Here in Espírito Santo we have 6 state parks. One of them is the Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park located in Guarapari on the south coast. The park is approximately 40km from Vitória, being the closest to our capital and easily accessible.
The Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park occupies an area of 1500ha in a region of great environmental importance, bringing together Atlantic forest, beaches, dunes, flooded plains and restinga vegetation. But before the park was created, the region suffered from deforestation, sand removal and the creation of subdivisions.
PARK NAME
In 1990, on June 5th, Environment Day, the Setiba State Park was created. And in 1994, in honor of the biologist Paulo César Vinha who was murdered for acting in defense of the site against sand extraction, the park’s name was changed.
WHAT TO DO IN THE PARK
For many who visit the park, the main attraction is the Caraís Lagoon due to the color of the water. Because it is dark, it is popularly called Coca-Cola Lagoon. But besides the lagoon, you can enjoy the beach and viewpoints, go hiking and kayaking. In other words, you can spend the day in the park.
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From the park headquarters, follow the Restinga Trail to get to the other attractions. It is 1500m along a wide, flat and firm path, but as you get closer to the beach the sand becomes softer. Either way, it’s an easy route to do.
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| Restinga Trail. |
During the trail it is possible to observe how much the restinga vegetation changes. Close to the sea it is low, and as you move away it starts to have small trees, providing shade in some sections. And if you’re lucky you might see some wild animals. There are some signs with information about the fauna, flora and type of soil. Including in Braille.
Along the restinga trail you will have two other trails. The first of them is the Capybara Trail. It is short and part of it is a wooden deck as it is in one of the park’s flooded areas. It ends on the shore of Lagoa da Caraís where the kayak tour starts.
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| Capybara Trail. |
Returning to the restinga trail and continuing for another 300m you reach the beginning of the second trail, the Alagado Trail. Almost 500m long, it ends in a viewpoint built from where you have a wide view of the park’s flooded area.
After 1.5km, the restinga trail ends at beach. It’s a long, deserted beach with no shade or any structure, so take whatever you need and come back with your trash. The sea is rough, so be careful.
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| End of the restinga trail and beginning of the beach. |
If you prefer calmer waters with a more pleasant temperature, go to the lagoon. You will need to walk for another 1km along a trail that follows the sea, there is no shade and the ground, despite being flat, is made of very soft sand. If you prefer, you can go along the beach sand.
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At the end of the trail there is a rock formation and soon after is the Caraís Lagoon which stands out for the color of its water. Due to the decomposition of leaves and roots around it, it has a dark color, but is good for bathing.
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| Caraís Lagoon. |
Depending on the time of year, when it rains, a larger volume of water can turn into a lagoon reaching the sea just a few meters away. Normally the lagoon is shallow, but when this happens you need to be careful.
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| Caraís Lagoon. |
After a 2.5km walk, enjoy the lagoon to relax. But don’t leave until you go to the Lagoon Lookout. It is just a few meters away at the top of the rock formation and is easy to get to. From there you will have a view of the extensive lagoon with mountains in the background.
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| Caraís Lagoon seen from the viewpoint. |
OPTIONAL SERVICES
To do all this you don’t need to pay anything and it can be done independently, it’s all very well signposted. But if you prefer, you can pay and be accompanied by a environmental monitor. I know, and recommend, Giovanni. He is an accredited Tour Guide and does a good job.
It is also Giovanni who does the kayak tour by the lagoon. Both the monitoring and the kayak tour are paid and must be booked directly with Giovanni. Contact him for information. Telephone: 27 99500-2405.
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| Kayaks on the Capivara Trail. |
VISITOR SUPPORT
At the park headquarters, visitors will find a small parking area for vehicles. Bathrooms, water fountain and area with snack tables. There is no snack bar or restaurant. There are no kiosks on the beach or in the lagoon.
Environmental Monitor Service is optional and paid. As well as the kayak tour around the lagoon. Telephone: 27 99500-2405.
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| Snack area. |
VISITATION
Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park is the closest to Vitória and is easily accessible via Rodovia do Sol (ES 060) at Km 37.5. But he is in Guarapari, 13km from the center. Telephones: (27) 3636-2522. Buses from the Tanscol system and Viação Planeta pass in front of the park entrance.
TIME: During the new Coronavirus Pandemic, the park can be visited from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Weekends and holidays will be released as assessed by the state government.
>> Visitor capacity per day: 100 people on a first-come, first-served basis. No need to schedule.
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| Park Ordinance. |
GUIDELINES:
>> Visitors must wear masks, bring their own container to drink water, in addition to 70% alcohol gel to wash their hands.
>> Wear light clothing, repellent, sunscreen, cap or hat.
>> Follow the guidelines of Conscious Behavior in Natural Environments.
- >> Bring your trash back.
- >> Do not collect.
- >> Don’t make graffiti.
- >> Don’t make a fire.
- >> Turn off the speakers.
- >> Don’t go off the main trail.
- >> Keep away from animals.
OTHER STATE PARKS IN ESPÍRITO SANTO:
Cachoeira da Fumaça State Park, Pedra Azul State Park, Itaúnas State Park, Forno Grande State Park and Mata das Flores State Park.
>> Learn more about Espírito Santo.
FOR YOUR TRIP:
Tour guide: Get to know Espírito Santo with a guide. Make contact with me.
Accommodation: Make your reservations on Booking.com and travel with peace of mind.
Car rental: Are you going to rent a car? Get quotes from several companies on rentcars.com.
Airfare: You can buy at Passagens Promo.
