Itanhaém

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Itanhaém's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival at Costa do Sol
morning
:

Arrive in Itanhaém and settle into your chosen pousada near the beach. Head to Costa do Sol for a morning swim or stand-up paddle session amid gentle waves. Take in the coastal breeze and watch local fishermen preparing their boats.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a beachfront barraca serving moqueca and ceviche. Relax on the golden sand while reading a book or playing beach volleyball with locals. Cool off with a coconut water and explore small craft stalls along the shore.

evening
:

Climb up to Pontal da Praia for a stunning Atlantic sunset panorama. Sample regional dishes like camarão na moranga at a lively restaurant by the water. Stroll along the illuminated Avenida Beira-Mar and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

day 2
Historic Center Walking Tour
morning
:

Begin the day in the Centro Histórico exploring the colonial architecture along Rua Siqueira Campos. Visit the Igreja Matriz de Sant’Anna and admire its baroque details. Chat with local artisans showcasing handcrafted souvenirs in quaint storefronts.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a traditional botequim serving feijoada with caipirinha. Head to the Casa Paroquial museum to learn about Itanhaém’s centuries-old heritage. Wander through shady squares and discover colorful murals depicting local legends.

evening
:

Watch a live presentation at the Teatro de Seraphim Gonzaga featuring folk dances. Taste tapioca pancakes from street vendors under the soft glow of lanterns. Unwind with a walk along the Don Pedro I pier listening to the gentle lapping of waves.

day 3
Buena Vista Mirante and Lagoinha
morning
:

Hike to the Mirante do Boa Vista for panoramic coastal views and ocean breezes. Spot islands and fishing boats dotting the horizon from this elevated vantage point. Capture sunrise photos over the lush Atlantic forest and shimmering sea.

afternoon
:

Descend to Praia da Lagoinha for a refreshing dip in clear, calm waters. Enjoy a picnic lunch on rocks overlooking tide pools full of colorful fish. Explore hidden grottos and natural pools carved into volcanic stone.

evening
:

Return to town for a casual dinner at a family-run restaurant known for grilled peixe. Attend a live samba show at a local bar and dance with friendly residents. Sip a passion fruit caipirinha while enjoying the warm evening air.

day 4
Boat Trip to Ilha de Guaraú
morning
:

Board a traditional caiçara boat for an island-hopping excursion along the coast. Feel the sea spray as you cruise past cliffs and secluded beaches. Learn about marine life from the local skipper’s colorful tales.

afternoon
:

Dock at Ilha de Guaraú and savor a beachside lunch of fresh shrimp and rice. Snorkel among coral reefs teeming with vibrant fish and starfish. Lounge under native palm trees and explore the island’s palm-fringed trails.

evening
:

Return to Itanhaém and shower off sea salt before dinner. Relish a churrasco feast at a churrascaria with local cuts of beef and chicken. Wind down with live acoustic guitar music under a starlit canopy.

day 5
Serra do Mar Hiking Adventure
morning
:

Set out early for a guided hike in the Serra do Mar State Park to spot monkeys and toucans. Trek along well-marked trails engulfed in dense Atlantic rainforest foliage. Pause at scenic viewpoints for juice and empadinhas (savory pastries).

afternoon
:

Descend to the valley and enjoy a riverside picnic lunch by a cascading waterfall. Cool off with a swim in a natural pool fed by crystal-clear streams. Search for orchids and bromeliads clinging to ancient trees.

evening
:

Return to town and relax in a cozy pousada with a forest backdrop. Order a hearty sopa de legumes (vegetable soup) to warm up after the trek. Unplug with a good book or card game in a communal lounge.

day 6
Caiçara Village and Seafood Workshop
morning
:

Visit a traditional caiçara fishing village to witness daily routines of net mending and boat preparation. Learn about local folklore and artisanal fishing techniques from community elders. Sample freshly caught fish skewered and grilled over coals.

afternoon
:

Participate in a hands-on seafood cooking workshop featuring moqueca and bobó de camarão. Shop for local spices and herbs at the village market stalls. Sit beneath swaying palms for a leisurely lunch of your own culinary creations.

evening
:

Head back to the coast for a beachfront churrasco by torchlight. Enjoy live percussion rhythms as you mingle with fishermen and their families. End the night with caipirinha and storytelling under the stars.

day 7
Waterfall Exploration at Cachoeira do Ribeirão
morning
:

Drive to Cachoeira do Ribeirão for a day immersed in nature’s tranquility. Hike a short trail to the base of the waterfall and feel the mist on your face. Join locals for a riverside coffee and pão de queijo mid-morning snack.

afternoon
:

Swim in the emerald pool beneath the falls and relax on smooth boulders warmed by the sun. Pack a lunch of freshly baked pão recheado (stuffed bread) and tropical fruits. Photograph rainbows arching through the cascading water.

evening
:

Return to Itanhaém and freshen up at your accommodation. Dine at a seaside restaurant specializing in grilled octopus and coconut rice. Take a leisurely moonlit stroll along Praia dos Sonhos.

day 8
Morro da Caixa d’Água Sunrise Trek
morning
:

Begin before dawn for a guided sunrise trek up Morro da Caixa d’Água. Reach the summit in time to watch golden light spill over the Atlantic horizon. Enjoy a picnic breakfast of tapioca crepes and fresh fruit.

afternoon
:

Descend to Praia do Sonho and lounge on soft, pastel-hued sands. Cool off with a dip in gentle waves and sample street vendor snacks like milkshakes and churros. Explore nearby tide pools teeming with hermit crabs and small fish.

evening
:

Return to your pousada for a hot shower and rest. Head out to a beachfront bar for live reggae or bossa nova performances. Sip a chilled craft beer or caipirinha as the evening breeze rolls in.

day 9
Mangrove Kayaking at Restinga
morning
:

Paddle a kayak through the mangrove channels of Restinga Island guided by a naturalist. Observe herons, crabs, and mangrove oysters in their dense, tangled habitat. Learn about the ecological importance of these coastal forests.

afternoon
:

Lunch on fresh fish stew cooked in a clay pot at a floating restaurant. Continue kayaking to hidden lagoons where you can snorkel and spot octopus and shrimp. Relax in a hammock strung between mangrove roots listening to birdsong.

evening
:

Return to town as the sun dips below the treetops. Feast on regional specialties like peixe assado na folha (fish wrapped in banana leaf). Enjoy a local storytelling session featuring caiçara legends around a bonfire.

day 10
Market, Museum and Farewell Celebration
morning
:

Browse the Municipal Market of Itanhaém for local fruits, cheeses, and handicrafts. Sip on freshly pressed sugarcane juice while chatting with friendly vendors. Pick up souvenirs like handmade hammocks or ceramic bowls.

afternoon
:

Visit the Museu Conceição de Itanhaém to delve into colonial and indigenous history. Wander the gardens of the adjacent Casa de Cultura and admire rotating art exhibits. Enjoy a light lunch at the museum café overlooking tropical gardens.

evening
:

Gather for a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the bay. Indulge in feijoada, pastel de nata, and caipirinhas as you toast to an unforgettable trip. End the night dancing to local rhythms under a canopy of stars.

Discover Itanhaém

Read more in our Itanhaém 2025 Travel Guide.

Itanhaém Travel Guide