A rare mangrove and a paradise beach
This route passes through two natural attractions of Búzios that are next to each other. One of them is the Mangue de Pedras (Stone Mangrove), which is one of the only mangroves in the world with this formation and the other is Ponta do Pai Vitório, a setting with a beautiful landscape and beaches with green waters, perfect for a swim in the sea and take a lot of photos!
Type: Crossing Trail
Where: Armação de Búzios
Difficulty level: Moderate
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Minimum Group: 2 person
Stone Mangroove and Ponta do Pai Vitório Circuit
This circuit begins at the panoramic viewpoint on Rua Carlito Gonçalves. After a small trail, we access the Mangue de Pedras (Stone Mangrove), which has its own unique ecosystem. This is one of the only stone mangroves in the world and its characteristics and biodynamics will be explained by the Guide.
From the mangrove, the route follows the rocks towards the deserted Praia dos Negros and, from there, to Praia da Ponta do Pai Vitório. The path is quite uneven and requires good mobility to walk over the rocks.
A quick, but steep and closed trail leads to the Pai Vitório viewpoint, one of the most desired points for taking selfies today, revealing a spectacular view of Ponta do Pai Vitório and the beach. Down below, the beach with green waters, which is constantly visited by turtles, is a great option for diving. In addition to the optional bath, it is also possible to go around Ponta do Pai Vitório, exploring the rocks amidst the vegetation.
What is a Stone Mangrove?
Unlike other mangroves around the world, which are formed on muddy soil and at the mouths of rivers, the Búzios mangrove is formed by gravel and coarse sand, with no rivers nearby to discharge fresh water. This action is done by rainwater infiltrating the soil.
To complete the unique landscape, the scenery features large trees, with roots braided amidst the rocks and small natural pools.
Parallel to the beach and the stone mangrove, the typical vegetation of the region displays cacti and bromeliads in a rare combination for a mangrove environment. The scenery still has thousands of shells of all shapes and in the background, colorful fishing boats, giving charm to the bucolic landscape.
This is one of the three Stone Mangrove that exist in the world. The other two are located in Recife (Brazil) and Japan.
A little bit of the history of Pai Vitório beach
The beaches of Gorda and Pai Vitório were scenarios for the landing of clandestine slave ships in the 19th century, when the slave trade was already prohibited in Brazil.
The Africans who stayed on the farms in the surroundings left many descendants, responsible for the quilombos in the region. In honor of them, Praça Quilombola was inaugurated in 2018, in Arpoador da Rasa.
Cactus also offers an itinerary that goes around Ponta do Pai Vitório only, without visiting the Mangue de Pedras. (Stone Mangrove)
Make your reservation
- Solar filter
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Light and bathing clothes
- Comfortable footwear
- Water
- Snack
- Repellent
- Accredited Guide
- Insurance
- Trekking Poles
- Executive transport (optional)
