Driving from São Paulo to Paraty

The route, step by step

Leave São Paulo on the Rodovia Ayrton Senna / Carvalho Pinto heading toward São José dos Campos, then take the Rodovia dos Tamoios — recently modernised with tunnels through the Serra do Mar — down to the coast at Caraguatatuba. From there, join the BR-101 (Rio–Santos) heading north through Ubatuba, cross into Rio de Janeiro state, and continue to Paraty.

The Tamoios descent is dramatic and, in the older open sections, can be foggy or slow behind trucks; the newer tunnel stretch is fast and easy. Once you're on the coast road north of Ubatuba, it's the same beautiful, curvy Costa Verde highway that runs all the way to Rio.

How long it really takes

Plan for 4.5 to 5.5 hours door to door, including a stop. The variable is the Serra do Mar: on a clear weekday the Tamoios flies; on a foggy morning or a holiday weekend the descent and the coast road both slow down. Summer weekends see heavy beach traffic around Ubatuba — leave early.

Tolls, fuel and practical bits

Expect tolls on the São Paulo highways and the Tamoios, plus a plaza or two on the Rio–Santos. An automatic tag (Sem Parar, ConectCar) makes life easier, but cash works. Fill the tank before the mountain descent and top up in Ubatuba if you're low — the prettiest stretch has fewer stations.

As on the Rio side, this is a winding coastal road with speed cameras. Keep to the limits, don't overtake on blind curves, and avoid the mountain sections at night or in fog.

Where to stop along the way

• Ubatuba — a surf-and-beach town with dozens of beaches; a natural lunch or swim stop.
• Praia do Félix or Praia do Prumirim — quick detours off the BR-101 near Ubatuba if you want sand mid-drive.
• Trindade — just south of Paraty; some travellers stop here on the way in for the famous natural pool.

Arriving from the south, you'll reach Paraty from the Ubatuba side. Head for the hill above the bay — Cantinho do Marinheiro — drop the car, and walk down into the old town when you're ready.