Located in Caminhos do Mar Park, the Old Road of Santos is one of the most comprehensive tourist routes in São Paulo. It combines a preserved area of Atlantic Forest with well-maintained trails, and also houses a collection that would delight any historian. With buildings linked to Brazil’s Independence!
This stretch was even part of the route taken by Dom Pedro I on his way to Ipiranga. For this reason, in 1922 it received eight monuments celebrating the centennial of Independence, designed by the French architect Victor Dubugras.
But, historical monuments aside, the entire park area is designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This designation is important for environmental education, as well as inspiring practices to preserve the local biome .
Therefore, the strong presence of nature makes ecotourism one of the major attractions of the Estrada Velha.
What to do at Caminhos do Mar Park?
Trails
One of the park’s major tourist attractions is how everything blends into the forest. From the panoramic views of the Serra do Mar and the Baixada Santista to the springs and waterfalls in the surrounding area. And what better way to take it all in than on a trail, right?
Currently, Caminhos do Mar Park offers three must-see itineraries:
- Historical Route: Covers approximately 16 kilometers (round trip) along the Caminho do Mar Road. The paved road passes by all the lookouts, as well as the eight historic monuments from 1922.
- Ecotourism Itinerary: The route is approximately 7 kilometers (round trip). The trail is paved with stone and runs through the Atlantic Forest. It follows the path used by Dom Pedro I on the route to Independence.
- Adventure Itinerary: This trail is about a 9-kilometer ( round-trip) hike, with ascents and descents through different sections of the Atlantic Forest. It ends at Cachoeira da Torre, where there is a natural pool for swimming and a partial view of the Baixada Santista.
These are well-maintained and clearly marked trails. However, the park controls access to the trails, so visitors must purchase tickets in advance on the official Caminhos do Mar website.
The entrance provides access to the park and its basic facilities, such as restrooms, drinking fountains, and a few lookout points. The site operates during business hours, with the last access to the trails around 2:00 p.m., depending on the chosen route.
Waterfalls
Swimming in the waterfalls and rapids along the road is not permitted, thus ensuring visitor safety and maintaining water quality. Along the trails, there are also drinking fountains where you can cool off and fill your water bottles.
The park’s main waterfall is Cachoeira da Torre, the final stop on the adventure trail. High in the Serra do Mar, its water comes from the Rio do Ouro, which cuts through the mountain range and forms crystal-clearnatural pools .
“Voo da Serra” Zip Line
The park’szip line is a separate-fee attraction. It is 500 meters long and connects São Bernardo to Cubatão, over the Serra do Mar mountain range. The ride reaches speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour and crosses the valley from a height of about 100 meters ! Additionally, there are options for solo or tandem flights.
