The first post of 2025 couldn't be about anything other than my trip over the past few weeks. This time, I didn’t venture too far from home since I only had a few days of vacation. The plan was to explore places within the state of São Paulo itself — a place I’ve realized I’m still far from fully discovering.
Every time I glance at the map, I’m amazed by how many new places there are to visit here! This time, I crafted a short itinerary along the southern coast of São Paulo, starting in Peruíbe. It’s a place I’ve visited a few times before, but it’s always a delight to return because it’s just so breathtakingly beautiful.
The neighborhood I stayed in — Guaraú Beach — is, in my opinion, the best part of town for nature lovers like me. This beach feels wonderfully remote, isolated from the rest of Peruíbe. It’s a well-preserved area with very few commercial establishments and has been designated as an environmental preservation zone. This means no new construction is allowed, which I think is absolutely fantastic.
In the Guaraú neighborhood, it’s not uncommon to come across abandoned houses. I think this adds a touch of mystery to the place.
Even during the high season, Guaraú Beach offers peaceful stretches with few people around, making it a perfect spot to escape the chaos of New Year’s Eve (have I mentioned how much I dislike crowded destinations?).
Thanks to this tranquility, I was able to fully enjoy both the beach and one of my favorite spots nearby: the Paraíso Waterfall. The name speaks for itself—it’s stunning, with an emerald-green pool perfect for a refreshing dip.
Most of my time at Guaraú was spent walking—from one end of the beach to the other—delighting in the local wildlife and making small discoveries along the way. The highlight, without a doubt, was the Maria Mulata crab mangrove, visible from a footbridge that crosses the river and leads to the beach.
I passed by the mangrove several times, finding it incredibly soothing to stop and watch the crabs. Their slow, deliberate movements, captivating colors, and curious interactions were mesmerizing. I often couldn’t tell if they were fighting or playing with one another...
Ah, and I almost forgot one of the best moments of the trip: the day a hummingbird let me hold it in my hands after I helped it. It stayed with me for a few minutes, and I even got to gently stroke it, feeling how warm its tiny body was. It was almost like a dream come true.
Those slow, peaceful days at Guaraú Beach reaffirmed why this destination holds such a special place in my heart. It’s a spot I’ll always love returning to.
I’ll be back soon with stories from the other cities I visited on this trip. See ya!
🐦
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