Guia ING

São Luiz do Paraitinga
Rafting
DDD -12
Website - www.saoluizdoparaitinga.sp.gov.br
Population -10,721 inhabitants
APRECESP file
São Luiz do Paraitinga is located in the region of Vale do Paraíba. Founded in the 18 th
century, a large part of its architectural sets has been registered as historic sites, besides being
inserted within the bounds of Serra do Mar State Park.
Roteiros
Adventure & Nature: Trails and Waters in Serra do Mar - 3 days (page 68)
Leisure & Culture: Cultural Heritage in Vale do Paraíba - 2 days (page 89)
192
What to do?
The Historic City Center is the real highlight in São Luiz do Paraitinga. With about 450 historic
buildings, the City Center itself is the very attraction. A tour on foot around the streets and stone
ramps recalls the old times, with its historic buildings and cultural centers. The municipal calendar of
events is another attraction aside: on Carnival, blocos [Carnival groups of people] playing marchinhas
[music genre typical of Brazilian Carnival] cheer up Carnival revelers, and in the Festival of the Holy
Spirit [Festa do Divino Espírito Santo], local folkloric manifestations amuse visitors and residents. It is
worth to try the famous Afogado, beef stew served with manioc flour, a typical dish in the region. For
nature lovers, rafting over Paraibuna River is the most sought activity. There are three rapids allowing
different levels according to the tourist’s experience. At the most difficult level, the course is done in
10.5 km, lasting approximately 6 hours. Trails are also suggested to tourists who prefer to walk in
the midst of the woods: there are options at several difficulty levels, and Sete Cachoeiras Trail is the
longest, lasting 7 hours. The following are part of the Trail Program in São Paulo: Garcez Trail, with a
3-hour course, and Pirapitinga Trail, with a 4-hour course, both of medium difficulty.