Guia de Paraty

Ponta Negra → Cairuçu das Pedras → Martim de Sá

A remote traverse from Ponta Negra to Martim de Sá via Cairuçu das Pedras and long climbs within the Juatinga Reserve.

Category
Advanced
Location
Juatinga Ecological Reserve — central section
  • ~6.5 km (Ponta Negra → Martim de Sá)
  • Maximum elevation ~580 m
  • ~4h (Ponta Negra → Martim de Sá)

About the trail

This is one of the most demanding sections of the Juatinga Traverse. The route combines dense forest, significant elevation changes and long stretches without facilities or phone signal, passing through Cairuçu das Pedras before reaching Martim de Sá. It is suitable only for experienced, well-prepared hikers.

Getting to the trailhead

The traverse can begin in Ponta Negra, reached by trail or by boat when sea conditions allow. From there, the route continues through Cairuçu das Pedras to Martim de Sá. Plan the full logistics with residents or local guides before departure.

Environment and protection

Juatinga Ecological Reserve and Cairuçu Environmental Protection Area, within the traditional territory of caiçara communities.

Facilities along the route

Facilities are limited to communities along the route and availability may vary. Carry food, water and enough equipment for self-sufficiency; confirm accommodation, camping and support points in advance.

Best time to go

Prefer drier periods and days with a stable forecast. Avoid the route after heavy rain, when mud, streams and slopes increase the risk.

Safety

Use a light pack, shoes with good grip and protection from rain and sun. Carry water and offline navigation; do not rely on phone signal or quick rescue.

Local tips

Manage the effort with planned breaks and do not underestimate the time between communities. Respect homes, private areas and local guidance in Cairuçu das Pedras.

Interesting facts

Ponta Negra, Cairuçu das Pedras and Martim de Sá are part of traditional caiçara territories recognized by the municipality of Paraty and protected by the Juatinga Reserve and Cairuçu APA.

Need for a guide

A local guide is strongly recommended because of the distance, junctions, lack of phone signal and difficult rescue access. INEA's stated mandatory-guide rule applies to access to Saco Bravo Waterfall; for this section, the guidance is a safety recommendation and should be confirmed with reserve staff and local guides.

Connections

  • Ponta Negra (entrance)
  • Martim de Sá (departure)
  • Juatinga Lighthouse
  • Sumaca Beach
  • Paraty-Mirim (by boat from Martim de Sá)

Overall assessment

A demanding and remote traverse for experienced hikers. Attempt it only with defined logistics, suitable equipment and recent information about trail and weather conditions.

Monthly update

September 10, 2026.

Low view over the sea at Praia de Ponta Negra, showing the sandy shore, caiçara community, and Atlantic Forest-covered slopes.
The Ponta Negra community sits at the back of the cove, between the sandy shore and Atlantic Forest-covered slopes.
Elevated view of Cairuçu das Pedras, with a small beach between large granite boulders, clear green water, and Atlantic Forest.
Cairuçu das Pedras forms a small cove framed by large granite boulders, where the Atlantic Forest reaches almost to the sandy shore.
Trail sign in the Atlantic Forest indicating Ponta Negra 6.6 km away, Cairuçu das Pedras 0.3 km away, and Praia de Martim de Sá 5.3 km away.
The forest trail sign points toward Ponta Negra, Cairuçu das Pedras, and Martim de Sá.
Poção among large seaside rocks, with waves breaking along the rocky shore and vegetation framing the view.
Poção sits beside the rocky shoreline, facing the open sea on a clear summer day.
Martim de Sá Beach with a wide sandy shore, blue sea, waves and mountains covered by Atlantic Forest.
At Martim de Sá Beach, the broad sandy shore follows the curve of the bay, facing the blue sea and Atlantic Forest-covered mountains.
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Nearby places

Distance is approximate and measured in a straight line.