Ubatuba, a tropical paradise located on the coast of São Paulo, has numerous tourist attractions, especially for nature lovers. The city was the first destination chosen to be pioneered in the first stage of the Desbravando as Américas Project.
What to do in 1 day?
I started my itinerary in Ubatuba walking along the sands of Praia do Cruzeiro Beach, located in the city center and enchanting myself with the landscape that was in front of me. Then it was time to visit the famous Whale Square, which had the skeleton of a whale that ran aground in 2000 on one of the city's beaches. Great experience and even better for not having spent any money yet.
Whale Square (Praça da Baleia)
Continuing the tour, it was time to visit the famous Project Tamar Ubatuba, project aimed at the preservation of these lovely beings that are sea turtles. I recommend at least an hour to visit the place calmly and preferably on weekdays to avoid long lines. I found the amount charged at the entrance according to the quality of the tour.
Projeto Tamar Ubatuba
On leaving, I walked about 20 minutes until I reached the next tourist attraction to be visited, the Ubatuba Aquarium, founded in 1996 by a group of oceanologists, with the purpose of making its visitors aware of the importance of the conservation of the marine environment and the grandeur and of its biodiversity. I recommend at least an hour to visit the site and pay attention to the content presented on the site. The entrance fee is a little high, but it is worth doing the tour.
Desbravando as Américas no Aquário de Ubatuba
Leaving the aquarium, it was the turn to begin the historic tour of the city, beginning at Capricorn Square, where it crosses the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn and where at the summer solstice (December 21 or 22) on a particular Time of day There is no shadow around any upright object. As I was visiting the site in the winter, I did not have the opportunity to prove the shadow theory in person, but it was still worth the trip, especially as it was free.
A few meters away, I came to the next tourist attraction, Praça do Cruzeiro, where in the early days of colonization there were important events related to the occupation and development of the city of Ubatuba. On site, be sure to visit the statue of Father Jose de Anchieta and the Bell of Peace and of course read the plaques with historical information present in both monuments. Another recommended option without spending any money.
I walked for a few more meters and arrived at the next stop, the Ubatuba Bandstand, where the band Lira Padre Anchieta performs at the beginning of the carnival. Don't ask me why I have a bandstand on my travel itinerary, but I'm completely in love with bandits, and I can sit and watch for hours and hours and let my thoughts flow naturally to any part of the universe. Madness of a lone traveler, perhaps. I stopped the first person in front of me and asked her to take a picture of me with the bandstand in the background to keep as a souvenir.
Desbravando as Américas no Coreto de Ubatuba
Following, it was the turn to visit a religious temple, the Church Exaltation of the Holy Cross, considered historical heritage of the city of Ubatuba, has a curious boat-shaped altar in honor of St. Peter Fisherman. In the place is held the feast of the Divine Holy Spirit. Regardless of the religion followed by each person, I am always enchanted by the architectural beauty present in the religious buildings and the artistic richness that makes up their interior. For an art lover, like me, it's always a must stop. It's like visiting an art museum without spending a dime.
Desbravando as Américas na Igreja Exaltação da Santa Cruz:
After finishing the historical part of my itinerary, it was the turn to know the beaches located to the south of the city. I boarded a city bus that departed from the city's bus terminal and about 30 minutes later I came to the first attraction to visit, Praia do Lázaro, ideal for family relaxation, easy access, calm sea and merchant's stalls. I walked along its sandy strip admiring the landscape and trying to escape the merchants who tried their best to sell me their products.
Desbravando as Américas na Praia do Lázaro
Then I walked to the end of the beach on the left, and after taking a short trail I came to an attraction that I must confess was at the top of my list of places to visit in the city, the legendary Gruta Que Chora. It is a rocky natural cavity surrounded by mysteries and legends. The most famous of these is the existence of a dragon that inhabited the interior of the cave and turned into a very handsome man during full moon nights and conquered the most beautiful girls in the region. At dawn, the handsome boy mysteriously disappeared, leaving the young girls in love in great agony. According to legend, the constant dripping at the opening of the cave is the tears of young women who cry to this day waiting for their mysterious beloved. I needn't say how happy I was to reach this tourist attraction, although the cave is much smaller than I imagined. Nevertheless I recommend the visit, because the place transmits a unique energy and above all the tour is free.
Desbravando as Américas na Gruta que Chora
Continuing the tour, it was time to visit Domingas Dias Beach, located on the right side of Praia do Lázaro, is the ideal place for those who like tranquility and want to take the first steps in surfing. As my script was coming to an end, I took the opportunity to relax on this beach while watching some local kids have fun with their surfboards. I highly recommend this beach, it was my favorite for the tranquility and natural beauty present in the place.
Desbravando as Américas na Praia Domingas Dias
I boarded the bus at 5 pm, heading to Ubatuba city center, and arrived in time to admire the beautiful sunset of Perequê-Açu Beach. Super recommended by the hostel receptionists.
Desbravando as Américas na Praia Pereque-Acu
Where to eat?
In the city center, there are numerous restaurants serving executive dishes, including drinks, at a fixed and economical price. The quality of the food is excellent and the dish is very well served. Super recommend these restaurants.
Accommodation
Without a doubt, Green Haven Hostel is the best accommodation option in the city of Ubatuba. The Hostel has a great location, facing Perequê-Açu beach and 24-hour staff willing to help with any needs. I consider it an excellent choice of cheap, safe and quality hosting. I stayed in a shared room and it was a great experience.
Money spent on the trip
Hosting: R $ 40.00
Food: R $ 12,00
Transportation: R $ 7,00
Tours: R $ 47,00
Total: R $ 106.00
Next stop: Santos and São Vicente!
