trading spot for the arrival of merchandise and slaves and a port for the outflow of the gold extracted in Minas Gerais, and later for Vale do Paraiba coffee (Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states). As time went on, new roads and alternative routes were built, reducing the importance of the port and isolating Paraty.

Nowadays, it is a tourist destination which is renowned for its historical and cultural heritage and the charming beaches and islands of the Atlantic Forest.