The Treasure of Trindade

The legend

According to the story, Spanish pirates hid great riches taken from the Inca Empire near Caixadaço Beach. The treasure would lie buried in the mountainside facing the small Ilha do Tesouro, where markings on the rocks inspired further interpretations. The tale drew treasure hunters from different places and led to excavations, but no discovery has ever been verified.

Versions and context

This legend belongs to the village of Trindade in Paraty. It should not be confused with the famous “Treasure of Trindade Island,” sought by E. F. Knight in 1889 on a remote oceanic island that is now part of Espírito Santo state, roughly 750 miles from the Brazilian mainland. The previous text blended the two stories. Digging or removing rocks is prohibited and can damage natural and archaeological heritage.

Associated places

The places below appear in this version of the story.

• Caixadaço Beach
• Ilha do Tesouro
• Village of Trindade

Sources consulted

The sources below record the oral tradition and its context.

• CEPA — Paraty Tourism Inventory
• Diário do Grande ABC — Legends of Paraty
• E. F. Knight — The Cruise of the Alerte, 1890 — geographic distinction

Monthly update

September 10, 2026.