Brazil (São Paulo State)
Boiçucanga and Maresias
From Guarujá’s Rodoviária there are buses east as far as Ubatuba, stopping off at points along the way. For much of the first 90km the road passes inland, but approaching BOIÇUCANGA it again skirts the coastline, and the landscape grows increasingly mountainous as the forested Serra do Mar sweeps down towards the sea. 
Boiçucanga is a quiet resort, much more attractive than Guarujá, consisting of a few simple hotels, a campsite and a couple of restaurants. The rooms at the Pousada da Barra (tel 012/465-1391; $35–50) are highly recommended, but cheaper alternatives are available, including the Casarão (tel 012/465-1690; $20–35) and the Dani (tel 012/465-1299; $20–35). Le Bistrot produces some surprisingly good French dishes. 

There’s a tourist office at Rua Hilário de Mattos (daily 8am–7pm). The beaches, especially those in the direction of the neighbouring resort of MARESIAS, are small and extremely pretty, all within walking distance or a short drive or bus ride away. 

There are several places to stay over in Maresias itself, all expensive: the comfortable Pousada Refúgio de Maresias (tel 012/465-1280; $50–$90) is fairly typical. Alternatively, try the youth hostel (tel 012/465-1561; $8 per person). Some 10km further on from Maresias is the much quieter and more attractive Praia Toque-Toque Pequeno. There’s a single shop here (doubling up as a bar and restaurant), and a campsite located right next to the beach.